If you’re going to make a habit out of taking your dog with you in the car, it’s very important to purchase a quality SUV pet barrier.
We all know how much our furry friends appreciate going for a car ride. Some like to sit in the back seat and watch out the window, while others will prefer to ride shotgun if the opportunity presents itself.
In fact, most dogs love it so much, that the simple mention of the word ride or car causes them to go into a frenzy of excited anticipation.
However, it’s necessary to not only keep our dog’s pleasure in mind, but also his safety, as well as our own.
Installing a pet barrier in your SUV is one of the most effective ways to let your pup come along on a road trip, while still ensuring he’s comfortable and safe.
But before we dive into the product reviews, let’s first understand how pet barriers can help you.
Why Do You Need a Pet Barrier?
It’s true that some dogs are capable of climbing into the front or back seat of the car, and sitting calmly or curling up for a nap. These dogs, however, are few and far between.
Here are the two main reasons you should consider a pet barrier.
1. It Helps Keep Your Dog Safe
Maybe you don’t think you have the need for a pet barrier because you have a very well-behaved dog that happily jumps into the car, and remains in one spot for the entire ride.
No matter how trained your dog is, his safety is at risk when he rides without a barrier.
Think of the importance that safety belts play in automobile accidents. In the event that something goes wrong, an unsecured dog has absolutely zero protection from the collision of the impact.
This means he will almost certainly make contact with the windshield, or some other part of the car, causing injuries that could have been minimized with the use of a pet barrier.
So no, it’s not as good as a seat belt, but the presence of a quality pet barrier dramatically minimizes the area your dog has to move around if you’re involved in an accident.
2. It Minimizes Distractions
We wouldn’t allow our children to run around unsecured in a moving vehicle. Likewise, it’s important to be sure that our pets are safely secured, so we can concentrate on the road.
Even the calmest dog may react excitedly to outside stimuli, such as another dog or animal. If we’re trying to block our dog’s wagging tail from our face as we navigate traffic, there’s a serious possibility for accidents to happen.
Some studies even suggest that an excited animal in a car can be just as dangerous as other forms of distracted driving, like talking on the phone.
Pet barriers allow our dogs to move freely within a confined area, so that they can enjoy the ride without having the opportunity to distract you from the road.
Here are our favorite pet barrier picks for SUV’s.
What’s the Best Pet Barrier for SUV’s?
1. Arf Pets Wire Barrier for SUV
This pet barrier has an adjustable width of 36″ to 66″, as well as an adjustable height of 23″ to 43″, which helps to provide a safe way to contain your dog in the cargo area of your SUV.
It’s made of a durable steel wire secured with metal piping, and once it’s attached to the car, your dog can move about as much as he wants without getting under or through the sides of the barrier.
The screen itself can stand up to a great deal of abuse, including clawing and scratching. It also has rubber around the feet and the header to prevent damage to your car.
Additionally, it’s is easy to put together and install without any tools. Simply adjust the feet at the bottom to secure the gate between the floor and the ceiling. And the best thing is that it doesn’t limit visibility at all.
In order to add more tension, use a bungee cord around one of the headrests.
Pros
- Durable material
- Doesn’t limit visibility
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn’t securely fit all models of SUV’s
Bottom Line: This pet barrier is an excellent option for those who like to travel with dogs that are a little higher spirited. It creates a visible yet sturdy barrier, while providing a safe and distraction-free ride.
2. Little Giant Adjustable Auto Pet Barrier
This pet barrier can expand between 39″ to 79″ wide, and 32″ to 52″ tall. If you’re looking for a product that’s durable, and at the same time flexible, look no farther.
It has panels that can adjust both up and down and side to side. This means that you get the tightest, most secure fit possible, minimizing any chances for your dog to wiggle his way out through the top or out the sides.
The screen is made of a rugged wire mesh that stands up to tough chewers. This material is sturdy yet lightweight, and still allows your dog to feel as though he’s close to you, as he can clearly see and hear everything that’s going on.
It’s also very easy to install and remove without any tools, and the rounded corners are an added safety feature, ensuring your dog does not get accidentally snagged.
Pros
- Durable material
- Highly adaptable
- Adjustable panels
- Easy to install
Cons
- The barrier can be a bit noisy
Bottom Line: This pet barrier is extremely versatile, and can be used on almost every kind of SUV. It helps to keep your dog safely barricaded during car rides, while still allowing him to see out and feel as though he’s included.
3. SUKI&SAMI Adjustable Pet Barrier for SUV’s
This pet barrier is specifically designed to fit most cars. As long as the width of your automobile’s interior is between 35.5″ to 48″ when measured below the headrests, it will accommodate your dog perfectly.
It has a mesh screen that’s made from sturdy wire, which is resistant to scratching and tearing. So even if you have a dog that tends to get excited while riding in the car, it will stand up to the trials of everyday use.
On top of that, the screen has a zinc coating to prevent rusting and damage to your car.
However, it’s snug-fitting means that your pup won’t be able to squeeze underneath or out the sides. Yet, he still has full access to heat and air conditioning, as the mesh design allows airflow to move about freely.
For the most part, it should take no more than 10 minutes to install, as all you have to do is just attach the flexible hook to the gavelock of the front seats. However, some people found this a bit challenging.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fit most SUV’s
- Durable material
- Zinc coating
Cons
- Can be somewhat challenging to assemble
Bottom Line: If you have a large SUV, or a particularly energetic dog, this may be the pet barrier for you. Not only is it wide enough to fit nearly any truck or SUV, but it’s also made from a material that makes it virtually impossible for your dog to destroy.
4. UCAS Heavy-Duty Dog Barrier
This pet barrier can adjust anywhere between 35.5″ to 48″ wide, which means it should securely fit most makes and models of SUV’s with minimal effort.
It’s made from a high-quality steel wire mesh, which safely contains your dog while providing a clear line of sight to what’s ahead.
Plus, the smooth surface design ensures it won’t scratch or damage your car’s interior.
It’s easy to install as well, as you don’t need any tools to put the barrier in and out of your cargo hold. Simply use the straps to fix the barrier tightly around the headrests.
As a bonus, there’s a 3-year warranty and money-back guarantee in case you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase for any reason.
Update: This product is now also available in 35.5″ – 60″, and with hooks instead of straps.
Pros
- Durable
- Smooth surface design
- Easy installation
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- May not fit certain large SUV models
Bottom Line: This pet barrier is a great example of a quality pet product. It helps you and your dog travel safely together with minimal setup or takedown.
What Should You Look for in a Pet Barrier? Quick Overview
- Quality, Durable Material: Ideally, pet barriers should be made from a strong mesh material that allows your dog to see out, while still providing a secure barrier.
- Proper Dimensions: It’s important to carefully measure your SUV’s cargo hold before purchasing a pet barrier to ensure you get the right size. You need to be sure that the gate spans fully from one end of the car to the other, leaving no gaps that could provide an avenue for escape.
- Keep in mind that some pet barriers are adjustable in size, while other barriers are customized to meet your car’s dimensions, so make sure it’s a good fit, so your dog can’t squeeze out in the middle of the ride.
- Easy Installation: Look for a pet barrier with simple, easy to follow instructions. Most pet barriers can be installed in less than half an hour with minimal tools.
