The best dog guards and barriers are designed with the safety of both you and your pooch in mind. By installing one in your car, you'll be shielding your hound from danger in case of an accident or any sharp or sudden movements you need to make as you're tackling the roads. Not to mention, these safe and protective dog travel accessories are designed to ensure your furry friend can't be a distraction to you while cruising along, preventing them from being able to jump from the back to the front of your vehicle.
According to the Highway Code, dogs and other animals need to be suitably restrained so they cannot distract or injure you or themselves while you are driving. You will need to make sure they are securely in a dog travel crate or carrier or in their own seat and belt to stop them from roaming freely in the car or you could face a rather hefty fine. However, even with a restraint in place, if your dog has a will, they’ll find a way and they’ll try with all their might to try and get into the front seat with you. That’s where the best dog guards and barriers will come in handy.
Best dog guards and barriers at a glance:
• Best overall: Sakura Headrest Dog Guard For Cars – view on Amazon UK
• Best for large dogs: Streetwize Universal Heavy-Duty Adjustable Car Dog Guard – view on Argos
• Best for small dogs: STARROAD-TIM Dog Car Barrier – view on Amazon UK
Dog barriers and guards are designed to create a more secure environment for you and your dog while travelling in the car. They will stop your pooch from roaming freely and trying to jump from seat to seat by giving them their own sectioned-off area. They come in various styles and materials, catering to different vehicle types and dogs, as well as different areas of the car. For example, larger dogs may benefit more from a metal dog guard installed in the boot whereas smaller breeds may prefer being buckled in with their doggy seat belt in the back seats with a mesh dog barrier in place to stop them from getting into the front seats.
Whether you’re heading down the road on a short trip or embarking on a longer adventure, the dog guards and barriers will give you peace of mind that everyone is staying safe in the car, no matter the duration of your journey. To help you decide which type of barrier to get, we’ve rounded up the best dog guards for all types of dogs and cars, that are designed for different positions in the car and made from varying materials.
Best dog guards and barriers
Best overall
AmazonWith over 22,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.3, this Sakura Headrest Dog Guard For Cars is the top choice with customers on Amazon. Suitable for most hatchbacks, small vans, crossovers and 4x4s, it's easy to fit and remove as the pack included all the components you're going to need for installation. The width is adjustable so you can adapt it to fit your vehicle.
Customer review: "Fits perfectly in my Ford Kuga and stops the dog from wanting to jump over onto the kids! Easy to install and adjust."
Pros
- Easy to fit and remove
- Suitable for most hatchbacks, small vans, crossovers and 4x4s
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the instructions could be clearer
Best for durability
AmazonDesigned to offer heavy-duty protection, the Xtremeauto Car Dog Guard For Car Boot is ideal for keeping those larger canine companions safely contained in the back of the car while you're driving along. It's made from high-quality materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion so it can withstand tough conditions and its versatile design means it can also be used to create a safe space for your pooch around your home, too.
Customer review: "Easy to fit. Took less than 5 min. No more doggy escaping into passenger seat"
Pros
- Made using durable materials
- Heavy duty
Cons
- Some reviewers felt like the shape of the guard didn't work with their particular vehicle model
Best for large dogs
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Medium and large breeds will feel calm, safe and secure while travelling in the boot of your car when you've got the Streetwize Universal Heavy-Duty Adjustable Car Dog Guard installed. This guard is designed with two heavy-duty bars rather than the grid-style bars that are traditionally used so it'll still do the job of keeping bigger hounds in the back but won't feel as restricting as other designs.
Customer review: "Bought this as couldn't find a vehicle specific (FORD KA) dog guard. Easy to put together and easy to fit in boot of car, even for an old codger like me. Good and strong for my daughter's retriever."
Pros
- Ideal for medium and large dogs
- Suitable for hatchbacks, estates, 4x4s and people carriers
Cons
- Not suitable for saloon cars
Best for choice
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Did you know the RAC has a range of travel accessories to keep your hound safe and sound while they're travelling in the car with you? This RAC Cargo Guard and Dog Vent is available as a standard guard or a jumbo guard to suit your vehicle type as well as the size of your dog. Both are made from durable steel alloy and they're easy to install too, with no tools required for installation.
Customer review: "Fitted it to my Kia venga so easily. No rattles and the dog loves looking out the window! Highly recommended."
Pros
- Choice of sizes
- Made of durable steel
Cons
- May not be suitable for very small dogs as they could try and squeeze themselves through the gaps
Best mesh barrier for the boot
AmazonIf you'd prefer not to have a metal guard or barrier installed, we'd recommend considering the CiuGear Car Dog Guard. It's designed with a dual-layer mesh to make it that little bit stronger against chewers and has four elasticated hooks, with one in each corner, as well as hooks, so you can easily adjust the fit. Not just a boot barrier, it can also be used to separate front and back seats as well as a storage organiser net.
Customer review: "Does the job. Stops my dog from trying to come into the front of my motorhome which is what I bought it for. Very sturdy. Would purchase again."
Pros
- Quick installation
- Dual layer mesh
Cons
- May not be as durable against larger and strong breeds
Best guard/barrier for front seats
Viovetwww.viovet.co.uk
Designed to prevent distracted driving by providing a barrier between your front and back seats. The Kurgo Backseat Barrier offers a low profile design with mesh panelling so your passenger princess or prince won't miss out on the action in the front of the car while being suitably restrained in the back seats. Simple to install by attaching to your headrests, it also features a pocket to keep your mutt's favourite toy and some water inside.
Customer review: "Fitted in range rover sport, I've tried 3 guards previously and my little 4kg pomeranian got over/under/ripped them all BUT this one is the best! He has been defeated! hurray ! It is better than others because if sits higher up between the seat 'head rests ' other than the others I have previously bought. Well worth the money for me because its worked!"
Pros
- Mesh panel for visibility and breathability
- Horizontal and vertical bars for structural support
Cons
- Material may be easily scratched
Best for small dogs
AmazonIf your hound needs the reassurance of seeing you and out to the front of the car while they're riding with you, the STARROAD-TIM Dog Car Barrier may be a good option for you. The whole thing is made from mesh so they'll be nothing obstructing their vision, not to mention it's extremely breathable, too. There are hooks and adjustable elastic straps that can be attached either to the handles above the door or the front seat headrests to find your perfect fit.
Customer review: "Item works well for stopping our dog jumping from the rear to front seats of the car. Easy to install and appears to be good value and quality. Time will tell how sturdy the product is in the longer term but very happy with it for the time being."
Pros
- Breathable
- Doesn't take long to install
Cons
- May not be ideal for chewers
FAQs
With some help from the Animal Trust, we've answered some of the most frequently answered questions to do with travelling in the car with your pooch.
How can you make your pooch more comfortable while travelling in the car?
"Travelling in a vehicle can be distressing for your pet along with the motion causing them to be sick. To help your pet get used to being in the car, it’s best to introduce them to this as early as possible as part of their socialisation training. Exposure to this environment at a young age will desensitise their uncertainty and get them used to the motion. It’s best for your dog to be able to see out of a window when travelling, or if your pet is prone to motion sickness, allow them to face forward."
"Travel socialisation can be built up, starting with short distances and extending to longer distance car journeys. Treats can help make these new experiences positive and reinforce your pet that they have behaved well."
How should you transport your dog in the car?
To help you travel safely with your pooch in tow, you need to choose a travel system that will ensure they're suitably restrained and will also keep them comfortable for the duration of your journey. Here are some of the suitable systems you can use.
"Pet-friendly car harnesses simply fit onto your pet and clip into place, making it safe for your pet to sit on the back seat or in the boot."
Travel dog crate
"Crating your dog will help keep them safe and secure while travelling in the car. Using a crate to transport your pet has the added benefit if they’re already used to this environment from their training."
Car carrier for a puppy or small adult dog
"A pet carrier is a portable and light alternative to a metal crate and can be easier to pack if you’re staying away from home."
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.