What to know before you buy a dog barrier
There is nothing quite like being able to take your entire family on a weekend road trip, your four-legged friend included.
The best way to safely bring your pet along for the ride is with a dog barrier that keeps them confined to the back seat or cargo area. If you are looking for a scratch-resistant one to keep your dog in the back seat, Bushwhaker’s Deluxe Dog Barrier would be a good choice for you.
Benefits of dog barriers
Reduce distracted driving
Road trips are the most enjoyable when everyone can travel together safely. A dog barrier will eliminate the opportunity for your pup to jump in the front seat or onto your lap while you are driving.
Provide a safe area for your dog
A dog barrier can also give your dog the ability to roam around in the back seat carefree. Limiting their movement will protect a dog from falling and hurting themselves when trying to climb from the back to front seats. A dog barrier is also a good idea for pets with mobility issues to restrict their area of movement.
Keep your car clean
There is nothing quite like returning from a road trip with your four-legged friend only to have to vacuum your entire car of dog hair at the end of vacation. A dog barrier will help to contain the dog to the cargo area which will also reduce cleanup later. For more information, have a look at the full dog barrier buying guide from BestReviews.
Dog barrier features
Mesh
A dog barrier that is made of mesh design allows you to keep a close watch on your pet in the back seat while ensuring your safety and theirs while driving. These dog barriers are best for smaller dogs as more determined larger pets may be able to knock them down or burst through them. But in all, a mesh dog barrier is the most economical choice.
Metal
A metal dog barrier is used to keep your dog confined to the cargo area of an SUV. These are well-built, designed for larger dogs and the most secure way to ensure your dog stays put. A metal dog barrier is also the most expensive option.
Hammock
If you want to get your little furry friend a place to stay comfortable and safe, consider buying a hammock for the backseat. A pet hammock in the back seat looks like a sling and can easily be set up by attaching to the front and rear headrests. Most are machine-washable and not only keep your pet contained but are also a great way to reduce shedding all over your car. A hammock dog barrier has a middle-of-the-road price point.
Dog barrier cost
A dog barrier ranges in price from $15 for a simple mesh divider between the front and rear seats to over $85 for a metal barrier that will provide full protection for the cargo area. It’s important to keep in mind your pet’s size and the area you want to contain them to find the dog barrier that is right for you and your pet.
Dog barrier FAQ
Do I need a dog guard for my car?
A. In order to prevent distracted driving, a dog barrier is the best way to prevent your pet from jumping into the front seat or onto the driver’s lap. It is also the safest way to transport a dog with mobility issues by keeping them safely confined to one area of the car.
What is the safest way to transport a dog in a car?
A. A dog should always be restrained while in your car either with a pet seat belt in the back seat or confined to the back seat or cargo area with a pet barrier. This will eliminate the chances of distracted driving while providing a safe way to transport your dog. Some states require dogs to be harnessed in the car so it is important to review the dog restraint laws before you set out on your next road trip.
Which dog barrier should I get?
Best of the best dog barrier
Bushwhaker Deluxe Dog Barrier: available at Amazon
Our take: Designed for trucks and SUVs, this scratch-resistant backseat barrier keeps dogs safely in the back seat and prevents them from jumping up front.
What we like: The durable tear-resistant divider separates you from your pet with a mesh barrier that allows air conditioning and heating to flow to the backseat keeping your dog comfortable. The aluminum tubing retains the barricade’s shape and prevents pups from squeezing their way up to the front.
What we dislike: Once in place, this dog barrier is not adjustable and it may not fit some SUVs.
Best bang for your buck dog barrier
Dykeson Dog Car Net Barrier: available at Amazon
Our take: This budget-friendly mesh barrier offers a tear-resistant barrier between the front and back seats.
What we like: Designed for smaller pets, the polyester-mesh divider is easy to install, stretches to fit your car and doubles as a storage bag to hold your pet’s toys. There are four hooks included that clip on your headrests for fast setup.
What we dislike: Large and determined dogs can easily jump over the top.
Honorable mention dog barrier
PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Barrier: available at Chewy
Our take: Designed for cars, trucks and SUVs, this see-through barrier restricts pets from jumping in the front seat while the wire frame keeps it in place.
What we like: The mesh front seat barrier is lightweight, easy to secure to your headrests and comes with a storage pouch. The see-through design allows you to keep an eye on your pet while they are restricted to the back seat.
What we dislike: While easy to set up, this dog barrier is a bit cumbersome to take down.
Kellie Speed is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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