Dog Car Barriers Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for the right dog car barrier, there are many different specifications and features you will come across. All the technical jabber does get confusing making it difficult to narrow down the options. Some features are core and shouldn’t be overlooked while others are just fun bonuses to have with your purchase.
To help you separate what matters from what doesn’t, here is a quick beginner’s guide to dog car barrier shopping. The information should help you strike a balance between what is right for your car and safe for your pooch. Without further ado, here are 7 key things you need to know when making your decision.
Size matters: what vehicle make is it designed for?
Dog car barriers come in all shapes and sizes. You want to ensure that you get something that will offer you adequate coverage and keep your dog out of your space as you drive. In this case, there are 2 key features to look out for.
The first are the specific dimensions. A lot of brands out there will offer you details on how to measure your own vehicle in comparison so that you order something that actually fits. You need to follow the steps to ensure that you do not end up with something that either leaves too much room uncovered or doesn’t even fit into your vehicle.
The other alternative is to go with the universal fit designs. These are measured to fit specific vehicle types. It could be something built for small sedans, SUVs or even trucks. Here, you do not have to go through the hustle of measuring. Just check the specifications, FAQs, or buyer reviews to see whether your vehicle design can be accommodated.
Adjustability is an important bonus
Adjustability is not necessarily a crucial make or break feature when it comes to selecting the best dog car barrier. However, it does come in handy if you have multiple vehicles of different sizes that you may want to travel in.
In this case, instead of measuring and shopping for two different vehicles, you could just go with the adjustable options. Most of these feature overlapping panels that can be pulled apart or together to ensure they cover your space adequately. Our top pick is a fantastic example of such options and the adjustability is definitely a perk worth appreciating.
How does it attach to your vehicle?
How the dog car barrier attaches to your vehicle is crucial for 3 main reasons. The first is that it determines how easy it is to install the unit in the first place. Here, options that make use of strap and buckle systems are by far the most convenient. This is because the installation is absolutely tool-free.
The second reason why the mechanism of installation matters is that it determines how flexible the unit will be. The reality is that you will probably not be going on road trips with your pooch every other day. As a result, it will be nice to have something you can easily take down when you don’t need. In this case, strap-based and suction sticker barriers are the best option.
Finally, the way the barrier attaches determines how stable and secure the whole setup will be. In this case, suction stickers may not be the best as a very strong dog could easily pull it down. Buckled straps and screw-in alternatives on the other hand guarantee that your barrier stays up until you are ready to take it down yourself.
Visibility is crucial
We cannot emphasize enough the need to prioritize visibility when it comes to deciding which barrier to go with. Most of them feature a grid mesh design that is meant to keep your pooch restrained while still allowing them to see you. The fact that they get to see their human bestie makes them a lot calmer which is important as a way to help minimize distractions. In this case, make sure you get something with wide enough mesh spacing that they don’t feel too far away from you.
Visibility is also key for the driver. You need to be able to not only keep an eye on your pooch in the back but to also see through the rearview mirror for safe driving. With this consideration, you can never go wrong with medium to wide mesh grid sizes.
Single unit vs. multiple panel barriers
Dog car barriers come in two main designs. The first is the single unit barrier. As the name suggests, the entire grid is one compact piece that is installed whole. These are often the more affordable options. However, they tend to be fixed in size so you need to get that fit right or you will end up frustrated unless you get those designed to be collapsible and extendable.
For the multiple panel barriers, they come as separate grids. These offer the benefit of adjustability so you can get a better custom fit for your vehicle. They are also easier to package for storage or transport as you can easily just put the separate panels over one another.
Material used to make the grid
These barriers are made from different materials. The type of material determines, above all else, how strong the unit will be and by extension how effective it will be when it comes to keeping your dog adequately restrained during the drive. The best options here are the metallic grids whether it is iron, stainless steel or aluminum. What makes them so awesome is the fact that they can withstand all your pooch’s shenanigans including chewing and scratching.
The material also determines the overall durability. With metallic options in particular, you want something that will resist corrosion. The last thing you want as a dog owner is your dog chewing on rust simply because they are excited to get to you as you drive. With fabric mesh barriers on the other hand, heavy duty materials like nylon are the way to go.
Overall sturdiness
Finally, you have to ensure that what you go for is celebrated for its sturdiness. Flimsy barriers are a waste of time and money and will only frustrate and distract you as you drive. The type of material and construction specifications should offer adequate clues as to what you should expect with your purchase. With these, you can never go wrong with high quality materials and firm installation designs.
Another way to figure out what is in store for you with your purchase is by checking out the reviews for any product you may be interested in. These will offer objective insight on what the barrier has to offer especially when it comes to sturdiness.
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