Dog-friendly cars are easy to find with this South African buying guide. South African dog owners need to make sure they purchase the right vehicle for their four-legged friend.
Dogs are not just pets, they are family members. While babies need car seats, ride-along dogs also have certain criteria that need to be met so they can be safe on the road.
When it comes to family, car safety comes first. If you want to know how to travel safely with a dog in the car, let us take a look at this car-buying guide for dog owners.
Why Buying a Dog-Friendly Car Matters for South African Owners
It could be said that any car is fit for a dog. They can just get in, right? Wrong. Not all cars are good for dogs.
Pet-friendly features do more than make your dog comfortable. Having a dog-friendly vehicle keeps you both safer on the road and saves you time and effort in the long run.
Top Reasons to Buy a Car with Your Dog in Mind
Enhance Dog Safety on the Road
Somehow, people forget that the risk of a car accident does not disappear when you have your four-legged passenger sitting next to you. Dogs need to be clipped in as much as you need your seatbelt.
Not to mention, this is a safeguard that prevents your dog from jumping out the window or distracting you on the road.
Safer Driving for You and Your Dog
If you have a large dog, chances are driving with them in a coupe will not just be uncomfortable, but also dangerous.
Likewise, a small dog in a very big car risks falling over as you drive. To make sure you can focus on the road, you need to buy a car with your dog in mind.
Streamline Interior Car Maintenance
Intentionally searching for dog-friendly cars in South Africa makes cleaning your vehicle easier in the long run. Even dogs that do not shed a lot… still shed.
Whether you have a border collie with a luxurious coat or a short-haired dachshund that loves to be in the passenger seat, dog hair is the name of the game.
Looking for more car-buying tips?
Safe Dog Travel Starts with Smart Car Habits
While your vehicle can support your dog’s safety, the safest car is not bought, but created.
As this guide outlines what dog owners should look for in a new car, it is important to remember that dog travel safety starts with you.
Safety Rules for Transporting Dogs in South Africa
- Have a non-slip surface for your dog
- Clip your dog in
- Get calming tablets from your vet for hyperreactive dogs
- Provide your dog with water and food at regular intervals when not at home
Key Features of a Dog-Friendly Car
If your dog loves car rides, buying a vehicle that facilitates pet safety is important. So if you are a dog owner looking for a new car, here is how to find out if a vehicle is fit for your pooch.
You can browse available stock at Raceview Motors to compare options that suit both you and your pet.
Dog-Friendly Car Upholstery for Easy Interior Cleaning
Cars with easy-to-clean seats will save you time and money when it comes to keeping your car clean. If you happen to find the perfect car with seats that hold onto your dog’s hair, be sure to buy easy-to-clean car seats as soon as you make your purchase.
And do not forget, it is not just about dog hair. With South Africa’s rich rainy season, there are bound to be muddy paws jumping into your car at some point. So make sure you look for pet-friendly upholstery.
Just remember, easy-to-clean vehicle interiors are often slippery for dogs. This puts your pet in danger on the road.
Here to Reduce Slip Risk for your Dog:
- Tuck a towel securely into the seat for a quick and easy non-slip surface
- Buy a dog hammock for your back seat
- Buy a pet car seat
- Clip your dog in with a harness
Air Conditioning and Rear Vents for Dog Safety in South African Heat
While we all know we cannot leave dogs in a hot car (ever), keeping them cool on the road is still important. Dog owners should not have to worry about how to keep their dog cool in the car during summer.
South Africa can reach over 40 degrees. That is why air conditioning and rear vents are non-negotiable. Without it, your passenger pet could be in serious danger. Dogs are prone to overheating and heat stress.
So, thinking about a vehicle’s cooling capabilities is key for dog safety in cars. Look at this SPCA article to learn the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs.
Vehicle Height and Dog Safety
Low Cars for Large Older Dogs
If your dog is reaching their golden years, dog owners should consider buying a car lower ground clearance, so their dog does not strain getting into or out of the vehicle.
However, since many large dog breeds are vulnerable to hip weakness and complications as they age, investing in a loading ramp would be worthwhile.
Watching Your Small Dog and Big Car Clearance
Small dogs are known for their energy. If a small dog owner wants to buy a bakkie or high-up SUV, then particular attention should be given to how the small dog gets into and out of the car.
Jumping off high car seats puts small dogs at unnecessary risk, especially when their landing pad is a hard driveway.Find out how big jumps could hurt your dog. Discover the Hidden Risks of small dogs Jumping.
Remember, the safest car for dogs is created by you and your habits, and supported by your vehicle.
The Best Car Types for Dog Owners in South Africa
Sedans: The Best Car for Small Dog Owners
Sedans are the best dog-friendly car for small dog owners who enjoy taking their four-legged friend out on the town.
While they have a spacious boot for groceries and shopping, the back and front seats provide ample room for small to medium-sized dogs.
Not to mention, sedans are not too high off the ground, making the onboarding and offboarding process safer for your pooch. Find a fit for your lifestyle, and your pup.
SUVs: The Best Car for Large Dog Owners
With plenty of space in the boot and an overall spacious interior, SUVs provide large dog owners with the room they need to accommodate their pet.
As the best dog-friendly car for large dogs, SUVs make it easy to travel with your dog. Not to mention, your large dog will not find it difficult to hop into or out of the back seat of an SUV. This provides good vehicle clearance without being too high off the ground.
If you are considering used car finance to help fund your next SUV, the Raceview Motors team can walk you through your options.
Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make when Buying a Car
Here are the 3 most common mistakes that dog owners in South Africa make when buying a car:
- Prioritising vehicle style over practicality
- Forgetting to check for backseat ventilation
- Not weighing up dog versus car size
Before committing to a purchase, it is worth doing a used car history check to make sure the vehicle you are buying has a clean record.
It is also a good idea to have your financial documents prepared in advance so the buying process is as smooth as possible.
What Every Dog Owner Should Consider Before Buying a Car
Safety, practicality and comfort for you and your dog need to be considered. Buying a car is a financial investment as much as it is a familial investment.
Travelling with dogs in the car in South Africa means you need to consider dog car safety. At Raceview Motors, we know that dogs are part of the family, and we want to make sure that you purchase a vehicle ready for you and your four-pawed friend.
Truly pet-friendly cars in South Africa are created through responsible habits; they are not just bought. Yet, choosing a vehicle with the right features plays a key role in dog travel safety and comfort on our South African roads.
Ready to upgrade to a dog-friendly car? The RVM team will help you compare options based on your dog’s size, your lifestyle, and your budget.
