UK motorists spent big during lockdown buying larger cars to accommodate new dogs 23.04.2021: CarGurus study revealed 35% of new dog owners needed to buy a larger, more practical car as demand for puppies rose by 115%* during lockdown More than a quarter of dog owners

    CarGurus study revealed 35% of new dog owners needed to buy a larger, more practical car as demand for puppies rose by 115%* during lockdown

    More than a quarter of dog owners admitted not considering if they had an appropriate car for their pet’s needs prior to getting their dog


    CarGurus-developed tool, the CarGurus Pupgrader, helps consumers find the right car for their pooch


    Users input size of dog they want or have, with the interactive tool recommending the most appropriate car make and model






More than a third of new dog-owning motorists had to ‘pup-size’ last year – buying a bigger or more practical car to accommodate their pets – according to research by CarGurus.



The pandemic saw a surge in interest in canine companions, with online puppy searches soaring by 115%*.



A survey of 2,000 drivers with dogs by online automotive marketplace CarGurus revealed a fifth (22%) bought or adopted their most recent dog after the start of lockdown.



The CarGurus survey also found that 35% of recent dog owners said they had to buy a larger or more practical vehicle because of the pet, spending an average of £7,594.



The data suggests of an estimated 800,000** puppies and dogs bought in the UK each year, 280,000 (35%) would result in their owners buying a new vehicle. This in turn would mean new owners ‘pupgraded’ their car to accommodate their new canine friends, spending nearly £2.1 billion in total (£7,594 on average per vehicle)***.



To help new, or future, dog owners to find the right vehicle for them, CarGurus has developed a new tool, the CarGurus Pupgrader, which suggests the right vehicle based on the size of their dog and whether or not they also need to transport other family members.

The tool, launched during National Pet Month, has been developed to ensure recommendations are made based on a fully-grown dog so consumers aren’t caught off guard by a fast-growing puppy.



It was created after research by CarGurus found more than a quarter (27%) of dog owners admitted they should have thought more about the car they owned when getting their pet - with this number increasing to 61% among the 'lockdown dog owners'.



Ivan Aistrop, Deputy Editor at CarGurus, said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers, so helping people to know what to look for in a pet-friendly car is vital, especially given our research found that more than a quarter of dog owners drive with their dog in the car more than once a week.



“The creation of the CarGurus Pupgrader helps consumers understand the size and style of the vehicle required, ensuring not only that their dog is transported safely and comfortably, but there’s room for all of the passengers, too.



“Looking after a dog is not just a case of making sure they’re eating the right diets, sleeping in the best bed or wearing the smartest collar – it’s important that owners have a suitable car, and for many new dog owners this is often an afterthought.”



The research also delved into what features dog owners were looking for when purchasing a car. It found 38% wanted wipe clean surfaces inside the car, the same number wanted rear doors and 31% said durable materials were an important feature which impacted their buying decision.



As a result, 40% said they opted for an SUV, with 23% choosing a family hatchback and 9% going for an estate car.



When out on the road, 39% of drivers reported keeping their dog on the back seat, while 28% put their dog in the boot.



Almost half (43%) of dog owners said easy access was an important feature when car searching, with the same percentage saying a large boot made all the difference.



It is estimated there are now more than 10 million people across the UK who have dogs****.



Almost two thirds (62%) of new owners surveyed for CarGurus via OnePoll said they had bought a dog as an added companion during lockdown.



The most popular type of dog among respondents was a mixed breed, followed by a Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, German Shepherd and Jack Russell Terrier.



Making up the top 10 were Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoo, Golden Retriever, Boxer and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.



The average price paid for a pooch before lockdown was £437 - but those who have picked up a puppy over the past 12 months have seen that figure increase to a whopping £1,015.



And 83% said welcoming the animal into their home was their highlight of the past 12 months. However, 64% admitted it had been more difficult than they thought it would be.



Alongside creating the CarGurus Pupgrader, it worked with UK animal charity, National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) for further advice when travelling with your dog.



Gary McKee, fundraising and marketing manager at the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT), said: “Part of being a responsible pet owner is ensuring you do your due diligence when searching for a car that suits both the needs of your family and your dog.



“Owners need to think about sufficient space, safety and comfort for their animals in much the same way they would for themselves and the human members of their family.




Top (Ca)Nine Dog Travel Tips from NAWT:


    Check your emergency breakdown cover to find out how your dog would travel in the event of a vehicle recovery.


    If planning a long journey, ensure you allow time for comfort breaks for your dog to let them stretch their legs and go to the toilet.


    Ensure the area in which your dog will be travelling is set to a comfortable temperature.


    Never leave your dog in a hot car. Even on a cloudy day or when parked in the shade, a car can become an oven in a very short space of time. At 22 degrees outside, a car can heat to an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour, leaving a dog unable to reduce their body temperature by panting. This leads to heatstroke, which can be fatal.


    Either provide your dog access to water throughout the journey with a non-spill water bowl, or ensure you have enough water to offer them at every comfort break.


    Avoid feeding your dog within the two hours before a long journey to avoid travel sickness.


    A back-seat protection or a double-sided boot mat can save your car from both damage and dirt. They work to protect your car interior from sharp claws as well as muddy paws!


    In the autumn/winter months, particularly if your dog loves a muddy puddle, it’s a good idea to keep a towel in the car to dry them before setting off on your travels again.


    Some dogs are unable to, or are uncomfortable with, jumping into a car. In those situations, a dog ramp can help your beloved pet climb safely and comfortably into your vehicle.



Owners can find the right vehicle for them and their dog on the CarGurus website: https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/best-cars-for-dogs.


CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc. PistonHeads® is a registered trademark of CarGurus Ireland Limited. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.



[i] Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, Automotive – Information/Resources, Total Audience, Q4 2020, U.S. (Competitive set: CarGurus.com, Autotrader.com, Cars.com, TrueCar.com).

[ii] Comscore MMX Multi-Platform®, Total Unique Monthly Visitors, Custom-defined list includes: CarGurus.co.uk, Motors.co.uk, AutorTrader.co.uk, Gumtree.com, Jan 2019 – Dec 2019 to Jan 2020 - Dec 2020, UK.

[iii] Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, Automotive – Information/Resources, Total audience, Q4 2020, UK. Custom-defined list includes: PistonHeads Sites, Sytner.co.uk, Jardinemotors.co.uk, Stratstone.com, Carandclassic.co.uk, Classicandsportscar.com.

[iv] Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, Total Audience, Q4 2020, UK. Custom list defined by CarGurus includes: PistonHeads Sites and CarThrottle.com.




Nick Bearn  – CarGurus photos