Travelling safely with your dog in the car is imperative to avoid a hefty £5,000 fine – the Highway Code states in Rule 57 that if your dog isn’t properly restrained while travelling in the car that this could be the maximum fine you could face. In extreme cases, the incident could also result in a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.
Happily, Parkers has a whole two pages dedicated to car harnesses for your dog and also car seatbelts which will help avoid these costly fines for a relatively low cost. But if you wanted something that gives a dog a little more freedom when travelling, we take a look at the best dog barriers you can buy.
How does a dog barrier work?
There are simple net barriers which you can fix in the rear or boot of your car and there are the more expensive purpose-built barriers which are model specific but fit perfect.
Or, in a price bracket just above the net barriers are some universal fit metal barriers which should help you achieve your doggie blocking goals.
Related: Van drivers risking £5,000 fine for not properly securing their dogs
What’s a dog barrier for?
If you already have your dog correctly restrained with a seat belt and harness, then this is a question you may be asking yourself. Why use a dog barrier?
A dog barrier allows you to section off the rear of your car, giving dogs a space of their own and a little more space, all while ensuring they can’t get into the front of the car to hassle and distract the driver.
Read on to see the best dog barriers.
The best dog barriers chosen by Parkers
Hyrew 2 Pcs Pet Net Barrier
Price: RRP £8.99 | VIEW OFFER
There are plenty of options when it comes to these little barriers, but we believe this one to be the best. This will stop your dog from poking its nose between the seats or potentially jumping through. It will clip onto your car’s headrests in the front seats and onto their railings making it super easy and quick to install. While it likely won’t stop larger or bouncier dogs from jumping over, it’ll be more than enough for little lap dogs to be kept in the back.
Pros
• Cheap
• Quick to install
Cons
• Plenty like it on the market, pick the right one
• Only suitable for smaller breeds
XtremeAuto® Universal Deluxe Heavy Duty Dog Guard
Price: RRP £27.99 | VIEW OFFER
Three bits of large mesh barrier which can be held together with twistable clamps, this guard is tightened onto your car’s rear headrests. It utilises these headrest clamps and the car’s headrests to fit securely in place.
While the name says it is universal, check the car list to see if your car is on there – the large middle barrier can be put in either way up to give the barrier the best fit possible to a variety of cars.
Pros
• Suitable for a wide range of cars
• Relatively cheap and effective
• Easy to install
Cons
• It may not be fully universal but covers ‘most’ car makes and models
Mesh Dog Guard
Price: RRP £20.00 | VIEW OFFER
Where the XtremeAuto above offers a wider variety of fit with its almost triangulated large mesh barrier, this from Argos is a much flatter offering. While still being universal, it connects to your car, again, using the headrests as anchor points.
Everything you need for a super quick installation comes in the box and you do not require any tools to install.
Pros
• Universal fit
• Easy to install
Cons
• Might leave a gap between the top of the barrier and the roof of your car
Streetwize Universal Heavy-Duty Adjustable Car Dog Guard
Price: RRP £25.00 | VIEW OFFER
This is one for the big dogs, it uses bars, not a mesh barrier. This will give you a less obstructed rear view but the anchor points in the boot mean that they could reduce your load capacity in the back.
This dog guard, instead of attaching to the headrests, pushes down on the floor and up on the roof to keep it in place. If you do not do this tight enough, they may slip or be able to be pushed over by your dog. To install requires no tools whatsoever and you just loosen the feet and slide up, the same with the side barriers to make them wider. If you’re planning on using these, be careful of your roof lining as the installation may mark, or in some cases, rip the lining.
Pros
• Heavy-Duty
• Suitable for bigger dogs and smaller dogs
• More rear visibility
• Suitable for a wide variety of hatchbacks, estates, 4x4 and people carriers
Cons
• Be careful of your roof lining
• If not done tight enough dog might be able to work it loose
Dog Net Barrier
Price: RRP £9.95 | VIEW OFFER
Connecting to the car’s front seat headrests this net barrier will give you unrestricted view through your rear window – it stops your dog from jumping through the middle of the seats and is see-through enough that you’re able to see what they’re up to in the back.
While it will stop your dog from jumping through while driving if you use it while you’re not in the car, your pooch might be able to slip up either side of the seat.
Pros
• See-through netting
• Easy to install
• Goes up and down quickly
Cons
• The buckles have been known to be fragile
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