Dog Friendly SUV's

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

We had a discussion once before on dog friendly SUV's. Does anyone have any advice on dog friendly models? I currently have a Lexus RX350 but now that Hattie has arrived with all her paraphernalia it is cramped, especially if I have someone riding with me or if I have luggage. I have to haul her crate to hotels now as well, and I bought one of those plastic ones that comes in two pieces but it takes up a lot of room in the back.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Sure, Christine!  It's one of those little known secrets -- even to Tim!!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I, too, have an old Ford Explorer and I love it.  Lots of room for everything and turns tight to park and manuever easily in spite of its size.

[Jen & Ember]

I have a Toyota Rav4 and it is great. I have the sport edition which has black interior fabric that has been easy to maintain. Lots of room in the back, but super comfortable in the front two rows too!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I just bought a Ford Edge and absolutely love it.  Oliver is a big boy @ 80 lbs. and Sasha is 50 lbs.  Sasha likes to sit in the front seat and Ollie has the whole back to himself.  I fold down the two back seats for extra room.  The doodles like my new SUV... they fit in it much better than my Altima :) especially Ollie !!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I want one!!! :)

[Brandi]

The Honda Element came out with a Dog friendly edition that has its own kennel in it....its pretty neat check it out, but I guess it depends on how big your doodles are :) 

I hope my link works

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

These are very cool!

[Margaret & Pebbles]

I think 2011 was the end of production for the Honda Element.

[Pattty Oehrlein]

In my previous life (pre-dog) I would have NEVER considered this suv, however now I cant wait to go check it out in person. LOL It is amazing how much my life has changed since we brought Quincy into our home. I have an Acura TL sedan and never wanted an SUV. Fast forward to the present and a couple trips trying to lug a pet bed, harness and dog "stuff" into my car and yes Im SUV shopping too.

Thanks for this thread- such great info, as always on DK.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My husband has a Toyota Venza and it has plenty of room. It was also voted one of the pet friendliest SUV's out there, which we didn't know when we bought the car. I have an old mini-van and would never have anything but a van, with two large dogs.

http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2010/01/05/dog-friendly-honda-ele...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I say take Hattie, take her crate, take your luggage and go to the dealership of the brands that interest you.  See how Hattie fits, along with the crate.  Make the salesman get in there with you.  We took the girls when we went to buy the van to make sure that they would jump in and see how they fit with the back seat folded down.  Little did we know at the time though that they didn't want to sit in the back, they wanted to sit right behind us up front.  It worked out though.  We have the Honda van and we can carry DH and I, two doodles (60 and 80 lbs) plus 4 other people and still have room for luggage.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sandy -- If you are going to have Hattie riding in the front seat make sure you are able to turn off the airbag ... wouldn't want her injured by it.