Best dog-friendly cars to lease in the UK
By FergusGuide overview:
- Estates are often the most dog-friendly cars day-to-day thanks to a bigger boot and lower height, however, SUVs still shine if you're looking for a strong all-rounder.
- Look for a boot with a wide opening, a flat floor, and a low load lip so your dog can hop in and out comfortably.
- Putting a dog in a lease car is fine, as long as your adhere to fair wear and tear guidelines. We'd recommend getting liners/covers to avoid scratches, tears, or staining.
Choosing a new lease car is one thing. But choosing one that works for muddy paws, wet coats, dog hair, and the odd "I'm not getting in" moment is another.
There's plenty of options out there, but it’s worth focusing on the features that’ll make everyday life easier for you and your dog — not just what looks good on the driveway.
In this guide, we'll compare the best dog-friendly cars in the UK, focusing on boot space, load lip, easy-clean practicality, and dog-friendly features like liners and clever storage features.
Yes, you can. And people do it all the time.
The main thing to remember is that when you lease a car, you're not the legal owner of the vehicle (your finance provider is). When your contact comes to an end, you'll need to return the vehicle in line with fair wear and tear guidelines, and avoid obvious damage, such as deep scratches, torn upholstery, and heavy staining.
The easiest way to stay on the safe side is to be proactive from day one. We recommend:
- Boot liner (or heavy-duty mat)
- Rear seat cover (if your dog sits on the seats)
- Plenty of towels in the car to prevent any stains
If you're unsure what's acceptable when returning your car, take a look at our leasing wear and tear guide. It walks you through what's considered fair, and what could lead to charges.
Thanks to the rise of family-friendly cars, there are loads of models that look like they’ll be perfect for dogs. But in reality, it’s the small details that make a car feel like the right companion for your four-legged passenger.
Here’s what we’d look out for:
A big boot matters, but so does the shape. A wide opening, flat boot floor, and low load lip make it much easier for your dog to hop in and out, especially if they’re older.
Dog hair gets everywhere, and muddy paws have a habit of finding light upholstery. Easy-clean materials will save you time and help keep the car in good condition until the end of your lease.
A powered tailgate is the unsung hero of modern cars. It’s genuinely useful when your hands are full (lead in one hand, shopping in the other), and it makes loading your dog that bit easier.
Quick tip: If your dog struggles with jumping, prioritise a low load lip. It's often the difference between easy everyday travel and constant lifting.
When researching a car that's perfect for a dog, you might automatically be picturing an SUV. However, dog owners have found estate cars or MPVs to be more practical thanks to their boots sitting closer to the floor.
This usually means a lower load lip, which makes it easier for dogs to hop in and out, especially if they're older.
That said, SUVs and crossovers can still be a brilliant choice for dog owners, especially if you're after an all-rounder that will keep the wife, kids, and dog happy!
- You want the easiest day-to-day loading (less jumping and lifting)
- Your dog travels in the boot most of the time
- You use a crate and want a long, square load area
- You spend your weekend adventuring rather than in the city
- You want extra ground clearance and a more outdoorsy feel
- You don't mind a higher boot height
- You want maximum space and easy access (often with big openings and sliding doors)
- You regularly travel with lots of equipment and need plenty of storage space
1. Skoda Octavia Estate
The Octavia Estate is a go-to for dog owners because the boot is long, square and easy to use, ensuring crates, beds, and weekend bags don't put too much stress on your back.
The lower estate-style loading height also helps if your dog isn't too keen on jumping.
Skoda also offers a pet pack as an optional extra, which comes with a dog guard, rear bumper protector, and a double-sided boot mat or a rubber boot liner.
- Boot size - 640 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low
- Best for - Everyday dog travel and older dogs
2. Dacia Duster
The Duster is a budget-friendly SUV that suits active dog owners who want to get out and have an adventure. It's compact enough for everyday driving, but still offers a practical boot that should fit everything that comes with having a dog.
There's plenty of easy-clean surfaces throughout the cabin, ensuring you're not spending hours cleaning your car after a weekend away.
- Boot size - Up to 474 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Medium-high
- Best for - Budget-conscious families and dogs that don't mind a higher jump in
3. Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery is ideal if you need serious space for a large dog, a crate, and family luggage on the same trip. Its flexible cabin makes it easy to set up a dedicated dog area, and it also feels at home on rough terrains when adventure calls.
For added protection, Land Rover has various accessories available for the Discovery, such as a boot liner, rubber mat, and even a pet access ramp.
- Boot size - 1,137 litres (five seats in use)
- Load lip / loading height - High
- Best for - Large dogs and long family trips
4. Citroen e-Berlingo MPV
The e-Berlingo is one of the easiest cars to live with if your dog (and your gear) takes up a lot of room. The MPV shape gives you a tall, square load area, and the wide access makes lifting in a crate far less of a faff.
If you're after a no-nonsense car that your dog will love, the e-Berlingo is a great option.
- Boot size - 775 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low-medium
- Best for - Bulky dog gear and owners looking for vast space
5. Volvo V60
The V60 is a calm, premium-feel estate car that nails the day-to-day dog brief: a usable boot, a sensible load height, and a square shape that suits crates and dog beds. It's also a great choice if you do lots of motorway miles and want a quieter cabin.
- Boot size - 519 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low
- Best for - Medium to large dogs and owners looking for comfort and practicality
6. Volkswagen Passat Estate
The Passat Estate is cut from the same cloth as the Volvo V60. It's a sensible choice for dog owners looking for plenty of boot space without stepping into SUV territory.
It comes with a low riding height, meaning your dog can climb in and out more easily and you'll also find loading crates simpler.
- Boot size - 690 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low
- Best for - Dogs that prefer a low step in and drivers who cover a lot of miles
7. Skoda Superb Estate
The Superb Estate offers a car that ticks literally every box. It's ideal if you have a big dog and all that comes with it.
It's boot space is very generous and the design is perfect for a four-legged companion.
- Boot size - 660 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low
- Best for - Big dogs and drivers with family
8. Ford Focus Estate
The Ford Focus Estate is a great ‘normal car’ pick for dog owners: easy to drive, easy to park, but still properly useful in the boot. It’s ideal if you don’t want the bulk of an SUV but still need space for a medium dog and the weekly shop.
For keeping the load area clean on a lease, Ford offers protection extras like a reversible load compartment mat with a washable rubber side and fold-out bumper protection.
- Boot size - 608 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Low-medium
- Best for - Smaller families, medium dogs, and everyday practicality
9. Toyota Rav4
If you're fancying an SUV, the Rav4 is a strong choice. It comes with a higher ride height and an adventure feel, while still having a practical boot for your dog and any necessary accessories.
- Boot size - 580 litres
- Load lip / loading height - Medium-high
- Best for - Big and athletic dogs and outdoorsy drivers
10. Volkswagen ID.Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a brilliant option if your dog is basically another family member and you want loads of usable space. The tall cabin and big openings make it easier to manage a crate, and the van-like layout suits messy, outdoorsy lifestyles.
To keep things lease-friendly, look for genuine accessories like all-weather floor mats and other protective add-ons, plus practical kit such as mud flaps for wet-weather trips.
- Boot size - 628 litres
- Load lip / loading height - High
- Best for - Larger dogs and big families
If you are considering a new lease car capable of carrying your four-legged friend, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 for helpful advice on the best car for you.
Alternatively, why not visit our Family Motoring Guides section for handy guides on all things family driving!
Guide Information
Originally published: 21st March 2017
Last updated: 6th January 2026
Due to be reviewed: 10th August 2026
