Wagging Wheels: How to Pet Proof Your Car
While dogs may be man’s best friend, they’re not always a car’s best passenger.
With the rainy season fast approaching, the nation’s cars are soon to be trampled with muddy paw prints and lingering wet dog smell. So, this October, Motorway is urging pet owners to take extra care to protect their vehicle, especially after a drizzly walk in the park.
From soggy fur to scratches on the upholstery or paint work, pet passengers can take a toll on a vehicle’s condition and its resale value. New research from Motorway* reveals that pups are costing dog owners thousands over their lifetime, with 69% admitting they’ve spent up to £500 on pet-related car accessories this year alone – equating to £6,500 across their dog’s lifetime.**
In fact, 57% of dog owners regularly fork out extra cash for pet-related car expenses, spending up to £500 on a single cleaning bill or car repair. Furthermore, one in five (21%) have had to replace interior features, like seatbelts or upholstery, entirely due to pet damage.
With Brits frequently battling everything from fur-covered seats (35%) to the unmistakable scent of wet dog (34%), pets are one of the top reasons people have their cars professionally cleaned (38%), followed by food and drink spills (34%) or messy children (25%).
With almost one in 10 (8%) dog car owners finding themselves struggling to sell their car due to pet-related damage or lingering odours, ahead of the rainy season, Becky Wells, automotive expert at Motorway, reveals six easy, fur-free tips for pet parents to take care of not just their pups, but their cars:
🚩 Make a Pup Pit Stop
Create a designated dog zone in your car using waterproof seat covers, boot liners, and washable blankets, and make sure they’re securely restrained for your pup’s safety. Not only does this contain the chaos (mud, fur, slobber), but it also signals to buyers that you’ve taken care of your vehicle.
🌸 Eau de Dog
Wet dog smell is a real resale killer. Use pet-safe deodorisers, regularly vacuum fur from upholstery, and sprinkle baking soda overnight to absorb lingering odours. Going one step further, you can also keep a sachet of dried lavender or mint in your glove box for a fresh scent that’s also pup-safe. Buyers judge with their noses – don’t let your dog ruin your resale.
💅 Claw-Proof Your Car’s Boot
Your dog’s enthusiasm to leap into the boot is adorable – but your paintwork might disagree. Protect your boot from claws and scrapes with a guard or a fold-out dog ramp. For a more budget-friendly hack, toss a couple of old towels over the bumper before your pup jumps in.
✨ Install a “Snout & Scratch Guard”
Dogs love watching the world go by from the car window – but their eagerness often leaves behind a trail of nose smudges and even claw marks on the glass or trim. To keep your windows clean and scratch-free, get yourself a removable vinyl or clear protective strip from your local DIY store to apply on the inside of the window where your dog typically leans or paws. These guards are easy to peel off and replace, making clean up a breeze with an easy, inexpensive addition to preserve your car’s resale value.
🤒 Prep for Queasy Canines
Car-sick pups are no joke. Protect your seats with a waterproof mat or washable blanket – ideally one with raised edges to catch any mess. Line it with a disposable puppy pad for easy clean up. Prevention is even better: avoid feeding your dog a full meal within two hours of travel, and keep the car cool and well ventilated. A secure crate can also help reduce motion, and if you can, practice shorter car trips before a big journey to help your pup adjust.
💨 Clear the Air
Dog hair has a sneaky way of infiltrating every crevice of your car, including the air vents. That turns your AC into a fur-blasting machine and can even cause damage to the heating and cooling system in the long term if not cleaned properly. Keep things breezy and breathable by brushing your pup before rides, using vent covers, and vacuuming with a narrow nozzle. For stubborn fluff, a blast of compressed air works like magic.
*Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motorway between 28th August – 1st September, 2025 among 2,000 nationally representative UK adult dog owners who drive
**According to research by Dogs Trust on the ‘Longevity of UK Dog Breeds’