The Best Cars for Dog-Lovers

Image via Complex Original

This car was built with pets in mind. Options include a pet ramp for easy loading and unloading, seatbelt-like pet harnesses, and a leash tether.

“More than 29 million Americans have traveled with their pets within the past three years,” says Bob Zeinstra, national product marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., “and more than half of all dog owners consider their pet’s comfort when buying a car. Our goal is to inform these on-the-go pet owners that Venza is a great choice when it comes to creature comfort and pet travel safety options.”

There was a press release with the title "Toyota Venza 'Top Dog' When it Comes to Pet Comfort, Travel and Fun" for crying out loud. 

No dog-friendly list would be complete without a nod to the ultimate hippie ride, the Subaru Forester. It's rugged cargo area in the back can be turned into a pet-friendly container with the addition of a pet barrier, like the one shown here. Need more proof that these are dog cars? They made about 10 hilarious commercials all about them. 

In the cabin, tracks with sliding hooks line the floor and ceiling. You can buy a dog seatbelt and clamp it to one of the hooks to ensure that your furry friend is both comfortable and safe. You can cram all his toys into the easy-to-clean hidden cargo area, as well.

The Wrangler is the only ride that allows you dog to actually put his entire body out into the wind (we're not counting convertibles on this list) without you having to worry about him jumping out at a stop light: you can tie his leash to the roll bar. Just don't tie it around the neck, use the entire body. 

This funky looking ride has a waterproof interior, meaning you can pretty much just take a hose to the inside and completely rinse it off if Fido gets a little messy. The FJ has enough clearance to get into some messy situations, too, if that's what your dogs into. 

You can kit this car out with an optional cargo divider designed to safely stow canine and cargo in the trunk without fear of damage to either. It also keeps him from chewing up your sneaker collection, which is always good.

Look at that photo. It's almost like this car is specifically made to be a dog-carrier. Well ... actually there are certain designs in the new Outbacks that are catered to the canines, like the air vents in the rear seat. There's a reason that the stock photos on Subaru's website has dogs. 

The Journey has nearly 67 feet of cargo space behind the drivers seat, and a built in cooler in the second row can keep your pooch's snacks cool on a hot day. Your dog is the perfect companion for a long haul. 

Jeeps were originally designed for use by the United States military, but they're used more for carting kids and coolers to soccer games these days. Because of that, Jeeps have a line of products that you can add to your ride to make your pets travel as comfortable as possible without compromising a lick of the brands off-road performance. Some of the items include multiple types of liners, ramps, steps, harnesses, and kennels. 

Okay, so Honda discontinued the Element, but if you're going in on going out with your dog, there is still no better option out there than the Element. An optional pet package included a doggie ramp, built in bowls in the back, and a cooling fan in the trunk to keep your four-legged passenger cool.