Top Features to Look For and Our Recommended Models
Whether your free time is spent on muddy dog walks or your pet needs a ride to the vets, cars for pet owners have got you covered. With ample boot space, adjustable storage and accessibility features to make loading your pet quick and easy, there’s a range of options with pet-approved features that look great on the road.
From the countryside to the commute, we’ll look at the factors to consider when choosing a car lease for pet owners, including non-negotiable features and our pet-friendly recommendations.
Key features for pet-friendly cars
Looking for a car that’ll suit adventures with your four-legged friends means you’ll need to consider a few things to ensure both you and your pet are safe on the road. Whether you’re heading to the beach, on holiday, or even just to the groomers, here are a few factors to bear in mind when choosing your new pet-friendly car.
Space and layout: One of the most important features to think about. When loading your pets into the car, having enough space for them to travel comfortably is essential. But it’s not just your pet you need to think about; it’s all the stuff that comes with them, too! From beds to crates to towels and harnesses, look out for storage cubbies and consider boot space so you can travel with everything you and your companion need.
Accessibility: Think about how easy it is for your pet to get in and out. This is essential if you’re looking for the best cars for dogs in the UK. Look for a low loading lip – this makes it easier for pups to jump in and out. A square boot without a lip also makes it easier to load in crates.
Climate: Your new pet-friendly car needs plenty of ventilation to keep pets happy on the go. Look out for climate control, particularly in the back of the car, to keep your pets at a comfortable temperature. Choose a car that comes with the ability to operate the windows from the driver’s seat so you can let in a bit of fresh air when necessary.
Interior materials: Pets get dirty, so choose a car with a washable interior. Think wipeable leather, mats in the footwell, and hard-wearing surfaces that can be thoroughly cleaned, even after the muddiest walks.
Pet-safety features: Look for safety features that could also benefit your pets. For example, ISOFIX and anchor points can also be used to secure dog seatbelt restraints and crates, to keep your pets secure on the go.
Our top pet-friendly recommendations
Looking for a pet-friendly option? Here are some of our lease recommendations at Car Leasing Made Simple:
Honda CR-V
- Spacious
- Fold down seats
- Wide boot access
The CR-V is an incredibly practical SUV with a spacious interior perfect for transporting family pets. It has fold-down seats so you can maximise space for your pets to get comfortable, or install crates for a secure journey. It’s also a great option for rear access, with a low loading lip and wide access, making it easier to access for medium to large dogs. It’s not too large and makes for an affordable option.
Dacia Duster
- Budget-conscious
- Good amount of space
- Simple and rugged
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? The Dacia Duster is a great choice. It’s an affordable, but practical option that comes with plenty of space for your pets to travel safely and comfortably. There’s flexible boot space with seats that fold, with enough space for a crate or bedding. It’s a simple, rugged choice, which is great if you don’t want the worry of muddy paws getting your new car dirty!
Volvo XC60
- Roomy and comfortable
- Premium option
- Dog-friendly accessories
A high-quality option from a brand that’s known for its commitment to safety, the Volvo XC60 has a roomy, flat boot, making it a great choice if your pets travel in crates – this also makes it easier to load the boot. While it is a premium option, it comes with a range of dog-friendly features, including crate-compatible set-ups. The XC60 comes with the versatility of an SUV for a comfortable and secure journey, no matter where you’re headed.
Skoda Enyaq iV
- Ample boot space
- Modern and practical
- Quiet drive
The Skoda Enyaq has around 585 litres of boot space – plenty of room for one or two dogs! This expands when the seats are folded down, for more space for your pets to get comfortable. The Enyaq has a modern, practical interior that makes it great for everyday, pet-friendly journeys. As an EV, there’s less cabin noise for a smoother, comfortable time on the road, which is great if your pet is anxious.
Factors to consider when choosing cars for pet owners
Daily routine: Think about how your pet-friendly car will fit into your daily routine. Whether you’re doing the school run or commuting to work, your new car needs to suit both your lifestyle and your pet. If you’re using your car for all of the above, you might need to look for durable interiors, efficiency and space. If you’re choosing a second car solely for your pet’s use, this is less of an issue.
Family: As well as your pet, think about how your new car will fit the family. Is there enough space to travel with your pet and everything that comes with them? SUVs and Estate cars may be the best choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly, dog-friendly car.
Where you live: If you live in an urban area, you may be better off looking for a more compact option, like a compact SUV or a spacious hatchback, that has plenty of space for your pet, but is also easier to manoeuvre around towns and cities. If you live in the countryside, a larger SUV with 4-wheel drive could be a great option for off-road adventures.
Luggage and cargo: Think about how much comes with your pet. Do you need space for multiple crates or beds, enough room to bring towels or store muddy boots? If so, you’ll need to consider cars with ample interior space and flexible, foldable rear seats.
Future-proofing: You’ll need to think about whether you’re going to get another pet in the future, or whether your current pet is likely to get bigger. Consider how your circumstances might change in the coming years and choose a car that works now and in the future.
Tips for leasing vs. buying pet-friendly vehicles
Wondering whether you should lease or buy a pet-friendly car? Here’s a table to help you compare:
| Factor | Buying | Leasing |
| Upfront / Monthly Cost | Higher upfront or higher monthly payments if financing | Lower monthly payments; little/no deposit on some deals |
| Mileage Flexibility | Unlimited mileage – ideal for long walks, holidays, countryside drives | Mileage limits apply; excess fees likely if driving a lot with pets |
| Wear & Tear Concerns | No penalties – scratches, mud, fur are your problem only | Extra wear from pets may lead to end-of-lease charges |
| Customisation for Pets | Full freedom: install dog guards, liners, crates, mats | Limited with permanent modifications not possible |
| Interior Durability Impact | You choose materials; long-term pet use affects resale value | Must keep interior in “acceptable” condition or risk costs |
| Long-Term Costs | Cheaper over many years if you keep the car | More expensive long-term (you’re essentially renting) |
| Car Replacement Cycle | You decide when to upgrade; you must handle resale | Easy to change every 2–4 years with no selling hassle |
| Access to Newer Cars | Depends on budget; upgrades cost more | Easy: leasing makes newer, more spacious or pet-friendly models more affordable monthly |
| Best For… | High mileage drivers, heavy pet use, rural life, long-term owners | Low to moderate mileage, clean/controlled pet use, those wanting a newer car regularly |
| Biggest Drawback | Upfront cost + long-term depreciation | Wear-and-tear/mileage charges can penalise pet owners |
How to keep your pet-friendly lease car clean
Leasing a pet-friendly car is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable way to drive your preferred model, but from muddy paws to wet nose marks all over the rear windscreen, pets can make a mess! Let’s take a look at a few tips on how to keep your pet-friendly lease car clean:
- Use protective covers: Add covers in the boot and on seats to protect your car’s upholstery from dirt and scratches. Choose machine-washable options so you can use them continuously.
- Wipe off your dog before it gets in: Use brushes or microfibre towels to clean most of the dirt off your dog before getting into the car. Try to always keep towels and paw cleaners available.
- Use a crate or seatbelt restraint: Whether you’re taking your cat to the vets or your dog on a muddy walk, using a crate confines dirt to one area. Crates are also removable, so they won’t affect your lease terms.
- Vacuum little and often: Vacuum often to keep your car in the best condition and to avoid the buildup of dirt, hair and dander.
- Keep windows smudge-free: Wipe your windows after every journey to get rid of those little dog nose smudges. A clean interior reduces the chance of issues when you return your lease car.
- Deep clean before returning the car: While it’s best to keep on top of the dirt in your car, one final deep clean before you hand your car back is a great idea. Vacuum, wipe down surfaces and ensure your interior is free of any dirt and hair on return to the dealership.
We know that your family extends to dogs, cats and smaller animals, so when it comes to finding a car for pet owners, look no further than Car Leasing Made Simple. We have a range of models available to lease, including hybrid and electric cars for a smooth journey and spacious SUVs. Need help in finding the best cars for dogs in the UK? Get in touch with our experts who’d be happy to help!