10 Best Dog Car Barriers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Many dog owners like taking their dogs for a ride, whether it be to the park or just around the block, and dogs are often just excited for car rides as their humans. Although car rides with your dog can be fun, they can be dangerous for you and your dog if your furry friend likes to hop in the front seat with you. That’s where a dog car barrier can come in handy.

Unfortunately, manufacturers know this to be true, causing them to flood the market with different car barrier options. Because there are so many dog car barriers for sale, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth the money and which ones are flops. To make the process a bit easier for you, we have found the 10 best dog car barriers this year.

In this roundup, we’re going to provide reviews for the 10 best options so that you can safely go riding around with your favorite pooch. Without further ado, let’s get started.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024 Update)

The 10 Best Dog Barriers for Cars

1. rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier – Best Overall

If you are looking for the best overall dog car barrier, you will probably like the rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier. We have selected this as our best overall pick because it is an affordable price, heavy duty, and adjustable for most vehicles.

The thing we love the most about this dog car barrier is that it has a universal fit. Many heavy-duty dog barriers are designed based on specific make and models, making it difficult to find a budget option for your car and dog. This one, however, can be put into just about any car, SUV, or truck with ease.

At the same time, the barrier is made from durable wired net, making it heavy duty and effective for persistent and large dogs. Although it isn’t the sturdiest thing on the market, it is difficult to find another dog barrier like this at this price. Even with this durability, the price is still affordable and much more reasonable than other similar barriers.

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2. K&H Pet Products Vehicle Door Protector – Best Value

If you are on a tight budget, the K&H Pet Products Vehicle Door Protector is likely a great option for you. Even though it is named a door protector, it can easily be used as a dog barrier in smaller vehicles. We have named this our best dog car barrier for the money because it is highly affordable yet also durable and comes with additional storage.

How this dog barrier works is that you simply hook it around the front seat headrests. It then blocks the space between the two front chairs, creating a barrier between you and your dog in the back seat. The first reason we love this dog barrier is for its price. It is affordable, making it a great option for just about every price point.

It is also durable and designed to withstand your dog scratching and more. To get even more use out of this barrier, it comes with convenient pockets for storing different items, such as a leash or toys.

The biggest downside of this option is that it is made from fabric and does not cover from top to bottom, meaning that it may not do the job for larger or more persistent dogs. For the money, though, you really can’t beat the K&H Pet Products Vehicle Door Protector.

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3. Travall Guard Compatible with Honda CR-V Automatic Models (2011-2016) – Premium Choice

Whereas some people need a budget pick, others may be looking for a more premium choice. If that sounds like you, the Travall Guard Compatible with Honda CR-V Automatic Models is the way to go. We have named this our premium choice because it is incredibly durable, rattle free, and vehicle specific, though its price tag is definitely on the higher end.

What makes this dog barrier so effective is that it is made from steel and is made specifically for your vehicle. As a result, it prevents your dog from entering in the front seats completely. Even the biggest or most persistent of dogs will not be able to get through this barrier.

Although this barrier is highly effective, we did not name it our top pick for a reason. Firstly, it is vehicle specific, meaning only people with a Honda CR-V automatic will find this useful. Travall offers other vehicle makes if you are interested in this brand but have a different type of vehicle. We also did not name it our top pick because it is much more expensive than most people are willing to spend.

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4. Travall Guard Compatible with Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2012-2019)

Because of how effective Travall dog barriers are, we wanted to show you a different model. The Travall Guard Compatible with Volkswagen Golf Hatchback (2012-2019) is just like our premium choice, but it is specifically designed for a Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

As a result, this dog barrier is just as effective and durable as the option discussed above. Once again, dogs will not be able to get through this barrier, no matter how large or persistent they may be. At the same time, this Travall barrier comes with the same drawbacks as our premium choice. Most notably, it is highly expensive and is only suitable for certain vehicles.

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5. Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier

The next dog barrier on our list is the Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier. This dog barrier is reasonably priced, a universal fit, and easily stored. In many ways, this barrier is comparable to our top choice, but we did not rank it our top choice because it is notably less stable.

With that being said, the Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier is a great choice because it is extendable, meaning you can make it fit your vehicle, no matter how large or small it may be. It is especially great for larger vehicles, including most SUV, jeeps, vans, and hatchbacks. We also love that this dog barrier is very reasonably priced and foldable, making it easy to store.

As we mentioned above, the biggest issue with the Vetoos Car SUV Dog Barrier is its durability. Even though it claims to be doubly stable, it is much flimsier than our best overall pick, making it less suitable for persistent dogs. Many small to medium sized dogs, however, will do just fine with this barrier.

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6. Gtongoko Adjustable Dog Car Barrier

Heading on down the list, we have the Gtongoko Adjustable Dog Car Barrier. It is durable and adjustable so that it can fit in the cargo area of many vehicles. We really like this car barrier because it leaves no openings for your dog to get through. This makes it a great option for large or persistent dogs.

We also like this model because it is reasonably priced and adjustable. Obviously, no one wants to pay for an overpriced product, which this model is not. More so, the adjustable barrier makes it suitable for multiple vehicles, though it is definitely best for larger vehicles, such as SUVs.

We have placed the Gtongoko Adjustable Dog Car Barrier in the second half of our list for a reason. Most notably, it simply is not as efficient or easy to use as any of the other options listed above. This is largely because the design is more cheaply made.

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7. 4Knines Automotive Pet Deterrent Barrier

If you want a dog barrier that is affordable and lightweight, you may like the 4Knines Automotive Pet Deterrent Barrier. This barrier is similar to our budget pick, but it is notably less durable and does not come with additional storage, which is why it is much lower on the list. Like our budget pick, it simply hooks around the front seat headrests.

In addition to the affordability and light weight of this model, one feature we like about it is that the center of it is mesh. This allows your dog to see through to the front, though it also sacrifices durability. This may be a great option if your dog gets anxious being separated from you because allows the dog to still see you even with a fabric barrier.

Given that this dog barrier is lower on the list, it obviously comes with some notable drawbacks. Like any other fabric model, it is less durable and effective than metal mesh dog barriers. Plus, it is rather flimsy and not suited for large vehicles.

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8. Bushwhacker – Deluxe Dog Barrier

So far, many of the dog barriers we have looked at are best for smaller sized vehicles. If you have a wideset truck or SUV, you may need something bigger. The Bushwhacker – Deluxe Dog Barrier is specifically made for these sorts of vehicles.

Obviously, one thing we like about this dog barrier is that it fills in the gap for large vehicle dog barriers. It covers from bottom to top, preventing any dog from getting through the barrier, even in large vehicles. This is a great plus since most dog barriers leave gaps for dogs to get through in vehicles of this type.

Aside from being specifically designed for large vehicles, there isn’t as many pluses about this dog barrier as there are with others. For example, it is primarily made of mesh. Although this is an effective dog barrier, it can easily become ripped or broken if the dog paws at it. This makes it a less suitable option for dogs that do not like being confined to the back seat.

• You might also be interested in: 10 Best Dog Car Seats & Booster Seats – Reviews & Top Picks

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9. Ergotech Dog Guard

Getting close to the end of this list, we are now going to look at the Ergotech Dog Guard. This dog barrier is specific for a Subaru Impreza hatchback. It includes a barrier net or screen. This is an incredibly cheap option that is vehicle specific.

Although this is a great option for trained dogs who travel in a Subaru Impreza hatchback, this certainly is not the choice if you have a different vehicle or a more persistent dog. Because this barrier is made solely from a net, dogs can easily paw away at it if they want through. As a result, it certainly is nowhere near as durable as other options on this list.

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10. Bushwhacker – Two Dog Truck Bed Cross Tether

Finally, the last option on our list is the Bushwhacker – Two Dog Truck Bed Cross Tether. Even though it is not a dog barrier per se, it is a really affordable option if you simply want to tether your dog in place, preventing them from getting to the front through another medium. How this option works is that it simply attaches to brackets or other items in your car with clips.

Although this tether will certainly keep your dog in place, it may be more difficult to know how to tether down your dog depending on your car’s design. Additionally, this can come with some health risks if you were to get into a car accident while the dog is tethered in. It’s important to use this option wisely, or else you could seriously put your dog in harm’s way.

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Buyer’s Guide: Dog Barriers for Cars

Even when all the best models are laid out in front of you, it can still be difficult to know which dog car barrier to select. For this reason, we have added this buyer’s guide at the end. This buyer’s guide can help you determine which of these 10 options is best for your dog and car. Here are the most important factors to consider before making your decision.

Dog Barrier Size

The very first factor you should consider when selecting a dog barrier for your car is the barrier size. If the barrier is either too small or too large for the car, it can be wholly ineffective, causing you to waste your money.

Most dog car barriers are designed either for smaller cars or larger vehicles. Some will even have a universal design so that you can fit them in nearly any commercial vehicle on the market. For maximum effectiveness, you may even want to select a vehicle specific size, which is a barrier that is made specifically for some make and model.

Dog Barrier Placement

In addition to the barrier size, you need to look at where it will be placed in your vehicle. Do you want the barrier to be placed behind the front seats? Do you want it to be placed right in front of the cargo? Certain barriers are only designed for one or the other, whereas some are made for both. Just make sure that the barrier you select can be placed where you want it to go.

Dog Barrier Space Covering

Space covering refers to how much space the barrier actually covers in the vehicle. The more space that is covered, the more effective the barrier will be. If you have an unruly dog, it’s best to opt for as much space covering as possible. Dog barriers that go from the top to the bottom will offer the most space covering and protection.

On the other hand, you may not need the barrier to cover all of the open space. This may be true if you have a particularly well-behaved dog or a small breed. Many dog barriers will simply cover from the armrest up to the bottom of the headrest. This may be enough for your dog.

Dog Barrier Durability

Finally, the last factor to think about is durability. Durability will be impacted by the materials and item quality. You want your dog barrier to be durable so that it adequately protects your dog and lasts for a long time. If you have a dog that is prone to pawing at the barrier, you especially need to select a durable option. Barriers made with metal will be the most durable.

Conclusion: Dog Car Barriers

At the end of the day, the rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier is our best overall pick because it is affordable, a universal fit, and covers a lot of space inside the vehicle. This will be great for most users. If you are on a tighter budget, though, you might want to opt for the K&H Pet Products Vehicle Door Protector instead.

No matter which option you select, remember to keep our reviews and buyer’s guide in mind. Considering the size, placement, space covering, and durability of the dog barrier you select will help you find a model that is perfect for your dog, vehicle, and wallet.