Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This guide is about the trip itself: how a dog rides, how often to stop, how to handle heat, and what to pack. For how to set up the car for a dog day to day, see the model guides for the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek, and Back Seat vs Trunk for where the dog should ride.
Quick Picks
- Best for the cargo area: Cargo liner. Keeps hair, mud, and drool off the carpet.
- Best for the back seat: Waterproof seat cover.
- Best for long drives: Portable water bottle/bowl. Water at every stop.
Restrain the Dog First
The AVMA’s guidance is to use proper restraint when a pet travels in a car, because an unrestrained pet endangers the pet, the driver, and other drivers. PetSafe describes the back seat, with a crash-tested harness or crate, as the safest place for a dog. A seat cover and loose leash do not count as restraint.
- Back seat, harness: good for one medium or large dog, and the easiest way to keep the dog near the family.
- Cargo area, crate: good for large dogs and long trips, if the crate is secured so it cannot slide. See Dog Barrier vs Dog Crate.
- Cargo area, barrier: keeps the dog out of the cabin but does not hold it in place in a crash.
How Much Room Do You Have?
Cargo volume behind the rear seats decides whether a crate plus luggage fits, or whether the luggage goes on the roof.
| Model | Behind rear seats | Seats folded |
|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek 2018-2026 | about 20-21 cu ft | about 55 cu ft |
| Forester 2019-2026 | about 27-35 cu ft (varies by year and trim) | about 69-76 cu ft |
| Outback 2020-2025 | about 32.6 cu ft | about 75.7 cu ft |
Source: Subaru trim comparison specifications. A Crosstrek with a crate and a family’s luggage runs out of room fast, so plan a roof box for bulky gear. See Subaru Road Trip Setup (Family + Space) for how to split gear between the cabin and the roof.
Plan the Stops
- Every 2 to 3 hours on long drives is a common guideline (CarGurus). Let the dog out on a leash, offer water, and give a few minutes to walk.
- Leash on before the door opens. Dogs bolt at rest stops.
- Feed lightly before driving, and save the full meal for when you arrive. This helps dogs prone to car sickness.
- Face forward and crack a window for dogs that get queasy. Ask your vet about medication if it continues.
Heat Is the Real Danger
PetSafe reports a car can reach 114°F in 30 minutes on an 80°F day. Do not leave the dog in the car, even briefly, and do not rely on cracked windows. On a trip, take turns: one person stays with the dog while the other goes inside. If you have to leave the car running for air conditioning, someone has to stay with it.
What to Pack
| Item | Day trip | Weekend | Week or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Bottle and bowl | Refill each stop | Gallon jug in the cargo area |
| Food | Treats | Meals for each day plus one spare | Full supply in a sealed container |
| Leash and harness | Yes | Yes, plus a spare leash | Yes, plus a spare leash |
| Waste bags | Yes | Yes | Extra roll |
| Towel | Yes | Yes | Two |
| Medications and ID | Tag and collar | Tag, collar, medications | Tag, microchip info, vet records, medications |
A common vet guideline is about 1 oz of water per pound of body weight per day, so a 50 lb dog drinks roughly 50 oz, or about 3 pints. Bring more in warm weather. Keep it in a closed container in the cargo area, away from the dog.
Dogs, Kids, and Luggage Together
If kids share the back seat with a dog, put the dog in the cargo area with a crate or barrier and move bulky luggage to the roof or a hitch carrier. See Hitch Cargo Carrier vs Roof Box. A Crosstrek with two car seats and a dog is usually a stretch; an Outback or Forester is more comfortable.
FAQs
Can dogs ride in the cargo area of a Subaru?
Yes, with a secured crate or a barrier, and good airflow. The cargo area has no seatbelt, so a loose dog is not restrained there.
Is a Crosstrek big enough for a dog?
For small to medium dogs, yes. Large dogs fit on the back seat with a harness, but the cargo area is tight once a crate is in.
Which Subaru is best for large dogs?
The Outback and Forester. The Outback has the longer cargo floor, the Forester the taller opening.
How often should I stop on a long drive?
Every 2 to 3 hours is a common guideline, more often for puppies, older dogs, or hot weather.
How do I organize dog supplies in a Subaru?
Keep one bag with leash, bags, water, and towel within reach of the driver, and the rest in a bin in the cargo area.
Final Thoughts
Restrain the dog, stop every couple of hours, never leave it in a hot car, and pack water first. The car setup comes second.
Leave a Reply