How To Make Your Pickup Truck More Pet Friendly


Our pets mean the world to us and are often our best friend. Taking them for a ride might be out of necessity, like a vet or groomer appointment, or just going out for a joy ride in the country. No matter what the reason, pet-proofing your truck will keep them safe and protect the interior of your truck from doggy damage. We would put our pets in a bubble if we could, but these tips are the next best thing.

How can you make your truck more pet friendly? The following are some things that you can use to make your truck more pet friendly: 

  • Use pet steps or ramps.
  • Utilize seat covers.
  • Install a pet hammock.
  • Buckle your pets up.
  • Use barriers for protection.
  • Turn on child locks.
  • Bring enough water.
  • Train your pet for the road.
  • Be prepared to calm them.
  • Groom them properly.
  • Bring along their crates.
  • Adjust your rearview mirror.

Taking your pets for a ride can be a real treat; keeping them safe is all part of it. Read on for tips on how to make your truck more pet friendly.

Use Pet Steps and Ramps

The distance from the ground to the inside of your truck may be easily conquered by your pet, especially if they are a large breed. However, allowing them to jump into your truck on their own may be dangerous for them. 

Furthermore, it could be dangerous for your truck because your pet’s nails can scratch the paint, rip off the interior trim, or gouge the material of the seat. Pet’s nails can be super destructive, and repairing your truck can be costly. 

Steps, or a ramp, are highly recommended to help to get your pet safely into your truck. You may already have a step or running boards on your truck, but they aren’t always suitable for pet’s paws.

Do not worry about having to hire a professional or break out the power tools. Pet steps are designed to pop on and off without the need to attach them with hardware. The top step will rest just inside on the floor of the truck.

For even easier access for your pet, choose a ramp over steps. Pets that are older or have a hard time walking may not be able to use steps as easily as a ramp.

Utilize Seat Covers 

Seat covers are a wise investment. Using seat covers while your pet is riding with you in your truck is wise for several reasons:

  • They protect against paws from getting caught on the seat belt straps.
  • They protect your seats from shedding and nail damage.
  • They are snag-proof for pet nails.
  • They are waterproof.
  • They are removable for easy washing.

Seat covers are typically simple to put on your seats for those impromptu truck rides with your pet. They are available in a range of qualities. Springing for the higher quality seat cover will be the better decision because they are more durable and hold up against the wear and tear of your pet, not to mention holding up after a few washes.

Install a Pet Hammock

Level up from a basic seat cover and give your pet a back seat oasis with a pet hammock-style seat cover. The pet hammock is highly ranked amongst pet owners of all sizes. Not only is the hammock a seat cover, but it also doubles as a barrier to keep your pet from jumping into the front seat. 

A pet hammock requires a quick installation by tying or velcroing straps around the back and front headrests. This is easy to do by yourself, and you can remove it to clean or store away until their next ride.

Buckle Your Pets Up

Pet safety is a priority. We love our pets and want to keep them as safe as possible. Strap them in with a special seat belt. Choosing the right belt for your pet depends on their personality, energy level, and size.

  • Collar/leash – The most popular style of a pet safety belt for the car is the standard collar and leash type. One end of the leash clips onto their collar, and the other end connects into the truck’s seat belt female end. Other models simply strap around the headrest.
  • Harness – This style is suitable for pets that don’t do well with wearing a collar, a harness provides a gentle, yet safe, belt for truck rides. You secure it the same way with the leash attaching to their collar, then clicking into the seat belt, or strapping around the headrest.
  • Runner style – Got a pet that likes to move around a bit in the truck? Give them the freedom they want without sacrificing their safety. Some dogs love their runner in the yard, and this is the same idea.
  • Snuggie – There is no other way to describe the harness-style seat belt/car seat product for small breed dogs. It looks like something that you might wear when you get strapped in for an adrenaline-pumping adventure like a roller coaster or bungee jumping. This style is perfect for small breeds that have high energy. Once your pup is strapped in, they will be securely clipped in and suspended by their harness from the seat. It is not as invasive as it sounds; it is quite safe and cute!
  • Basket – Small breed pets are more at risk in a moving truck, and extra precautions should be taken to ensure their safety. The best seat belt for a small breed is a basket that gets securely strapped into the passenger or rear seat. These baskets are made in all different materials and patterns, so it should be easy to find one that fits your pet and matches your truck.

Use Barriers for Protection

Setting barriers is part of training your pet. Proper training is in their best interest and yours. Pets in cars should be well trained and well contained. If your pet is not well contained, there is a chance of them causing a distraction. As if their cuteness wasn’t a distraction enough, they can easily crawl in the driver’s seat. 

A pet that is moving around the driver’s seat of your truck can distract your attention from the road and get in the way of steering or braking. How do we prevent this from happening? Pet barriers are pet friendly and truck friendly. Made from soft yet durable materials, a barrier will gently keep your pet in the back seat, where it is safest.

Turn on Child Locks

Take advantage of the childproofing feature for locking the windows and door controls for everyone but the driver. Leaving the controls unlocked is dangerous when your pet is in the truck. 

Pets are often anxious to see out the window while you are driving. It is your responsibility to make sure that they aren’t able to open the door or window while the vehicle is in motion.

Childproof door locks are usually found on the edge of the open door. Window locks are typically on the driver side control panel. Double-check that both locks are engaged before you drive off with your pet in the truck.

Bring Enough Water

Dogs are often very excited to take a truck ride with their best friend. Their excitement is shown through heavy breathing and wide eyes. They tend to pant more than usual. Excessive panting can lead to excessive thirst.

Make sure you place a bowl of water where they can reach it or make frequent stops to give them a water break.  Giving them extra water will lead to extra bathroom stops, too. So, be sure to let them out when you make your pit stops.

Naturally, on hotter days, they’ll need more water than usual. Turn on the air conditioner for them, and point a vent towards them to keep them cool. Just remember, if you are hot, they are hot.

Train Your Pet for the Road

If your pet is not used to going on rides with you in your truck, take the time to give them a bit of training first. Training will prepare them and teach them how to behave in the truck so that they don’t hurt themselves.

Allow them to sniff inside of the truck before securing them and going on a short ride. Driving around the block should be enough for them to understand how it all works. When you get home, reward them for taking their first truck ride and try the next day again. Some pets may never get used to it, but most will learn to love going for rides.

Be Prepared to Calm Them

We have talked plenty about how to make your truck more pet friendly. This section talks about how to make your pet more truck friendly. As part of their training, teach them how to stay calm during a ride. Pets, dogs primarily, are known to get anxious in a moving vehicle. Some even get nauseous and car sick. That is not fun for either of you.

Some ways to calm your pet for car rides include:

  • Speak in calm tones instead of excited high pitched ones. 
  • Put on some meditation music, and play it for the duration of your ride. 
  • CBD made for pets can be administered with the approval of your vet for a calming effect. Some pet owners find this works well and does not have any noticeable adverse side effects.

Groom Them Properly

When your pet is in your truck, their paws are essential for stability. If their nails are overdue for a trim, they could feel painfully uncomfortable with the extra pressure of the unsteady movement of the truck.

Long nails put pressure on their little paws; when they are digging their nails into your truck seats, trying not to fall over, they might be in pain, and so will you. The material of a truck seat is made to be durable, but can it hold up to your pet’s nails?

Holes and rips in your truck seats can happen if you do not keep up on their nail trimming and filing maintenance. Trim those nails, and cover your seats to prevent their pain and yours. 

A thorough brushing before their big trip will help cut down on shedding. Shedding hairs can get in their eyes and mouth, not to mention all over your truck. We are used to finding stray pet hair, but we can control it by brushing out pets more frequently and feeding them a healthy diet.

Bring Along Their Crates

Every pet is unique and has their personal preferences. Some pets prefer to be in their crates. Their crate is designated as their specialized area and makes them feel safe. As long as it is done positively, pets can feel the safest in their crate. That can be a major positive when trying to make your pet as comfortable as possible in your truck.

For pets that feel the safest in their crate or pet carrier, finding a way to fit their enclosures into your truck would be comforting for them. You may need to remove your back seat for larger breeds, if possible. Once the seat is removed, try fitting the empty crate in the open area.

Adjust Your Rearview Mirror

To be able to focus on the road, you should do your best to get your pet secure and comfortable enough for the duration of the ride. Before you back out of your driveway, adjust your rearview mirror so that you can see them in the back seat. This will prevent you from turning around in your seat while driving to look at them.

Try your best not to allow your pet’s irresistibility to distract your attention from the road, but use your rearview mirror when you must check on them. If they need you, pull over to the side of the road instead of reaching back while driving.

Pet Rules

Taking your pet for a ride means that they should be your top priority. If stopping at the store, or a friend’s house means that you have to leave them behind, perhaps you should save that errand for later – after you take them back home.

Be aware of the rules regarding traveling with pets in your vehicle:

  • Leaving your pet in the car is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. While you may trust your pet not to escape, bark, or chew anything, most states have laws against leaving pets unattended in a vehicle.
  • Planning your route when your pet is with you is recommended unless you have the type of pet that goes everywhere with you. 
  • Living in a pet friendly neighborhood can have tons of benefits. Being allowed to bring your pet to the pharmacy and the hardware store can make running errands easier and more fun!
  • Transporting a pet in the bed of your truck can be dangerous, and should only be done when you have no other option. The bed of a truck is not meant for dogs. The floor of the bed area is slippery and grooved, making it difficult for the pet’s paws to grip, especially when the vehicle is in motion.  When a pet is in the bed of the truck, there is a serious possibility that they will jump out or be injured by something in the air. Ideally, you would be able to transport your pet inside your truck. 
    • When transporting your pet in the bed of your truck, you must use a carrier that is in good condition, and the proper size for them. Pad the inside of the crate for them with a bunch of blankets, and give them their favorite toy to comfort them.
    • Even if it is only a short trip, place a bowl of water in their crate for them so that they don’t get dry heaves from panting excessively. 
    • Once you have the interior of the crate ready, it is time to secure it as best that you can. Using several straps or bungee cords and the hooks along the bed of your truck, feed the strap over and around the crate so that it won’t move around, even if you slam on the brakes.
    • Get your pet comfortable and relaxed inside of the crate, then lock the door and secure it closed with another strap.
    • If you have to transport your pet in the back of your truck, make sure you are only going on a short trip and take as many breaks as you can.

In Conclusion

Pets are our best friends, and it is up to us to keep them safe. Your pet will learn to love their grooming and even their seat belts. If it means they get to be with you in the truck, they will surely make sure to behave!


If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.

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