traveling with dogs

Some of the members here have bought seat covers from GT Covers.

http://www.gtcovers.com/shop/index.asp

They sell them for Prii with seat airbags. Try using the search function here and searching for seat covers and things like that. There was a good topic not to long ago about installing them.

The gap doesn't seem large enough to be a threat to a dog the size of a Boxer? Could you just roll up an old blanket or something like that and stuff it in there?

 

I have a pet "hammock" that I bought from an Orvis outlet many many years ago. It straps around the front and rear seat headrests and forms a safe fabric loop/seat cover. Here's an example from another site that has MANY on there: http://www.hunterk9.com/site/870877/product/135

Now I realize you'll be folding down the back seat, but I think you could still use something like it to form a barricade to prevent them from falling by just tucking the other end under the folded seat.

Check around the site. There are other sites that carrier similar products, but I think this one has the best all around collection. Once you figure out what you want you can always google and comparison shop.

 

this would leve a little gap perhaps but might do the job. Not sure where you are located but probably can be found in or shippable to the US or Canada.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/dog-bag/main.html

 

I’ve got a rottweiler, gray interior and GT seat covers. I picked up a gray pet bed/blanket in the pet section at Costco. It’s furry on one side, quilted on the other and when the back seat is down, it covers the entire back area (its 54" x 64"). We’ve got a few pillows and toys in there. He gets in and out through the back hatch. His only problem is when he stands up. He has to keep his head down and his back touches the roof. My ceiling gets rather furry. The gap is not a problem.

He made the round trip from Salt Lake City to Phoenix (about 12 hours each way) and he seemed more comfortable then any other vehicle he’s traveled in.

BTW, I’m leery about leaving dogs in the car unattended. Someone tried to steal him a few years ago and they broke the lock mechanism in my truck. Since then, I haven’t left alone.

 

1. If you are handy with a sewing machine (or know someone who is), you could make something similar to that pet hammock, but that would go from the front seat headrests to the cargo net anchor points on the cargo area floor.

2. For this, I would go to a hardware store and buy some bulk rubber mat and cut it to shape/size myself. It will be way cheaper than anything on the market, and will fit exactly the way you want it to.

3. Just remember that the seat covers need to be airbag friendly.

4. I don't think that's realistic because good samaritans and or the police will likely intervene, not realizing that the car and AC are on.

 

Yep. Look out for that gap. I've lost three dogs so far down in there. The new license fees are killing me.

 

I had rubber mat made by a local auto upholstery shop that works fine. The mat is to keep the carpet clean when carrying bikes, etc.

The seats are in the normal upright position when transporting my dog, a large doberman. I got seat covers for the rear seats and seat backs. Not hard to install and deinstall when taking my dog and keeps the seats clean.

I have a harness for him made by Four Paws that has a loop for the seat belt to go through. You can set the seat belt in a fully locking mode by pulling it all the way out then letting it back in. (Same configuration for using with a child's seat.) My dog is in the middle, but with two, you would want to use the left and right seats. The only thing I would caution in your case is to ensure the dogs' heads are not too close to the doors because of the action of the side airbag curtains.

Hope that helps,

John

 

We have the GT covers made for seat mounted airbags in the waterproof version specifically because we virtually always have our three dogs with us. They work well.

We also love the electronic airconditioning because it also gets hot in Southern California. When we make a stop where we can keep the car in sight but can't take the dogs (like going to a sidewalk cafe), we leave it on with the auto air on and lock the door with the metal key. (Keyless locking will not work). The ICE (gasoline engine) will not turn on unless the battery runs low, and then only for a short time to charge it up. Works great and gets a lot of comments from people who notice. I wouldn't do it if you couldn't keep the car in sight as good samaritans and/or the police will break a window to "rescue" the dogs!

Good luck.

 

What everyone said about GT covers (I have leatherette), pet hammock et al.

I wouldn't leave the dogs in the car. You'd have to leave the fob in and the car "on" and that would invite theft...even with a few boxers inside. You'd also have to leave notes all over the windows so good Samaritins don't break your windows to "rescue" your dogs.

I have a padded harness for my dog I bought at the pet store; it was sold as a "doggie seatbelt". He is trained to wear it and sits in the passenger seat, I thread the seat belt through and buckle it and he sits like a passenger.

I have "Dog is my Co-Pilot" bumperstickers.

 

One other point. I would not trust the AC when keeping dogs in the car especially in the summer. There are complexities in the Prius electronics, and I would not depend on the AC running especially when dogs' lives are at stake.

BTW, can't say enough for folks volunteering for canine rescue. My first dobie I raised from puppyhood, current one rescued. We are pals and I am very grateful for the dobie rescue organization.

 

i'm with the crowd here: don't leave the dogs in the car. the prius is silent when the engine isn't on and you'll have broken windows and cop cars all over the place trying to rescue your pals. the engine will kick on and off as needed, but people in general still don't understand this car... i'd just avoid the situation.

we don't have dogs and the cats don't travel well so we keep them at home. but we have the gt covers and they are really worth the money. $120 for the front, another $120 for the back. they make them side-airbag compatible too.

i don't think toyota makes an all-weather cargo mat, but i'm sure there are mats that can be purchased and maybe cut to shape?

btw, if you're in the triangle area we do have a local owners' club. check out http://trianglepriusclub.blogspot.com if you're interested.

good luck and enjoy the new car

 

My Golden/Sheperd mix rides in the back with the seats down. She has much less difficulty with the Prius than with the Sport Trac. I keep a water proof cloth tarp that is cut to fit the area in the lower cargo area. I can convert to dog carrying status at the drop of a hat. Check your local hardware store for the tarp. A harness positioned in a cargo clip will also prevent the dog form moving forward enough to possibly hit the "gap". I also agree that leaving the dogs in the car can be dangerous for a multitude of reasons. If it is going to be too long they are safer at home.

 

Interesting thread...

Does anyone here travel with one or more dogs crated in the back of the Prius? If so, what size crates do you use?

I have three Labradors who normally ride in crates in my minivan. My new Prius will mostly be a "dog-free" zone, but I'm on the lookout for a crate that would fit in the back just for emergency transport. My dogs are on the small side, and I noticed that Orvis has a neat-looking plastic pet carrier that might just do the trick. I'm waiting to get the car before I order anything, however, because I'm not sure if the size I need will fit.

--Bonny G.

 

My dogs (about 70-80 pounds each) ride in the back seat. It's easier for them to jump in and out of than the back, and there's more head room. I drape an old sheet over the seats, with a couple of old towels underneath to absorb the wet and mud from their paws. The setup is easy to wash and cost nothing.

 

We just bought this foldable crate for our dog when she's in the car (to protect the seats and contain her shedding). It's caled the Port-a-Crate Dog Crate. When it folds up (the 30" version), it fits perfectly in the hidden cargo area just above the spare tire. Good luck!

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_det...e+Dog+Crate&N=2

(if the link doesn't work, just go to PetsMart.com and search for "port-a-crate dog crate")

 

Sasha rides in the back with the seats down. Yes Newfies shed and drool. One thing you should consider the possibility that if you leave your dogs in the car with the AC on no one else will know that the AC is on and will call you in and you will be arrested. Around here it is illegal to leave pets or children in the car. It is not enforced but I have seen occasional people that have been challenged by the police. I don't know what the outcomes were but every year you read or hear about someone who is arrested for doing this. Check it out. I am fairly sure most laws do not cover hybrids that do provide air conditioning with out the ICE running.

 

I have a similar crate. Mine is burgundy. I've just moved my dog to a basket w/pillow so I've packed up the crate. He'll use it when he has 'sleepovers' at my sister's or parents' houses.

The crate is fabulous. It truly does fold down in a minute or two. It has a light plastic tray in the bottom in case of accident. The entire thing is washable. I also bought a thin pad for him to sleep on to protect the tray. There are pockets for toys, two handles one for when it's up and one for when it's down and there are buckles to keep it together when it's down. I love it. There is a front door and a "skylight" that have double zippers. Mesh windows provide ventilation and allow the pet to see out.

 

We have Wet Okole (waterproof) seat covers on the rear seats for our two Springer Spaniels. We use the harnesses that accept seat belts to keep the dogs on the back seats.