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A black 2022 Subaru Ascent is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a dealer that has Subarus for sale.

What Makes Subaru One of the Best Pet-Friendly Brands on the Market

Plenty of drivers love their pets as if they are members of the family, and so they bring them with them everywhere they go, and Subaru vehicles are naturally built for adventure. So how are these two things connected? A Subaru driver typically enjoys a good camping trip, day of hiking, or spontaneous trip to a lake; naturally, furry friends have to come along for those excursions. However, no matter what a good boy Fido is, he might not be the best behaved when in the car. He can’t help it; there’s no driver’s ed for doggies, and he doesn’t know how to tell you when he needs you to pull over so he can use a rest stop.

Luckily, Subaru makes a collection of pet-friendly accessories that help keep your animals safe and content on the road while helping you protect your vehicle. If you’ve been looking at Subarus for sale while searching for a new vehicle, you’ll want to keep pet-friendly features in mind; check out some of the thoughtful accessories Subaru has made available to their drivers. In fact, the manufacturer’s dedication to pet-friendly travels includes accessories of all sizes and styles to fit multiple Subaru models, as well as different sizes and breeds of pets. With these accessories and pet-friendly vehicles, your pet no longer has to give you those dramatic eyes when you leave without him; he’s coming along for the ride.

Pet-friendly Padded Cargo Liner

Many drivers love their pets so much that they usually gladly turn their entire cargo space into their pet’s personal kingdom. That’s why Subaru offers a pet-friendly padded cargo liner to keep your trunk area clean while keeping your pup comfortable. Its thick padding provides support for your animal’s joints, while its polyester shell is resistant to scratching and pawing.
The liner even has a zipper, so you can perfectly adjust it to cover all areas you’re worried about, even when you utilize the 60/40 split-folding ability of the rear seats of your particular model. Its adjustable latches make it easy to set up in cargo areas of different sizes. Plus, it’s easy to keep clean because it is machine washable, so if fur gets everywhere, you can quickly tidy up this liner.

Pet Ramp for Elderly or Vertically Challenged Pups

Whether you have a senior dog who can no longer jump in and out of the trunk on their own or a breed notorious for back issues like a basset hound, this pet ramp will help your furry friend get in and out of your vehicle without assistance. It’s made from aluminum and plastic and is very durable. In fact, it can support pets up to 220 lbs, so it’s ready for large breeds. And if two medium-sized pups want to run up it at the same time, the ramp can support them.

The ramp sits on rubberized feet to ensure it doesn’t slip, and even the surface has enough grip to provide a non-slip experience for dogs. Its telescoping design makes it easy to expand or contract to adapt to trunks of many heights and different areas. Plus, it easily folds up when you don’t need it. If you’re worried about Fido trying to get in and out of the car on his own, or you don’t have the strength to lift him, this is a great accessory to add to your Subaru.

A black 2022 Subaru Ascent is shown from the rear at an angle.

Pet-Friendly Padded Seat Protector

Hey, your pet is a member of the family. As such, they may not be relegated to the trunk; instead, they ride in the back seat like any normal passenger. Subaru makes several rear seat protectors for bench-style seats and captain’s chairs. They are made of durable materials that animals can’t scratch through, are highly adjustable to fit over headrests and different seat sizes, and are machine washable. The protector will look different depending on your vehicle; for example, the Ascent’s protector is designed for bench row seats. On the Crosstrek and Impreza, you can find these accessories that are made both for rear seats with and without armrests. Be sure to check the measurements and model details to get the right protector for your car.

Collapsible Pet Kennel

Perhaps you don’t want your pet to roam around the cargo area freely when you’re in transit. You know your animal, and if you know they can’t be trusted not to chew on things or have an accident, this collapsible pet kennel is a great feature to add to your vehicle. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to fold when not in use. Plus, it boasts a straightforward setup with four lower mounting hooks and a durable build thanks to its steel tube frame. There are a total of three zippered openings, making it easy for dogs of different sizes to get in and out in various ways. It even has a carrying handle for transporting it once it’s folded up and convenient pockets for storing things like treats and poop bags.

Pet Harness

If only you could put a regular seatbelt on your pet, right? You’ve probably tried (who hasn’t?). Luckily, Subaru makes a harness for your vehicle. It attaches to a seatbelt, limiting where your pet can wander when you’re traveling (like into your lap while you’re driving). The harness’ padded vest will provide cushioning on your pup’s chest should you come to a sudden stop. You’ll also get plenty of use out of this because it can even be used as a regular walking harness outside the vehicle. It’s available in several sizes, ranging from small to extra-large.

A black 2021 Subaru Forester is shown from the rear at an angle.

A Brand With Pet Owners in Mind

While many pet-friendly accessories can be added to several different Subaru models, some vehicles are especially great for pet owners. The Ascent has a spacious cabin and tall roof, making it ideal for owners of particularly large breeds; your Mastiff or German Shepherd should be able to stand in the trunk of this vehicle comfortably. Its rear seats also fold almost completely flat when you need to make extra room for Fido’s belongings. The Ascent even has a decent towing ability, so if you’d like to bring Fido’s big wooden dog house in tow to your next adventure, you can.

The Subaru Outback is also a great vehicle for dog owners. Its trunk has a low-loading floor, making it easy to get dogs in and out. It also has a spacious trunk that gives a furry friend room to spread out on those long trips. The power rear gate is useful on the Outback, letting you release your lovable beasts with a push of a button.

If you have small breeds like pugs or mini poodles, the Subaru Impreza is more than up to the challenge of carting them around. Its wide rear gate makes it easy to load crates, large bags of food, and more. Whether it’s a pet-friendly model or accessories to make your four-legged friend’s time on the road more enjoyable, Subaru is dedicated to drivers and their pets, making them an ideal brand to consider when looking for a vehicle that prioritizes the comfort of your furry family members.