The Dog-Friendly Car Buyer’s Guide (2025 Edition)

Whether you're driving to the dog park, heading out on a weekend camping trip, or just doing your daily errands with your pup in tow, some cars are much better suited to life with dogs than others. Below are five standout 2025 (or near-2025) vehicles that are particularly well-suited for dog owners — and what features make them great choices.

Note: If you already own a car you like but want to save money—or lower your payments—you can skip buying new and instead apply through CarRefinancing.ca to see how much better a refinancing deal (or restructured loan) you might qualify for.

What Makes a Car Dog-Friendly?

Before we dive into specific models, here are the traits that matter most to people who travel with dogs:

• Low load height / easy access: A lower cargo floor or tailgate helps older or large dogs climb in more easily.
• Large, flat cargo area: For crates, dog beds, or for dogs to stretch out without lots of wheel‐well intrusions.
• Good rear ventilation / climate control: Dogs overheat easily; having rear HVAC vents or dual-zone climate control helps.
• Durable, washable interior materials: Water-resistant or vinyl-backed seats, easy-to-clean carpets or liners.
• Safety features / tie-downs: Anchor points, cargo nets or pet barrier compatibility help secure crates or harnesses.
• Reliability & longevity: A dependable vehicle means fewer breakdowns when you have a dog in the car.
• Space for gear: Room for leashes, food, toys, grooming kit, crates, etc.

With those in mind, here are five strong picks for 2025.

Top 5 Cars for Dog Owners in 2025

1. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback remains one of the top choices for dog owners year after year. Subaru even markets directly to pet lovers. It offers a low cargo load height, a wide and flat cargo area, and multiple tie-down points for crates or harnesses. The Outback’s all-wheel drive makes it great for adventures with your dog, whether it’s to the beach or a snowy trail.

Tip: The 2026 redesign raises the cargo floor slightly, so test how your dog handles getting in and out before buying.

2. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is practical, reliable, and offers plenty of space for pets. Its rear seats fold flat to create a large cargo zone, and upper trims feature a power liftgate that makes loading and unloading easy. The CR-V also includes good fuel economy and climate control that reaches the rear — keeping your furry friend comfortable.

Tip: Add a rubber cargo mat to even out the surface and make cleaning up fur and mud easier.

3. Volkswagen Atlas (or Atlas Cross Sport)

The VW Atlas offers lots of space for larger dogs or multiple crates. Its wide cargo opening and optional cargo divider make it easy to keep pets secure. There’s also generous rear headroom and ventilation. For Canadian drivers, it’s a great balance between space and comfort.

Tip: The Atlas is quite large, so check how easy it is to park or maneuver in your area before committing.

4. Toyota Sienna (Hybrid Minivan)

If you have more than one dog or larger breeds, a minivan like the Toyota Sienna can be a game changer. The sliding side doors make it super convenient in tight parking spaces, and there’s a flat, low floor that’s perfect for dogs to climb in and out of easily. The hybrid engine saves fuel, and the AWD option is perfect for Canadian winters.

Tip: Use a pet barrier to keep your dog safely in the rear and protect the interior from scratches.

5. Full-Size SUVs (Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada)

For big dogs or multi-dog households, these large SUVs provide a huge cargo area and powerful ventilation. They’re ideal for road trips, camping, or long hauls with your pets. Many come with tie-down hooks and cargo nets to secure crates.

Tip: Because of their height, consider using a foldable ramp or steps to help dogs enter and exit safely.

Sample Use Cases

• One medium / large dog, short daily drives & errands: A Subaru Outback or Honda CR-V is likely ideal — easy access, comfort, and good fuel efficiency.
• Two dogs + gear for weekend adventures: The Volkswagen Atlas or Toyota Sienna gives space for crates, food, luggage, and still offers comfort.
• Large breed or multiple large dogs: A full-size SUV like Suburban, Expedition, or Sequoia gives you the room you need, especially for longer trips.

Bonus Tips for Making Any Car More Dog-Friendly

Even if your car isn’t perfectly set up for dogs, here are modifications you can make:

1. Install a retractable ramp or foldable ramp: Helps dogs get in without jumping, especially for older or large breeds.
2. Use a sturdy crate / travel crate: Secured with anchor points or tied down, with ventilation on multiple sides.
3. Add a protective liner / cargo mat: Waterproof, scratch-resistant mats protect your car and make cleaning easier.
4. Install a pet barrier or cargo net: Keeps your dog from crawling into the passenger area.
5. Rear window sunshades or UV film: To reduce overheating in summer.
6. Rear air circulation enhancements: If your car lacks rear vents, consider portable fans or ducting to improve airflow.
7. Tie-down / D-ring anchors: To strap crates or harnesses securely in the cargo area.

Keeping Your Current Car — Refinancing Option

You might find that your current car is “good enough” if you can improve your monthly payments or get a better interest rate. Here’s how you can make that happen with CarRefinancing.ca:

• Apply to refinance: Use CarRefinancing.ca’s application process to see if you qualify for lower interest, longer term, or better structure.
• Compare new versus refinance cost: Sometimes keeping your existing car and lowering payments or interest is more economical than trading for a new one.
• Flexibility: Refinancing may free up cash flow that you can put toward dog-friendly accessories (ramps, liners, crates, etc.) without needing to swap vehicles.

So while this guide highlights five strong dog-friendly vehicles to consider buying, don’t overlook the possibility of keeping what you have and making it more dog-friendly — with the financial breathing room that refinancing might offer.