Best Used Cars for Dog Owners in the UK: Top 17 Picks

Finding the right car takes lots of time because, as an owner, it's necessary to evaluate many factors. For example, how attractive the design is and how comfortable the model is. It's also essential to decide what form of transmission is preferable, whether there is plenty of room for luggage and whether the car is suitable for the family. And by family, we mean not just people but also our four-legged friends. If you do your research, finding a dog-friendly used car is a genuine quest.

However, the Carplus team has already done a lot of work and is ready to share with you the top 17 options for dog owners.

After the customer decides on a specific model suitable for the family and pets, we'll help them get a loan. This will allow them to get the perfect car with monthly payments that will not break the bank.

Ford Focus Estate

In recent years, the estate sector has lost ground to the SUV trend, but the Ford Focus is still the market darling in the UK. The Ford Focus Estate has enough space and air circulation to keep your dog comfortable while providing a great driving experience. It has plenty of power and offers an engaging ride for you and your pet.

The Ford Focus Estate also has ample legroom, so you can stretch out comfortably while your pet rests on your lap. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your pup while driving and ensure they are safe and comfortable when they nap during long drives.

Speaking of spaciousness, the boot capacity is 476 litres (and 1516 litres with the second row of seats folded down). It's a great used car for a family with dogs — there is enough room for everyone!

Ford C-Max Zetec

This is another dog-friendly car with a reasonably large load bay. The creators have gone not only for practicality but also for comfort. This is evidenced by the fact that this car is not inferior in size to many 7-seater minivans; the C-Max is designed for five people. By skipping the third row of seats, Ford made it possible to provide more than comfortable accommodation for rear-seat passengers and a pet. For example, the usual capacity ranges from 460 to 693 litres (depending on equipment), and lowering the seats expands the space to 1723 litres.

Ford C-Max Zetec is suitable for dog owners because it provides them with all the necessary features for their pet's comfort and safety. The car has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to two dogs, with plenty of space for their food, water bowls, and beds.

Skoda Fabia Estate Greenline

You'll find the Skoda Fabia among the best-used cars for dog owners. And it's not just about the spacious interior and boot space (505/1485 litres with unfolded/folded seats). The car brand considers the safety of all passengers (including canine ones) a key feature, so they produce many accessories for dogs' security. The rear seats fold down to give more room, while the front seats can be folded down to create a cargo area ideal for transporting your pet's bed or other belongings.

For example, special belts will allow you to fasten and fix any dog, from a retriever to a Yorkshire Terrier. They also offer covers on most models that protect the upholstery from muddy paws and scratches.

Dacia Duster Ambiance

Dacia is a dog-friendly brand because some models (like the Duster Ambiance) are ideal for comfortable animal travel. Its boot size is 443/1604 litres with unfolded/folded seats. The car also has a special pet pack. It has a unique design to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe.

The car features a unique design with plenty of space for your pet and easy access to the backseat. The car's interior also features an air-conditioner, so you can keep your furry friend cool in summer and warm in winter.

It includes a trunk liner and a dividing grid. The liner protects the car's interior from dirty paws, and the grille allows you to create a special separate area for a pet in the bootload space, making it easy to store your pet's toys and other belongings when travelling with them.

Dacia Duster Ambiance is the perfect choice for dog owners who want to travel with their pets by providing them with comfort and safety on the road.

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is another member of the best car for dog's club. It is an excellent vehicle for dog owners because it is durable and offers plenty of cargo space. Roominess is exceptional: 950/2091 litres! It also has an excellent suspension system that prevents your pet from feeling any bumps on the road.

After purchasing this vehicle, it's worth considering ordering the Nissan Dog Pack, which includes everything from an entry/exit ramp to an all-terrain doghouse and cargo organiser.

The release of these accessories is linked to Vet Record research showing that the low-load lips allow dogs to jump off without damaging their joints. Such a responsible approach to the convenience of the car owner and the safety of their furry friends is an excellent reason to choose Nissan.

MINI Clubman

The MINI Clubman is one of the best cars for dog owners because it has an ample interior and enough legroom to accommodate your pup. It also has a cargo space that can easily fit your pet's crate. MINI Clubman's low centre of gravity and light weight make it easy for dogs to get in and out of the back seat without any problems. With its large doors, you can quickly get your dog in and out without opening the door too wide.

The brand also has a large selection of dog guards that fit most models. You can also find pads on the bottom of the boot loadspace, which means you don't have to worry about your dogs leaving marks on the upholstery.

In addition, this car can be categorised as one of the best options because it provides a smooth ride. If your pet suffers from motion sickness, you'll reduce the risks of this problem occurring. However, the car is suitable for small/medium-sized dogs — the capacity is 360/1250 litres.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

While the Land Rover Discovery Sport is considered the best family car, the News UK Motoring Awards 2018 recognised it as ideal for dog owners. It has an excellent safety rating, low fuel consumption and can accommodate many dogs. The Discovery Sport also offers the best in-car protection for your pet with its three-point harnesses and airbags, which are designed to protect your furry friend.

It has an open-air design, making it easy for your dog to take in all the sights and fresh air. Its spacious interior allows your dog to comfortably fit in without getting too hot or cold while driving around town or on long drives.

The boot holds 258 litres in its normal state, but this parameter rises to 1,137 later with the seats folded. This allows you to accommodate even the largest dogs comfortably. And the excellent suspension guarantees a soft ride and no shaking.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda was ready to compete for the title of the most dog-friendly brand, so they released the CX-5. This compact crossover SUV offers plenty of space for the driver and their four-legged companion. The trunk capacity is 442/1560 litres. It is easier to transport dogs from one place to another, which can be especially helpful if you want to take your dog on vacation or go on long road trips.

It also has some safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

However, drivers should be aware that the installation of branded protective components will cost approximately £180 on top of the price of the vehicle itself. In addition to pads and mats, it's worth remembering the need to install a ramp, which will create a low-loading lip for the dog's joints.

You may also be interested to read - Crossover vs SUV

Nissan X-Trail

The concept of the brand "4 Dogs" allows you to enjoy a wholly transformed cargo compartment with many animal features.

The Nissan X-Trail is a small SUV popular for its manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency. It is an excellent choice for dog owners because it offers a large cargo area and plenty of space to fit your dog inside. The seats are also adjustable, making them comfortable for any dog size.

The book has a displacement of approximately 445 litres and can easily be transformed into a shelter for one or even two pets. The wool dryer and retractable frame ensure a low load on paws when jumping, and a dog cam can be included, which will significantly simplify caring for our furry friends during a trip.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was first launched in 2017 and went through a facelift at the end of 2020. The developers managed to increase the luggage compartment size from 341 to 406 litres, making the car quite convenient for dog owners. Now there's more than enough space for a pet.

The great thing about Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is that it has an innovative exterior design and advanced features tailored to dog owners' needs. The car has a great storage area for dogs, which is essential for those who travel with their pets frequently. It also has a unique infotainment system and high-quality speakers, so you can enjoy your favourite music while driving.

The rear compartment is equipped with a power tailgate lifting the rear door. The distance between the boot and the ground remains high, so purchasing an additional animal ramp is better.

Peugeot Rifter

Peugeot Rifter also appears in our list of the best cars most suitable for families with dogs. The brand is well aware of the rules of the road, so it has enough accessories that make driving with an animal in the back as safe as possible. It has a wide opening at the back of the vehicle, allowing owners to easily take their dogs for a walk without worrying about them getting out.

The Rifter combines the usual passenger transport features with a high payload capacity and ample rear space (571/2693 litres). One or even two dogs can be accommodated comfortably. And the presence of accessories (linings, belts, ramps) will make the trip pleasant and safe for all family members and not stressful.

Volkswagen Golf

A car like the Volkswagen Golf is highly suitable for dog owners due to the spaciousness of the back, where a special pet area can be placed. Among the additional accessories from the brand, you can find a convenient side-hinged hammock — robust plastic inserts are built into it, which prevents the walls from sagging.

On the other hand, car owners note in reviews that in normal mode, the boot is 380 litres (this is suitable for accommodating small to medium-sized dogs). If you need to accommodate a large dog or several pets, you should lower the rear seats, expanding the boot to 1,270 litres.

Additionally, the automobile control panel has a special button that turns off all the sensors an animal could accidentally press when left alone in the car. Thus, drivers can leave the vehicle for a few minutes without the fear that the pet could decide to take a trip on its own.

Skoda Kodiaq

This vehicle became very interesting for dog owners after the update to the pet-friendly version. It is noteworthy that this series was developed specifically for police patrols of canine departments. The car is equipped with many useful features for animal comfort and safety (two booths, temperature control, and emergency hatches with sliding windows).

Unfortunately, the pet-friendly version has remained the prerogative of the police in the United Kingdom. However, dog owners then turned their attention to the basic Skoda Kodiak. This seven-seater SUV has a lot of space for one large or two small-medium dogs (boot space: 635-1980 litres).

The big advantage of the car is the excellent soundproofing and reliable suspension, which makes the ride quiet and smooth. The growl of the motor will not frighten the dogs, and the risk of motion sickness is also reduced.

Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 is a family-friendly SUV with many features that make it the perfect vehicle for dog owners. First and foremost, pet owners are attracted to the quiet cabin, smooth ride and 50.9 feet of cargo space — every ride will be fun and enjoyable, with no fear for the animal's well-being.

In addition, do not forget about the amount of useful accessories for this model. They include carriers, protective grilles and a special lining to equip the rear compartment. The comfort of the pet zone is the main reason why the Volvo 60 so often finds itself in the rankings of dog-friendly automobiles. The Volvo V60 is also equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, so you can rest easy knowing your dog will be safe at all times.

The Volvo V60 is also one of the safest cars on the market. This car earned five stars in every category from Euro NCAP - making it ideal for dog owners too.

Citroën C4 Cactus

The Citroën C4 Cactus is a fairly affordable alternative to luxury cars — it looks cool, stylish and perfect for families with pets. In reviews, car owners indicate that the "Spartan" interior of the vehicle is quite easy to clean from muddy paws.

While it is not the most powerful or fastest car on the market, Citroën C4 Cactus is a car with excellent handling and performance. It is designed for dog owners who want to take their dogs with them on road trips. It has an air-conditioning system for your dogs to keep them cool during long drives. The seats are heated and come with an adjustable height and width, as well as two cup holders for your furry friends.

Also, the brand has large boot space (358/1170 litres) and does not lag behind others in terms of specialised accessories. You can additionally purchase a dog guard. It will allow you to watch your pet but not let it try to get into the front compartment and interfere with the driver.

Skoda Superb Estate

The Skoda Superb Estate is perfect for dog owners who want to take their pets with them wherever they go without having to worry about the size of the car or how it will handle on the road.

Families with pets pay attention to the spaciousness, both with the rear seats up (660 litres) and with the rear seats down (1,950 litres). Also, the large opening in the boot can be considered a good argument — it is convenient for the pet to climb inside and climb out of there after the trip, and you can carry your pet's favourite toys or food without any problem.

In the boot, you can find a couple of side compartments for storing small items such as bowls, collars and straps for dogs. A smooth ride is also guaranteed by the softness of the suspension. Dogs will feel comfortable even while riding off-road.

Kia Ceed Sportswagon

This ranking of the best automobiles for dog owners is closed by the Kia Sid Sportwagon. The Kia Ceed Sportswagon is not just an ordinary family car. It's a vehicle that has been designed with the needs of dog owners in mind, making it an ideal choice for those who want to travel with their furry friends.

The first thing to note is that it has a spacious interior and cargo space, which makes it perfect for bringing your pet along with you on all of your adventures. It also comes with some features like the panoramic sunroof and the leather-wrapped steering wheel that are sure to be enjoyed by dogs as well as their owners.

And although the model is based on a supermini, the vehicle has a large boot volume of 625/1694 litres (seats up/seats down, respectively).

As in the previous option, there are a fairly high number of shelves available to place the things you will need when travelling with a dog. The powerful petrol/diesel engines are quite quiet, which will increase the comfort of the trip even more.

You may also be interested to read - Hatchback vs Saloon

Conclusion

The choice of great cars for pet-loving families is quite wide — in the article, readers saw 17 suitable options. However, the selected option will also depend on the budget available.

To purchase a dream vehicle that will satisfy the needs of all family members, it's better to turn to Carplus. A team of specialists will review your application and approve your car loan fast! If we take the average price of the vehicles on this list, then when applying for a 2-year loan, the customer will end up paying anything from 100 to 400 pounds per month.