This is our review of the best dog guard for car boots in 2023.
Keeping dogs safe on long car journeys should be a priority to prevent accidents and make them feel confident.
That’s where you’d normally consider a wire mesh barrier or car dog guards that attach to the boot floor to ensure your car interiors and pup are kept safe and secure!
In this buying guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about what to look for in the top car dog guard systems on the market right now. These products might be a perfect fit.
In this article, we are going to be reviewing the following dog car guards:
- Best for Large Dogs – Heavy-Duty Pet Guard
- Most Versatile – Xtreme Auto Fully Adjustable Guard
- Best for Small Cars – AllRight Universal Wall Dog Grill Barrier
- Best for Smaller Dogs – PawHut Adjustable Ventilated Mesh Wire Guard
- For Specific Models – Travall Guard TDG1063
How to Choose a Good Dog Guard
Size
When buying a dog guard, size is one of the essential features to consider. It needs to be able to fit the space you have available and comfortably contain your dog without causing them any distress. Additionally, it should be adjustable so that if you ever need to adjust the size or add panels, you can do so easily.
Adjustability
Look for materials that are strong and won’t break easily in case your pup decides they want to chew on it. Make sure there are no sharp edges that could harm your dog.
Ease of Installation
Ease of installation is another feature worth looking into. If you’re uncomfortable with professional installation, look for models that provide clear instructions for DIY setup and don’t require any special tools or hardware to assemble.
Our Best Dog Guards for Cars – Reviews & Buyers Guide
The five following dog guard choices have a few different features that appeal to specific dog owners and drivers; from the cheap up to deluxe options, I have recommended the ones I have used for George and Henry on dog walks. Take a look through as we look at a few pros and cons for each.
Looking for peace of mind on journeys with your pooch? It might be time to get a barrier or boot dog guard put in place.
Best for Large Dogs – Heavy Duty Pet Guard
This super durable dog barrier is ideal for a bigger car that needs a little more heavy-duty resilience. Clamp it to your headrests, and no pooch will be clambering into the back seat, causing problems. It’s sturdy and weighs slightly more than you might expect, which is ideal for a bigger dog.
It’s completely metallic, which means it will take a bit of damage. If you have a big car and need a big dog guard, this is a great option to look into right off the bat.
Pros
- Powder-coated and safe for your dog
- Fits easily
- No need to screw into the floor
Cons
- It may not be the best for smaller vehicles
Most Versatile – Xtremeauto Fully Adjustable Guard for Boot
This is an extendable, versatile mesh solution that is just as flexible as affordable. There’s absolutely no need for you to drill anything into the boot; the hooks attach to the headrest posts. This means it’s a solid fit for plenty of different vehicles.
The minimum width is 36″, and the maximum width is 51″, making it suitable for many vehicles no matter the make or model.
Pros
- Really easy to put together
- Extends if needed
- Reasonably cheap price
Cons
- It may not be as good quality as some of the metal items but does the job
Best for Small Cars – AllRight Universal Wall Dog Grill Barrier
Suppose your dog’s likely to cause a fuss while on the road, you might need to set up a barrier frame-type system. This universal steel installation can be used front and back, and what’s more, they are some of the most resistant, hard-wearing bars we’ve come across.
This option has a minimum height of 0.79m and a maximum height of 1.28m, is easily removed and keeps your canine companion secure while you are driving
Pros
- Versatile for front seats or back
- Perfect for a wide variety of small cars
- Great price
Cons
- Maybe a little fiddly to set up and install
Best for Smaller Dogs – PawHut Adjustable Ventilated Mesh Wire Guard
Again, heavy-duty is a great choice if you need plenty of resistance and little to no gap. What’s great about this pet barrier piece is the fact that it’s not only secure, it’s extendable, too. and gives your hound plenty of space to relax
This is a good catch-all option, but you might need something to fix into your trunk if you have a particularly energetic dog. This solid option will help your pup stay happy during even the longest road trips.
Pros:
- Very easy to fit
- Fully extended width fits smaller cars easily
- One of the top value options on our list
Cons
- None that are obvious!
For Specific Models – Travall Guard TDG1063
Travall dog guards, like Saunders dog guards, are made to fit specific makes of the vehicle such as a Range Rover, SUV, hatchback or, in this case, the Landrover Freelander 2; this unique feature means they are always the perfect fit and are easy to install choose your vehicle and model year.
Other Travall products include the VEHICLE SPECIFIC RUBBER BOOT LINER, the perfect companion to the Travall dog guard.
Pros
- Dog guard designed for a particular model
- The car barrier is rattle-free, so there is no jangling
- Doesn’t take up too much boot space
Cons
- It may not be the cheapest option
Benefits of Using a Dog Guard
Using a dog guard for your car has several advantages.
Preventing Distraction
Having a dog guard installed in your vehicle will help keep the animal contained, making it harder for them to wander around and distract the driver, potentially leading to an accident. Not only will they be more secure, but you won’t have to worry about any messes or damage to the interior.
Protecting the Car’s Interior
A dog guard is an additional safety measure that prevents damage to the car’s interior and keeps it clean. If your pup is prone to jumping around in the back seat without one installed, this could lead to scratches, which can be expensive to repair. With a dog guard, there is much less risk of this happening.
Providing a Safe and Secure Space for the Dog
The dog guard also provides a comfortable and secure space for your pup during travels, ensuring that they don’t roll around and become injured if you come across sudden stops or turns. Plus, some models even come equipped with unique features like padded mats that make Fido an even cosier ride!
Installation Process
Installing a car dog guard is relatively simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done quickly and easily.
- Make sure that all screws and fasteners are securely tightened before testing out your new dog guard
- If you have an adjustable model, try fitting it multiple times to be sure you have it just right
- Be sure to select a size appropriate for both your pup and your vehicle.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Begin by selecting the appropriate size for your vehicle and ensuring that it will fit securely around the headrests.
- Attach one side of the guard to the headrest using screws or other fastening hardware included in the kit, depending on your model.
- Adjust any straps as necessary before securing them in place. If your model has sliders, adjust these to ensure that the guard fits snugly against all sides of the car seat or headrests.
- Secure the other side of the guard using whichever fasteners come with your particular model, and make sure everything is tight before finalizing installation.
- Once everything is in place, test out your newly installed dog guard by taking Fido out for a ride!
Maintenance and Care
Having a dog guard installed in your car is excellent for keeping your pup safe and secure, but proper maintenance and care are also essential to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. Here are some tips on how to take good care of your car dog guard.
Proper Cleaning
Keeping the dog guard clean is essential for maintaining its good condition. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in between uses, and use a soft brush or cloth dampened with warm water and soap to wipe it down thoroughly. Then give it a final rinse with clean water and let it air dry before using it again.
In addition to general cleaning, regular maintenance will be needed to keep your dog guard in tip-top shape. Inspect the straps, fasteners, and other hardware regularly for any signs of wear or deterioration and replace whatever needs replacing as soon as possible. Additionally, if you notice any rips or tears in the material, patch them up immediately, so there’s no risk of escape for Fido!
Comparison of Universal and Mesh Guards
There are two main types of car dog guards: universal and mesh. Here is a comparison of the pros and cons of each class to help you determine which is best for your needs.
Universal
Pros:
- Universal dog guards provide an effective barrier between your pup and the front seats of your vehicle.
- They are easy to install and can fit onto most types of cars.
- Many universal dog guards come with additional features, such as adjustable straps that make them more comfortable for Fido.
Cons:
- They are not as secure as other dog guards because they don’t form a tight seal around the headrests.
- These guards are also not very adjustable, so if you get one that isn’t the right size, it may be challenging to adjust.
Mesh
Pros:
- Mesh dog guards give you more flexibility in adjusting the size and shape to fit around different seats or headrests.
- They form a tighter seal than universal ones, providing greater security for your pup while allowing airflow through the material for comfort.
Cons:
- These guards can be more expensive than universal models due to their increased adjustability and durability.
- Installing these models may require additional tools depending on the make/model, meaning installation can take longer than other types.
FAQ’s
Do all dog guards fit all cars?
In most cases, you’ll find that dog guard fittings are universal. However, the type of car you run, such as a hatchback or a people carrier, might narrow down your choice a little.
There may be some dog guard barrier options that are likely to suit vans and bigger vehicles, and SAUNDERS DOG GUARDS, for example, are designed for specific vehicles. Generally, you may find that a barrier will work better than a mesh guard in these cases. However, this isn’t always the case – so again, get ready to shop around.
Can a dog guard be used with a car seat cover?
Yes, a dog car guard can be used with a car seat cover. If the seat cover is designed to fit tightly around the seats of your car, it will likely not interfere with the dog guard’s ability to keep your pup safe and secure.
Are there any specific dog guards that are crash tested for safety
Yes, dog car guards on the market have been crash tested for safety. These dog guards are designed to keep your pup safe in a collision and often feature reinforced steel bars and lockable latches.
The Last Word
It’s safe to say that if you want to keep your pet safe in your car, you will need some form of pet car dog guard. Whether you opt for a rosewood dog car guard or something a little simpler, make sure to invest in an option that will keep Fido happy.
Our recommendation from the list of top dog guards would be the Heavy Duty Pet Guard. It offers great value for money and is ideal for any sized canine; Travall products are great options for certain models like SUVs, and a great wire mesh alternative at a great price is the Pawhut option.
It’s important to remember never to leave your dog unattended in your car on a hot day, even with the air conditioning on. Always ensure Fido has plenty to drink on long journeys and frequently stop for toilet breaks.
The dog guards we’ve picked for this list should all be straightforward to set up and offer a lot of resilience. Take a closer look and see what other users have to say. Train your dog to keep those paws off the leather while keeping your pets happy!
