2013 may be a year when I trade in my much loved dog car (a 2005 Ford Escape) for something that is good 2 humans and 3 dogs. Today I read an article about the 10 best vehicles for pet owners and I have to wonder – is the author (Jason Notte, The Street ) a dog owner? Then I realized that it doesn’t really matter. Dog owners come in many shapes and sizes and so I’m going to give each type of vehicle serious consideration for our family…
photo: dmott9
10. 2012 Toyota Prius 5-Door HB Three, MRSP: $26,325 , Passenger space:93.7 cubic feet
9. 2012 Toyota Camry Sedan I4 SE Automatic, MRSP: $23,980, Passenger space:102 cubic feet
8. 2012 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Limited Automatic, MRSP: $21,370, Passenger space:95.6 cubic feet
7. 2012 Honda Civic Sedan Auto LX, MRSP: $19,595, Passenger space:94.6 cubic feet
6. 2012 Subaru Outback H4 Automatic 2.5i, MRSP: $25,070, Passenger space:105 cubic feet plus 34.3 cubic feet of rear cargo
5. 2012 Ford Escape XLS Four-Wheel Drive, MRSP: $22,265, Passenger space:99.5 cubic feet plus 34.3 cubic feet of rear cargo
4. 2012 Toyota RAV4 Four-Wheel Drive I4, MRSP: $23,460, Passenger space:132 cubic feet plus 12.3 cubic feet of rear cargo
3. 2012 Toyota Corolla S Sedan Automatic, MRSP: $19,580, Passenger space:92.1
2. 2012 Honda CR-V EX, MRSP: $25,425, Passenger space:101 cubic feet plus 37.2 cubic feet of rear cargo
1. 2012 Ford F-150 Two-Wheel Drive Supercab XLT, MRSP: $31,800, Cargo space: 65.3 cubic feet
VEHICLES FOR DOG OWNERS – SEDANS
MY THOUGHTS
If I were to walk onto a car lot today, I wouldn’t bother looking at a sedan, because my initial thought is that these won’t work for our three dog, but I want to be open minded.
- Having a vehicle lower to the ground makes it easier for our dogs to jump in, especially as they get older.
- Having trunk space means that the dogs don’t have to compete with luggage when we pack for our vacation. In our Escape, the dogs get the back seat and our luggage, the golf clubs, and the dogs’ gear is packed into the cargo area like a puzzle. We (more like me) tend to over pack for our trips.
SUBARU IS A TEMPTING OPTION
Subaru is starting to shape itself into the vehicle for dog owners in my mind. Partly due to the commercials and partly because whenever I see one on the road locally, there’s a dog (or two) inside and a Wag More or Who Rescued Who (shouldn’t it be “whom?”) sticker on the back.
Subaru commercials also show these vehicles on road trips and camping trips. The marketing has done a fantastic job of creating a niche for this vehicle. To me, it’s a car for people respectful of the environment (hey, we use biodegradable dog poop bags), people who love animals (we have 5, we travel with three), and people who love the outdoors (again, we have three dogs).
photo: Jyle Dupuis
VEHICLES FOR DOG OWNERS – COMPACT SUVs
I currently drive a 2005 Ford Escape. It’s tempting to stay with that vehicle, but only if the following changes have been made…
- I would love for the rear windows to roll all the way down
- I would love to be able to adjust the rear passenger seat forward (and back) like with the Chevy Equinox
- I would love a tad bit more room in the cargo area
- Sounds like I’d love an Explorer, right?
CROSS OVER VEHICLES ARE A GREAT ALTERNATIVE
In June 2011 I was given the opportunity to review / drive the Chevy Equinox and what I loved most about this car (besides the heated seats, On Star, and iPod hook up) was the ability to adjust the seats forward. It made the the rear seat perfect for our dogs. Plus the vehicle is high enough to satisfy a person who is used to driving an SUV, but low enough for the dogs to jump right in with ease.
The one thing that I didn’t like about the Chevy Equinox was that I couldn’t figure out how to lay the rear cargo area flat. There was plenty of room back there – although it seemed tight – but I needed a lesson on laying the seats flat.
photo: MCS@flickr
VEHICLES FOR DOG OWNERS – TRUCKS
This is the option that my boyfriend can get around. He’s had a series of big, hard to climb into, Ford Trucks and now drives a big Dodge. Our dogs can’t jump into these vehicles without a lot of practice. He has one with a rear cab that has plenty of room for our dogs to relax and sleep on road trips. The front passenger seat is comfortable. But there isn’t any storage room for luggage unless we get a canopy. Plus, the vehicle is so big that it’s a pain to park in some areas.
If a dog owner is limited in the number of vehicles he/she can bring home and lives in a rural area where a truck can be of use, then one with a rear cab and a canopy (or even the cover that extends over the back) would be perfection.
MY VEHICLE WISH LIST
So when it comes down to the perfect vehicle for my family, this is what I want:
- A car with enough room for two humans, 3 dogs, luggage, dog beds, golf clubs, a camera bag, a notebook, and various dog toys and supplies.
- A car that is high enough for me to feel superior to other drivers on the road, but low enough for our dogs to jump in and out of easily.
- Windows that roll down all the way so that the dogs can hang their heads out to smell the air. An moon roof so that we can get fresh air without rolling down the windows if we choose. And lightly tinted windows to offer some protection against the sun while still allowing me to check on the dogs when I run into the store (not on hot days!).
- Fabric seats, because our dogs have sharp nails, no matter how often I trim them down. Plus we’ll be using Bergan Car Seat Covers
(which are amazing – and affordable) so there’s no need to spend the extra money on leather interior.
- An iPod hook up, because I want to listen to my favorite podcasts and tunes when we’re on our road trips.
- The ability to move the rear passenger seats forward, creating a flat surface for the dogs to chill and more room in the cargo area.
- Easy adjustment of the seats; I want to lie them flat so that the dogs can spread out in the back or we can load it up after a Costco run.
- Automatic start so that I don’t have to leave our house on cold winter days. Seat warmers for those same days. And the ability to rock in the snow.
- The car definitely needs to keep us safe. I love the idea of side airbags, but worry about the damage they can do to our dogs in an accident. Would they be more harm than good?
- And a groovy color, like green, with big paw prints all over.
What’s on your Dream Car Wish List?
September 4, 2012 at 3:05 pm
I love this post! I think the only thing that I would have to add is a waterproof fabric for slobber and maybe an automatic dog ramp-that is attached under the SUV:)
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Jen recently published..Come On Over And Take The Pets Add Life Pledge With Me.
September 4, 2012 at 3:38 pm
I have the perfect item for you!!! Have you heard of the Bergan car seat protectors? We have a regular one and a hammock one. We got two, because we can switch them out – wash one while using one. We’re considering getting the front seat barrier too (Blue and Sydney always try to crawl onto our laps).
You can find the protectors on the Directory Page: http://www.keepthetailwagging.com/keep-the-tail-wagging-directory-our-favorite-pet-products-services/
I think I missed one other thing too. I need a bigger car. Three dogs in our car is fine for us, but we have the “he’s touching me” problem sometimes. Who knew dogs could be so picky about space?
Twitter: thefurmom
September 4, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Thanks Kristine! I actually have a car seat cover, a really good one too, I just haven’t put it in yet! LOL-that’s why I need a new car that comes standard with it:) I have a Chevy Suburban, which is perfect for the Newfs to lay in and not touch either, however they both want to sit by the same window!
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Jen recently published..Come On Over And Take The Pets Add Life Pledge With Me.
September 4, 2012 at 7:33 pm
What a great idea for a post! I drive a VW sedan, which has been a real hassle when we’ve had four dogs. My dream car is a Jeep, but I’d prefer something that gets better gas mileage. Subarus are awesome, and they are actively going after the dog people market.
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Crystal Wayward recently published..How To Make Sweet Potato Chews (Guest Recipe)
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September 5, 2012 at 8:39 am
I desperately need a new dog car. I drive a ’98 Ford Explorer. It’s so beat up and full of sand! (Since I work from home, it’s main purpose is driving the dog to the beach 3 or 4 times a week!)
I like those Escapes. I’d like something a little smaller with better gas mileage than the Explorer. I do love those Subaru commercials! (But I had a bad experience with a Subaru long ago and swore I wouldn’t go back…)
My dream dog car would have some sort of sand-containment system!
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September 5, 2012 at 9:18 am
My boyfriend isn’t a fan of the Subaru’s either, but I would love to test drive one just to see how it drives and get a feel for whether it works for me and the dogs. My Ford Escape is heaven and almost paid off. I envy your trips to the beach and would love to trade you for some Pacific Northwest mud during the cold months. LOL
I just vaccuumed out my car last night – lots of sand (our soil is sandy in areas), pebbles, and grass. It took forever, because I do it 2x a year.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Twitter: thefurmom
September 5, 2012 at 6:50 pm
My husband has the truck with extended cab and snap-on bed cover, and I have the Honda CR-V crossover. Just one dog, but I literally bought the car with her in mind. It has a nice sized cargo area and lay-flat back seats (separate or together, to accommodate both teenager AND dog). We skipped the leather seat model (have our own GPS anyway) but still got the moonroof and iPod hookup. I like the safety rating of the Honda, and resale value (if it comes to that, but I truly plan on keeping it until it falls apart) and I love, love, love that my inquisitive pup has her own space and can stop trying to “help” me drive!
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Audra recently published..Siren’s first night.
Twitter: scarletvirago
September 5, 2012 at 7:09 pm
I used to want a CRV; they are so adorable yet useful. I love the new crossover vehicles – and it’s so important that the seats lay flat. I thought all cars did that but drove one for a short time that had a sort of slant to them and that didn’t work for the dogs.
Thanks for stopping by; I love that everyone has their own favorites!
Twitter: thefurmom
September 17, 2012 at 2:58 am
i don’t have a Dog yet but i am planning to get one
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thanks for the review and the suggestions : )
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September 17, 2012 at 6:25 am
My pleasure. I’m still going back and forth between a Ford Escape and a Subaru. The Escape is what I know, the Subaru is doing a kick a$$ marketing campaign that is tempting dog owners.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 1, 2013 at 12:14 am
Spot on wish list!!! Definitely check out; subaru, Honda element, new escape, VW wagons are awesome. All assuming your going for fuel economy as well
January 1, 2013 at 9:45 am
The new Ford Escape is so nice. I want one in dark orange. I’m interested in the Subarus too, because they look like they would fit multiple dogs comfortably.
Twitter: thefurmom
January 16, 2013 at 6:50 pm
I loved your list. I was thinking about that the other day for when I bring my forever furbabies home I already have the 2012 SE Focus and I love it. I plan on having smaller dogs no more than two so that should fit perfectly! I love the blog and I have followed you on twitter, facebook, and pinterest! I love dogs and I like reading pages from people that share my interest. We live in a doggy world and I love every minute of it!
January 16, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Fantastic! Best of luck with your furbabies and thanks so much for reading!!!!
Twitter: thefurmom