Keep Your Best Furry Friend Safe with the Ultimate Car Dog Guard from Travall

So for those of you who read our blogs regularly, or even follow us on social media, you will know that wherever I go, my little partners in crime are rarely far behind!

Pops and Gerts are always by my side, and we can often be spotted driving around the Wiltshire countryside in our little Dottymobile!

When I recently got my new Dottymobile, another Mini Countryman, [never let it be said I don’t know what I like] the first accessory I ordered was a Travall Car Dog Guard, Boot Divider and Tailgate.

It was on order before my car even arrived on the drive! I’d had a Travall guard in my previous Mini and seriously, I couldn’t be without one now.

I will be honest, and I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise, that princess Poppy and gorgeous Gertrude rarely travel in the boot space of my car.

In fact, whenever I get my car cleaned you can see them wondering if their industrial vacuum cleaner will withstand the amount of dog hair!

However, life’s for living and the copious amounts of fur don’t bother us. After all, life’s all about having fun and enjoying muddy adventures together.

As most of the time, journeys just involve the three of us, my Mini Countryman is perfect for bombing around the lanes, and being as it’s quite compact inside, there’s no need for the dogs to travel in the boot.

However, for those with families, or those who are more car-proud than me, a car dog guard is just the job for preventing muddy paw prints from decorating your upholstery and leaving a trail of fur.

Driving without your dog restrained could land you a £5000 fine

It is illegal in the UK to travel with your dog lose in the car. It could invalidate your car insurance if you were to be involved in an accident, not to mention land you a hefty fine.

Whether you choose to restrain your dog with a doggy seatbelt, or by using a dog guard their safety is paramount. I know I couldn’t live with myself if something were to happen to Pops and Gerts due to my negligence.

Are Travall Dog Guards Any Good?

Many boot or car dog guards are universal and are designed to fit all cars regardless of shape and size. As such they are often fixed in place using adjustable legs, which can be fiddly to fit, and are likely to work loose over time through vibration.

Also, the fixing points can often leave permanent unsightly indents in the lining of your car interior – not ideal when and if you ever want to sell it. 

Not only that, but depending on the make of your car, some cheaper guards can prevent the curtain airbags in the rear of the vehicle from working properly. A major safety hazard if you were unlucky enough to be involved in an accident. 

As far as security goes, there are often issues with universal guards. Once in place, you are unable to refit the parcel shelf, meaning that any possessions left in your boot are on display.

Let’s face it, the last thing you want when you return to your vehicle after a dog walk is to discover someone’s broken into your car. 

Why are Travall Car Dog Guards so good?

Travall are one of the only car dog guards on the market to be crash tested.

Unlike other products designed for the same purpose, the Travall Dog Guard is vehicle specific and is designed to fit the make and model of your car.

The guard does not cover any vital safety components such as the rear airbag, and you are still able to operate the rear seats – both in the upright and folded position – as you would normally.

Once the guard is secured in place, you can pop the parcel shelf back in position and there is no annoying rattling and no unwanted gaps around the edges for little noses (or bodies!) to squeeze through. 

How Do You Fit a Travall Dog Guard?

It’s at this point I’d love to say I’m a modern, independent woman and I fitted the guard all by myself. However, I might have enlisted a bit of assistance! Well, when Mr T arrived home from work at just the right time, who was I to refuse an extra pair of hands?

The guard is supplied with a clear set of diagrams and labelled parts. There is even a very helpful video explaining how to fit it. Naturally, I discovered this about two days after the guard had been installed, but I’ve included the link in case you don’t have your own Mr T to hand!!

Once someone competent was in charge of the installation, it was good to go in about twenty minutes. No drilling of the interior is required, so if you ever want to remove the guard, you won’t be left with any unsightly holes.

The guard is supplied with two bars that attach to the lower lashing loops in the boot of your car. Once the bar has been secured in place using the accessories provided, the guard is going absolutely nowhere. It’s as sturdy as anything.

The Travall Boot Divider and Tailgate

Now when Mini designed their latest Countryman, they fed it a few steroids in the process! The new model is significantly bigger, and the once teeny boot has now doubled in size.

So when I discovered Travall also do a boot divider and tailgate I was delighted. Not only does it stop my shopping rolling around in the boot, but on the odd occasion I need the dogs to travel in the boot space they can. [Along with any luggage].

The tailgate and divider create their own little cage space meaning Pops and Gerts are even  safer and more contained.

The divider and tailgate are detachable, so if you ever need the whole boot space, it can be easily removed.

Are Travall Dog Guards worth the investment?

The cost of the guard and accessories varies depending on the make and model of your car, but they start at around £100.

Made from mild steel and finished with a scratch-resistant, attractive grey coating, they are a quality piece of kit and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a car dog guard. 

A huge thank you to Travall UK, we absolutely love your products. If you have a Travall Car Dog Guard, or any other make for that matter, we’d love the hear from you.

Kate, Pops and Gerts

xox