Finding the right used car is always a big decision. But when you share your life with a dog, there are a few extra things to think about. How easy is it for your dog to get in and out? Is there enough room for a crate, a dog bed, or a muddy set of paws? Are there accessories to keep the interior protected?
The Carplus team has done the research so you don't have to. Below, you will find twelve of the best used cars for dog owners in the UK today. Each one has been chosen for its boot space, loading ease, ride comfort and dog-friendly accessories. Whatever your budget, there is a great option here for you and your four-legged companion.
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1. Skoda Superb Estate
| Price for a used model starts from | £14,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | Estate |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | 660L boot fits two large crates side by side — the longest load floor in its class. Low boot lip, wide tailgate opening and Skoda's full official dog accessory range including liners, grilles and seat covers. |
The Skoda Superb Estate is the best used car for dog owners in the UK, and it earns that title with ease. The boot holds 660 litres with the seats up and 1,950 litres with them folded, giving even the largest breeds plenty of room to stretch out. The load area floor measures 1,145mm in length — long enough to fit two large dog crates side by side, which no rival in this price range can match.
The boot opening is wide and the loading lip is low, making it easy for dogs to hop in and out without straining their joints. Skoda produces a full range of official dog accessories for the Superb, including boot liners, separating grilles and protective seat covers, all designed to fit perfectly. A smooth, comfortable ride means even dogs prone to travel sickness will settle quickly.
For dog owners who want the most space, the best accessories and outstanding used value, the Skoda Superb Estate is simply the one to beat.
2. Tesla Model Y
| Price for a used model starts from | £22,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | SUV |
| Gearbox type | Automatic (Electric) |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Electric |
| Why it's good for dogs | Only used car with built-in Dog Mode — keeps the cabin cool when parked and reassures passers-by your dog is safe. 854L boot is the largest in its class. Flat floor with no central tunnel gives dogs maximum comfort in both rows. |
The Tesla Model Y is the most technologically advanced dog-friendly car on this list, and it has one feature no other used car can offer — Dog Mode. When you park and leave your dog inside, Dog Mode keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature and displays a message on the large touchscreen so that passers-by know your dog is safe. It is a genuinely useful feature that dog owners love.
Beyond Dog Mode, the Model Y has an 854-litre boot — the largest in its class — and a completely flat floor with no central tunnel to get in the way. This gives dogs of all sizes plenty of room to sit, lie down or move around comfortably. The electric drivetrain also means the car is whisper quiet, which helps anxious dogs stay calm on longer journeys.
Used prices for the Model Y have fallen considerably over the past two years, making this an excellent time to buy. For dog owners who want cutting-edge features alongside exceptional practicality, the Tesla Model Y is hard to overlook.
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
| Price for a used model starts from | £11,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | Estate |
| Gearbox type | Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | Self-levelling rear air suspension delivers one of the smoothest rides in its class, ideal for anxious dogs. 640L boot, reversible muddy-paw boot mat and power tailgate standard on most used examples. Wide opening makes loading large breeds straightforward. |
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is one of the most comfortable cars on this list for dogs and owners alike. The boot holds 640 litres with the seats up, and the self-levelling rear air suspension gives your dog one of the smoothest rides in its class — every bump in the road is absorbed quietly, which is ideal for dogs that find travelling stressful. A reversible boot mat for muddy paws is a common feature on used examples.
A power tailgate makes opening and closing the boot effortless, and the wide boot opening makes it easy for dogs of all sizes to get in and out. The load lip sits at a comfortable height and most used examples come with plenty of handy features already included as standard.
The E-Class Estate is a premium choice that does not have to cost a premium price on the used market. It is the right pick for dog owners who want luxury, space and a genuinely relaxing ride for their pet.
4. Skoda Octavia Estate
| Price for a used model starts from | £7,500 |
|---|---|
| Body type | Estate |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | 640L boot at a fraction of the E-Class price. Low load lip, flat boot floor and full Skoda dog accessory compatibility — liners, guards and seat covers all fit perfectly. Quiet, comfortable ride keeps dogs settled on any journey. |
The Skoda Octavia Estate is one of the best value choices on this entire list. It offers 640 litres of boot space — the same as the Mercedes E-Class Estate — but costs considerably less on the used market. The low load lip and wide tailgate opening make it easy for dogs to get in and out, and the flat boot floor is perfect for crates and dog beds.
Like the Superb, the Octavia benefits from Skoda's official dog accessory range, including tailored boot liners, protective seat covers and separating grilles. The comfortable ride and quiet cabin mean your dog will settle easily, whether you are heading to the local park or setting off on a longer adventure.
For dog owners who want a practical, spacious and well-equipped estate without spending a large amount of money, the Skoda Octavia Estate is one of the smartest used car purchases available.
5. Volvo V60
| Price for a used model starts from | £8,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | Estate |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid |
| Why it's good for dogs | One of the lowest boot sill heights in its class at just 627mm — the top pick for older dogs and those with hip or joint problems. Volvo's crash-tested steel dog guard is the best official safety accessory of any manufacturer on this list. 529L boot with a flat, easy-clean load floor. |
The Volvo V60 is the outstanding choice for owners of older dogs or dogs with joint problems. Its boot sill sits just 627mm from the ground — one of the lowest measurements in its class — which means dogs do not have to jump as high to get in and out. This makes a real difference for senior pets or any breed that struggles with larger leaps. The boot holds 529 litres with the seats up and expands significantly with them folded.
Volvo produces one of the best official dog accessory ranges of any manufacturer, including a crash-tested steel dog guard, a boot liner, protective seat covers and a cargo divider. The quiet cabin and Volvo's famously smooth ride make every journey calm and comfortable for dogs and owners alike. Five-star Euro NCAP safety scores provide extra peace of mind.
The V60 is also a genuinely attractive car to drive, combining everyday practicality with a premium feel that is well within reach on the used market.
6. Land Rover Discovery Sport
| Price for a used model starts from | £9,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | SUV |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | 981L of load space with seats folded — one of the largest on this list. Land Rover's official pet pack includes a loading ramp, waterproof liner and partition grille. Excellent suspension handles rough terrain smoothly, making countryside and off-road adventures comfortable for dogs. |
The Land Rover Discovery Sport was recognised as one of the best cars for dog owners by the News UK Motoring Awards, and it is easy to understand why. With seats folded, the boot opens up to 981 litres of load space, making it one of the roomiest options on this list for large breeds. The suspension handles rough terrain with ease, so adventures in the countryside are just as comfortable as motorway runs.
Land Rover's official pet pack is one of the most comprehensive available, including a waterproof boot liner, a partition grille and — importantly — a rubber loading ramp. The ramp solves the higher boot sill height that SUVs often present, making access easy for dogs of all sizes and ages. Land Rover also offers a dog guard and cargo organiser to keep everything tidy inside.
The Discovery Sport is the ideal choice for active dog owners who spend time off-road or in the countryside. Go for a diesel for the best reliability and running costs on used examples.
7. Ford Kuga
| Price for a used model starts from | £6,500 |
|---|---|
| Body type | SUV |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel, PHEV |
| Why it's good for dogs | Wide, low load area makes entry and exit easy for medium breeds. Optional Ford dog guard keeps pets safely separated while driving. Comfortable, stable ride and one of the most affordable SUV options on this list with a well-stocked used market. |
The Ford Kuga is a versatile and popular choice for dog owners who want a practical SUV without spending too much. The wide, low load area makes it easy for medium-sized dogs to get in and out, and an optional Ford dog guard accessory keeps pets safely in the boot while you drive. The spacious interior is comfortable for both dogs and passengers on longer journeys.
The Kuga is multi-functional — equally at home on the school run, a countryside walk or a longer family trip. Its reliable build quality and wide availability in the used market mean there are plenty of well-maintained examples to choose from. The Mk3 PHEV version is particularly good value, offering low running costs alongside all the space and practicality dog owners need.
For dog owners looking for an affordable, reliable and well-equipped used SUV, the Ford Kuga is a consistently strong recommendation.
8. Citroen Berlingo
| Price for a used model starts from | £5,500 |
|---|---|
| Body type | MPV |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 or 7 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | One of the lowest boot sills on this list at around 560mm — outstanding for large breeds and older dogs. 775L boot with a completely flat load floor, ideal for crates. Twin sliding doors make loading from any angle easy. Citroen's official Pet Pack includes a liner and partition grille at excellent value. |
The Citroen Berlingo is the most underrated car on this list for dog owners. Its van-derived, upright design delivers one of the lowest boot sill heights available — around 560mm from the ground — making it effortless for dogs of all ages and sizes to climb in and out. The boot holds 775 litres with the seats up, and the completely flat load floor is ideal for crates, dog beds and all the equipment that comes with a dog-filled life.
Twin sliding side doors and a wide rear tailgate make loading from any angle easy and practical. The XL version offers seven seats, so the kids, the dog and all their belongings can travel together without any compromise. Citroen also offers an official Pet Pack that includes a boot liner and a partition grille at a very reasonable price.
Running costs are low, the used market is well-stocked and prices are very accessible. For dog owners who want maximum practicality at minimum cost, the Berlingo is an outstanding choice that far too many people overlook.
9. Peugeot Rifter
| Price for a used model starts from | £9,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | MPV |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel |
| Why it's good for dogs | 571L boot expanding to 2,693L with seats folded — enormous space for any breed or multiple dogs. Low loading lip and wide rear opening make access very easy. Sliding side doors are ideal for loading from tight car parks. Full range of Peugeot safety accessories available including liners, covers and grilles. |
The Peugeot Rifter shares its platform with the Citroen Berlingo and brings the same outstanding dog-friendly credentials with a slightly more refined interior. The boot holds 571 litres with the seats up and expands to an enormous 2,693 litres when folded, giving even the largest dogs and all their equipment plenty of room. The low loading lip and wide rear opening make loading simple every time.
The Rifter is well equipped with safety features for both the driver and any pets travelling in the back, and Peugeot offers a range of accessories including liners, protective covers and safety grilles. Sliding doors on both sides make access from the pavement or a tight car park straightforward, which dog owners will appreciate on a daily basis.
The Rifter combines practicality, comfort and a solid range of accessories in a package that works well for families with one or two dogs. It is a thoughtful and well-rounded used buy.
10. Volvo XC90
| Price for a used model starts from | £13,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | SUV |
| Gearbox type | Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 7 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid |
| Why it's good for dogs | 721L boot with the finest manufacturer dog accessory pack available — crash-tested steel guard, quilted liner, cargo divider and seat protector all included. Volvo's smooth, quiet ride keeps anxious dogs calm. Seven seats mean the whole family and the dog travel together with no compromises. |
The Volvo XC90 is the premium option for dog owners on this list, and it delivers on every level. The boot holds 721 litres with the third row folded, and Volvo's official pet accessories are among the best in the industry — a crash-tested steel dog guard, quilted boot liner, cargo divider and seat protector are all available and designed to fit perfectly. For dog owners who want the very best in protection and comfort for their pet, this is the pick.
The XC90's quiet cabin and Volvo's smooth, composed ride make long journeys comfortable for anxious or elderly dogs. Seven seats mean the whole family can travel together, and the wide tailgate and flat load floor make loading straightforward. It is worth pairing the XC90 with a loading ramp for larger or older dogs, given the SUV boot height.
The XC90 is the ideal car for families who want a premium, spacious SUV with the finest dog accessories available. Used prices have become more accessible in recent years, making it better value than ever.
11. Dacia Jogger
| Price for a used model starts from | £7,000 |
|---|---|
| Body type | MPV |
| Gearbox type | Manual |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 or 7 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Why it's good for dogs | Remove the third row entirely and you get a vast, flat load area big enough for giant breed crates — the best budget option for large dog owners. Low boot sill around 580mm and a wide square boot opening make loading easy. Dacia's optional Pet Pack with liner and grille is exceptional value. |
The Dacia Jogger is the best budget option on this list for dog owners with large breeds. Remove the optional third row of seats entirely and you are left with a vast, completely flat load area that can accommodate even the biggest dog crates with room to spare. The boot sill sits at a comfortable height and the wide square boot opening makes loading straightforward. Dacia's optional Pet Pack — including a boot liner and partition grille — is excellent value and fits the Jogger perfectly.
The Jogger's upright, practical design prioritises space above everything else, which makes it one of the most dog-friendly shapes available at its price point. Running costs are low, the five-seat layout is comfortable for the whole family and the spacious interior means dogs can travel without feeling cramped on longer journeys.
For dog-owning families who need a genuinely practical, affordable and spacious used car, the Dacia Jogger is one of the best-kept secrets in the UK used market today.
12. Ford Puma
| Price for a used model starts from | £4,500 |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Gearbox type | Manual, Automatic |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seats | 5 |
| Fuel type | Petrol, Mild Hybrid |
| Why it's good for dogs | Unique MegaBox under-floor storage has a built-in drain plug — rinse out muddy paws mess with water after every walk. No other car at this price offers anything like it. Low load lip, wide boot opening and a stable ride suit small to medium breeds perfectly. Ford dog guard and boot protection accessories available. |
The Ford Puma is the most clever small car for dog owners on this list, thanks to one unique feature — the MegaBox. This is a large under-floor storage compartment beneath the boot floor that has a built-in drain plug. After a muddy walk, you can place your dog's wet gear, muddy paws equipment or even give the whole compartment a rinse out with water. No other car at this price offers anything like it.
The Puma's 456-litre boot is well suited to small and medium-sized dogs, and the wide boot opening and low load lip make it easy for pets to get in and out. The smooth and stable ride keeps dogs comfortable, and the compact exterior makes the Puma easy to park and manoeuvre in town. A solid range of Ford accessories including boot protection and dog guards are available for used examples.
For city-based dog owners with a small to medium-sized pet and a limited budget, the Ford Puma is the most practical and genuinely innovative choice available at this price.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a brilliant used car for every dog owner in the UK, whatever your budget and whatever breed you share your home with. The most important things to look for are a low boot sill, a flat load floor, a comfortable ride and a good range of dog accessories and every car on this list delivers on all four.
Once you have found the right model for you and your dog, Carplus can help you get behind the wheel quickly and comfortably. Our team works with a wide panel of lenders to find the best finance deal for your situation, with monthly payments that work for your budget. Get in touch today for a fast, no-obligation quote.
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