Dog Guard Advice

[Panders]

Hello everyone, just joined the forum as I am due to get a 2003 Rav 4 in a couple of weeks. I plan to take the rear seats out completely as I rarely travel with anyone but the dog but as a bit at a loss about what kind of of guard to get as most seem to be designed to fit behind rear seats and not front seats. Those that fit to headrests would not be suitable as the front seats might need to be reclined differently and I'm not sure about how level the floor is right behind the seats. Anyone used a dog guard without rear seats in?

Pamela

[bothwell_buyer]

welcome to the forum Pamela -

I took out the rear seats of my 1994 3 door RAV so I don't need to give excuses regarding carrying passengers!

I have seen several 'universal' dog guards for sale - the last at Lidl. I'm assuming you don't want to use a dog cage in the car? If not then its a fairly simple barrier you need.

Are you giving the dog/s crash helmets or fitting seat belts for them? If not, then the net/guard needs to be strong enough to stop them going thru the windscreen if you brake suddenly - and of course it depends on your dogs weight.

The RAV seat itself is not that strong as regards the backrest being able to restrain weights shooting forward. However if you take the rear seats out, it does give you the ability to use the chair mounting points to fit something.

The floor would be big enough for a large dog to lie down in..... but if its only one dog, what about fitting a 5 point harness to the front seat? It gives wur 4 legged friend a better view ahead.

good luck

[Panders]

Thanks so much for your reply! I had not thought about a harness as I wasn't sure where it could be secured but definately an option worth exploring. many thanks!!

[pmb]

The separation net that is supplied with at least some of the 4.2 models can be used with no rear seats installed. Don't know how dog proof it is though. It's fastened between roof and floor. If you want I'll scan the handbook and post and maybe take a pic or two tomorrow.