Looking for the best dog car barriers? You have come to the right place. Pet accessories come in many designs and models all made with the sole purpose of making the experience with pets a better one. Dog owners have particularly found the dog car barriers helpful every time they need to travel with their canine friends.
Dogs are a potential distraction to you while driving especially if you own one that is always energetic and playful. This is why getting a dog car barrier may be necessary to limit their movement for everyone’s sake.
Like in many pet accessories, dog car barriers come in various styles and designs to afford you the comfort of choosing what best suits you and your dog.
Before we get into some of these designs, we have highlighted some things you need to know about dog barriers before you settle for one.
Why Use a Dog Car Barrier?
Dog car barriers help keep your pup well restrained in the back seat to reduce distractions from them when on the wheel. Dog barriers are useful for large dogs that may not be safely restrained with seat belts or when they do not fit well in crates.
If you have a pup that gets nervous easily, having a dog barrier gives them comfortable space to them securely rest not forgetting the overly hyperactive ones that seem to escape every safety gear you have tried on them.
Benefits of Dog Car Barriers
- Safety. While it is fun to drive with your dog sticking their head out of the car, in the event of an accident you will regret not taking the safety precaution like the dog car barrier. These barriers keep everyone safe by preventing the dog from jumping on you, blocking your view, constantly pawing you, or even causing interference by stepping on the gear controls inside the car. Also, if you have a dog car barrier that is of the hammock type, your dog is not thrown over and remains protected against impact from the instant application of car breaks.
- Cleanliness. If your car is always pristine and you want to maintain that standard you will benefit from a dog car barrier because restricted movement means reducing the mess that dogs can bring. They serve as seat covers so they will collect hair, dirt, and other debris for you to clean up later.
- Convenience. Dog car barriers allow for better organization especially the hammocks which leave space under them for storage. Others come with pockets for storage of items you may need to carry for Fido during the ride.
- Calming Effect. Dogs that are easily affected by too much interaction or movement could benefit from the use of a dog car barrier. With an obstructed view from the sudden change in the environment, he stays calm to give you ample time as you drive.
10 Best Dog Car Barriers
When looking for the best dog car barriers, the multitude of options in the market may confuse you especially if you are buying for the first time. Don’t worry as the below recommendations will jump-start you. So Read on!
#1) rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier
To start us off on the best dog car barriers is the rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier that is constructed to keep your car safe from the scratching you have previously experienced. Quality smooth but durable steel is used in making this car barrier to keep the car scratch-free. This also helps prevent destruction by dog paws.
The steel has rust-free properties to guarantee use for a long time. It is made with 3 panels, the main one, and two side panels. The dog barrier attaches to the rear headrest through the use of nylon straps with metal grips then the three panels are held in position by a set of screws and nuts. Hook-and-loop fasteners are added to enhance on a tight hold.
The see-through design enables you to have a clear view of your furry friend at all times. This dog car barrier has a universal fit and is adjustable to fit vehicles like SUVs and hatchbacks. Installing requires no special tools and comes with a user instruction manual to make it easy to quickly set up.
Features
- Durable mesh design
- Rust-proof smooth steel is used in the manufacture
- Easy attachment using buckled nylon straps
- See-through design
- Comes in three panels. The main panel dimensions:35.8×25.9 inches and 2 side panels each 16.5×11.8
- Adjustable to 61.4 inches wide
Pros
- It has a simple black finish and well-spaced grids to prevent obstruction of vision to allow the dog to stay within sight always.
Cons
- The universal fit characteristic may not apply to all vehicle types
#2) Pawple Dog Car Barrier
Dogs have a little wanderlust lingering inside them from their ancestry where they freely moved in search of prey. Therefore, once in a while they could use an out-of-the-house experience, a vacation perhaps.
To safely transport them to this destination you may need to get a dog car barrier to hold them safely in the car before you get there. We recommend Pawple Dog Car Barrier for this purpose. Strong steel wire construction plus a lifetime warranty makes this dog barrier a worthwhile investment.
The dog car barrier is easy to install with protective brace pads to keep vehicle upholstery intact. This 3-panel steel dog car barrier ensures you can see your dog through it all the time. It is also adjustable and promises a great fit for a wide range of vehicles. It is lightweight and easy to install as well.
Features
- 3-panel design. Main panel: 35.5×16.5inches and two side panels each 12×10.5 inches
- Quality steel wire construction
- Protective brace pads to protect car interiors
- Designed to allow visuals on the pup and free flow of air as well
- Quick set up and easy to use
- Lightweight
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Putting the three panels together may be a little challenging
#3) Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier
Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier keeps everyone safe during travel. It has pinch straps with buckles to hold firmly on seat headrests this way your pup stays intact at the back. The dog barrier has a universal fit therefore it makes an excellent match for most SUVs, jeeps, and other car models.
The adjustability makes setup quick plus no specialty or tools are required. It stretches to about 62 inches wide. Another lovable feature is its strong frame that is from carbon structural steel that offers great resistance to dog pawing and force as they try to escape.
This dog car barrier is larger when compared to other ordinary barriers therefore you cover more ground in keeping out your friend from disturbing you as you drive. This barrier is foldable too saving on storage space.
Each purchase gives you three panels. One panel has dimensions of 35.8×15.9 inches and the remaining two 16.5×11.8 inches each. The packaging includes a carrying case with generous dimensions as well for convenient carrying around when the barrier is not in use.
Features
- Flexible for fitting in different car models
- Meshed to give an unobstructed view for the dog
- Double stability is provided by bungee cords and adjustable firm straps with metal grips
- Strongly built with carbon steel to withstand scratching and pressure
- Foldable
- Comes with a carrying case
Pros
- Quick installation
Cons
- It may not be effective when used on small dogs
#4) DYKESON Dog Car Net Barrier
If cage bar barriers are not what you want in your car this is the best dog car barrier alternative. For that jumpy pup, DYKESON Dog Car Net Barrier gives a 2 in 1 package with their four-sided barrier. As you keep the pup away from the gear controls, you get space to store some things in the space provided in between the meshed fabric.
Strong polyester is employed in making this barrier with a marginal elastic opening at the top to allow the passage of items to be stored. This fabric is thick but lightweight to make it easy to attach between the seats.
There are four safety hooks to attach on the top and bottom part of the seats and they do not require drilling or hammering just simply clipping into place. It rests 11.7×11.7 inches when not stretched and it maxes out well to allow fitting into several vehicle models. Even when stretched out, it is still reliable and rarely snaps out of position.
Features
- Expandable
- Made with sturdy polyester
- Easy installation
- Great storage space
- Lightweight
- Great for small dog breeds
- Affordable choice
Pros
- The combination of great storage space along with it still playing the role of a barrier makes it unique
Cons
- The dog can manage to go over it
#5) Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat
Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat is the convertible in the world of dog car barriers. If you have both two and four-legged companions, they can comfortably share the backseat thanks to the split zipper feature in this seat cover.
It allows you to zip down the cover for sharing of space while it still supports zipping up all around to assume the construct of a hammock. Side flaps ensure protection against scratching of surfaces more so the car door.
The flaps also facilitate ease of entry and exit. This 56 by 60-inch large dog seat cover is non-slip to avoid skidding off the seat and also helps the dog not fall over when you come to a sudden halt. The size of the seat cover makes it suitable for use in cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Velcro openings are left for easy attachment of the car seat belts. It has superior water resistance capability due to 600D oxford waterproofing on the top layer and the bottom waterproof material.
The two undergo heat-pressing technology that is done to keep spills from reaching the surface of your car seats. For extra comfort, this car seat cover is padded which also makes it easy to wipe clean.
Features
- Ideal for use by large dogs
- Side flaps for added protection of car surfaces
- Split zipper to zip down for use by a dog and other people or complete zip up into a hammock
- Superior waterproofness
- Non-slip surface
- Padded for extra comfort
- Has Velcro openings for attachment of seatbelts
- Easy use, easy clean
Pros
- Supports outdoor activity as the seat cover keeps car seats clean even when the dog is muddy or dusty
Cons
- Vulnerable to tears and scratches
#6) NAC&ZAC SUV Pet Barrier
Large dogs are rarely intimidated by car barriers that do not reach the roof of the car and one way or another a paw will manage to get through any small openings left. NAC&ZAC SUV Pet Barrier is a game-changer for such pups. Its all-around coverage will ensure driving is not jeopardized.
This dog car barrier does a good job in providing protection not only from the console area but the front seat area as a whole. It has a 46 by 37-inch dimension with metal poles at the top to hold barriers against dog pushing. Hooks and adjustable straps are availed to achieve a perfect fit.
NAC&ZAC SUV Pet Barrier comes in two sizes; the large 47 by 37-inch and the small size of 39 by 37-inch. The barrier is closely meshed, easy to see through but made with strong durable fabric. A lifetime warranty makes this an attractive choice as well.
Features
- Comes in two sizes; small and large
- Comprehensive all-around coverage
- Made with strong lightweight breathable fabric
- Metal poles are added at the top to enhance stability against dog pressure or force
- Suits small dog breeds
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Ideal for use on large dog sizes
Cons
- The wrong choice of size may not fit in some type of cars
#7) Kurgo Backseat Dog Barrier for Cars &Suv
If your canine friend is experiencing shedding and you want to keep the fur out of your front car seat, grab Kurgo Backseat Dog Barrier for Cars &Suv. It has a convenient design to keep pooches restricted to the back seat and can only catch a glimpse of the front area through peering over the top of the barrier.
As one of the best dog car barriers, Kurgo Backseat Dog Barrier for Cars &Suv has mesh vents to ensure good air circulation in the front as well as back seat areas. Additionally, it comes with a storage area that serves as a cup holder for your convenience.
This barrier protects the dog from launching into the front seat in cases of sudden braking. Whether fixed or removable headrests are what you have in your car, the barrier fits just fine. It offers an almost universal fit in cars but is not recommended for use on 2-door cars or vans.
Features
- Keeps front seat area protected from interference by pups
- Supports good air ventilation
- Protects dog from injury during sudden braking
- Fits well in fixed and removable headrests
- Almost universal use
- Comes with cup holder space
Pros
- You can reach dogs and pat or scratch their back during drives
cons
- It does not work for 2-door vehicles
#8) STARROAD-TIM Car Dog Barrier Pet Front Seat Barrier
For the Rottweiler who thinks they are still entitled to the right to sit on your lap as you drive as they did in their puppy years, STARROAD-TIM Car Dog Barrier Pet Front Seat Barrier is a great way to start in training them to take the back seat as you tag them as you drive them around.
This dog car barrier is made with tough polyester that is elastic enough to cover the distance taken by two front seats. In the case the pup resists this change, you get a pet seat belt with the purchase of this barrier to keep them safely secured at the back.
Hooks are conveniently placed on the barrier for attachment on the head rests and seat bottom. It can be used in minivans, cars, and trucks. As the best dog car barrier, it comes with a provision of storage space in the meshing.
Features
- Promotes safe driving with dogs in a car
- Made with elastic polyester for adjustability to fit in different car types
- Hooks for attachment are available
- Comes with a pet seat belt
- Has storage space
Pros
- Multipurpose use. Can be used to restrain both dogs and children
Cons
- Stay keen on sizes as it comes in three different sizes with varying dimensions
#9) Jumbl Pet Dog Barrier for SUV’s, Cars & Vehicles
Next up is the Jumbl Pet Dog Barrier for SUVs, Cars & Vehicles that falls in the best dog car barriers category because of its tough steel wire construction. It is smoothly finished to protect the car interior from scratching by the wireframe. Protective brace pads enhance this function as well.
The barrier keeps pups from jumping to the front seat as you drive thereby keeping everyone in the car safe. It also keeps nervous dogs safely tucked at the back. About installation, the process is tool-free and does not require any form of expertise.
You will the Jumbl Pet Dog Barrier adjustable to fit most vehicles as suggested in its title. Like many in its category, this 3-panel dog barrier is packed with a lifetime warranty.
Features
- Steel wire strong construction
- Protective brace pads to keep car interiors scratch-free
- Fully adjustable
- Tool-free installation
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Works well in keeping dogs from reaching the front seat area
Cons
- No storage space is included in the construct
#10) Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier is designed to confine our fur friends in the cargo area not in the back seat as is the case in many best dog car barriers. It comes in two sizes, 12 and 16 inches.
It features the ordinary 3-panel design with the side panels being mainly used to adjust on width size to ensure full coverage. Steel and plastic are combined to make this barrier strong and resistant to chewing, scratching, and tear-proof.
Sufficiently spaced grids allow you to monitor your canine so no blind spots are left to your disadvantage. It has wide adjustments to fit in various vehicles. It is also fairly priced and is packaged with the Amazon 1-year limited warranty.
Features
- Expandable
- Comes in different colors to pick from
- Firmly stays in place
- Ideal for use in the cargo area
- Limits dirt and untidiness to the cargo area
Pros
- Great grid sizing to leave enough room for an unobstructed view of the dog even when driving
Cons
- It may be too short to be used on the front seat area
Read: Best Dog Ramps
Best Dog Car Barriers Buying Guide & FAQs
Considerations When Buying Best Dog Car Barriers
As always the elephant in the room when making a purchasing decision is what aspects to look for before an item qualifies as best in its category. With dog car barriers it is no different and we gathered some of the things you can worm out of any best dog car barrier. Let’s take a look
Material
If you are to hold back a curious pooch as you drive, we suggest you start by selecting car barriers made from tough material. A dog determined to be your co-driver will paw his way out of a feebly constructed dog car barrier, which should not be the case.
The material whether cloth or metal tubing should be able to brave the pressure or force from even the most aggressive canine.
Also, since they double up as car seat covers getting one with waterproof properties will go a long way in keeping the car space dry and tidy. If the material in question is made from fabric, it should be a tone that is easy to clean and machine-friendly if possible.
Car Dimensions
This is one of the critical factors to look out for in dog car barriers. The interior of the car matters that is space between the front seats and that between the top of the seats to the roof of the car.
You should go for a barrier that is made with almost perfect precision to your car’s interior for the perfect fit. You will find some dog car barriers are stretchable so you can adjust them to fit in the space you want.
Dog Size
Dog car barriers work well with medium to large size pooches. Small-sized dogs are master escapists when the barrier used has large spaces between metal bars or fabric. Always check on the size of your dog and how well it can be held at the back without maneuvering its way out.
Installation
Since you will be using the barrier often you need to purchase one that is easy to install and detach. Weight also matters because you do not want a heavy barrier that will keep draining your energy every time you are installing or removing it from the car seats. With lightweight comes easy portability so you can carry it when you want to switch cars or put it away for storage.
Storage options
Compartments or pockets make a nice addition to dog car barriers. They give convenient space for the storage of treats, toys, or other dog accessories that you may need to carry for your pup.
Related Post: Best Dog Car Seats
Types of Dog Car Barriers
When purchasing a dog car barrier, you will come across different designs but they will be mainly based on these types of construction
Net Car Barriers–These are more cage barriers only they are made from mesh or cloth. You should go for the ones made with a strong tear or scratch-resistant breathable fabric.
Cage Car Barriers–These barriers are mostly made of metal with some made to appear grid-like and others just use bars. They are usually attached between the back of the front seats.
Hammocks –Hammocks are a comfy car barrier that holds the dog in position during sudden car stops and prevents them from falling over when going through rough or bumpy terrain.
Related Post: Best Dog Leash with Seat Belt Buckle
Best Dog Car Barrie FAQs
Q: What is A Dog Car Barrier?
A dog car barrier is a pet accessory installed on the back of the front motor vehicle seats or cargo area to keep dogs confined as you drive. Some can be used as car seat covers, storage areas, and others as protective barriers against interruption for kids
Q: How Do I Install Dog Car Barrier?
Usually attach as per instructions on the user manual. Alternatively, find where the hooks go in the car seats and clip as required. Most do not have a lot of expertise to install.
Q: Are Dog Car Barriers Universal?
Many offer an almost entirely universal fit but we cannot say they fit 100% in every car they are attached to. It all depends on how well the construct of the dog car barrier fits the interior of your vehicle
Conclusion
With a variance in personal preferences, the choice of dog car barriers differs but all in all the purpose for which they are made is achieved in any choice picked. Try any one of our ten best dog car barriers to keep everyone safe next time you decide to go for a trip.