Three quarters of UK dog owners make a car journey with their beloved pet at least once a week, new research has shown as the top five cars to house dogs have been revealed.
Car rental site Leasing.com compiled a list of its top five most popular cars among dog owners, based on boot sizing, practicality and cost effectiveness.
The company analysed data from more than 100,000 consumers to compile its findings.
Dog lovers need to choose a car which can suitably restrain and protect one or more of their pets, as owners can be fined £5,000 if they break rules over transporting their animals in vehicles.
Drivers must ensure their pets are restrained by a harness, pet carrier, cage or dog guard when travelling alongside them – both to avoid driver distraction and injuries to the dog or passengers in the event of an accident.
It’s vital to choose the right model of car for man’s best friend to keep pooches such as George and Ringo (pictured) happy and safe
It is estimated more than eight million of the UK’s 13 million dog owners travel with their pet in the car at least once every week – but only half of UK dog owners surveyed knew about the rule, which is stipulated in the Highway Code.
Purchasing or leasing a car with adequate space for the family and dogs with proper restraints is not straightforward – but this handy list may help owners looking for their next vehicle.
1. Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is a seven-seater with a 270-litre boot if all seats are in use
Car giant Skoda is an official sponsor of Crufts this year and has numerous models with plenty of space to keep pooches safe while travelling.
The Kodiaq is a seven-seater with a 270-litre boot if all seats are in use. With the back seats down, this triples to 835 litres of boot space.
Brand new, the Kodiaq sells for prices from £32,235.
2. Tesla Model Y Hatchback
Tesla Model Y vehicles are pictured at a Tesla factory in Gruenhide, Germany
This Tesla model has a massive 854 litres of boot space, providing ample room for one or more dogs while also seating up to five passengers.
As an electric car, the model is also better for the environment and much quieter than tradition petrol or diesel engines.
Prices start from just under £45,000.
3. Land Rover Discovery
Even the largest of dogs can ride in comfort in the Land Rover Discovery, with a boot capacity of more than 1,000 litres
This Land Rover is made for exploring the outdoors with man’s best friend.
Although it has just 258 litres of space in the boot normally, once the rear seats have been folded down this rises to 1,137 litres, meaning even the largest of dogs can ride in comfort.
It comes at a price, however, with new Discoveries priced from £57,225.
4. Honda Jazz
Pictured: The Honda Jazz 2020 model – the 2023 model is due to go on sale soon
The 2023 Honda Jazz hybrid vehicle is to go on sale soon, its website shows.
Previous models have had ample boot space for the compact car, and it is expected to be cheaper than most models listed here too.
New Honda cars of similar size are on sale for under £34,000.
5. Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai is a surprisingly spacious vehicle and is by far the cheapest out of the top five
The Nissan Qashqai is a model which many perks – one of them being its affordability.
An SUV with a roomy inside and boot size from 455 litres, which triples if the back seats are down, it’s perfect for a family adventure.
Prices for new vehicles start from £26,405.
Dave Timmis, Founder and CEO of ca rental company Leasing.com which compiled the list, said choosing the right vehicle for a beloved pet can be a daunting task.
He said: ‘Between 2021 and 2022 three quarters of the 13 million dog owners in the UK drive with their pets at least once a week, so it becomes an important factor when choosing a car.
‘It’s why manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover and Skoda have become quite imaginative and created dedicated ‘Pet Packages’ to meet their customers’ needs, and these are proving increasingly popular.’
