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Are Subarus Pet Friendly? A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners in Sunset Hills, MO

Jan 30, 2026

Are Subarus Pet Friendly? A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners in Sunset Hills, MO

If you’re a dog owner living in places like Lakeshire, MO, Maryland Heights, MO, or Maplewood, MO, choosing a vehicle that suits both your lifestyle and your furry friend’s comfort is essential. Subaru has earned a reputation for being one of the most vehicles designed with pet comfort and safety in mind on the market, blending safety, practicality, and thoughtful design features that cater to pet owners’ needs. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure near Valley Park, MO or navigating daily errands in Richmond Heights, MO, understanding how Subaru supports pet-friendly travel can make all the difference.

For personalized assistance or to schedule a test drive, feel free to contact us at (314) 476-9638 or visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127.

Table of Contents

Understanding Subaru’s Pet-Friendly Features

Subaru goes beyond conventional vehicle design to make sure your pets enjoy every journey as much as you do. For drivers in Chesterfield, MO and Creve Coeur, MO, this means thoughtful features that ease the challenges of traveling with dogs.

Firstly, many Subaru models come with spacious interiors and large cargo areas that accommodate crates, kennels, or even a dog bed with ample room to spare. For instance, the Subaru Outback boasts a cargo capacity exceeding 75 cubic feet with rear seats folded, which allows for flexible packing and comfortable space for pets during longer trips.

Climate control is another crucial aspect. Most Outback trims include Remote Engine Start with Climate Control, enabling owners to pre-condition the vehicle’s interior temperature. This ensures your dog steps into a comfortable environment, whether you’re parked outside a vet’s office in Sappington, MO or enjoying a day out near Webster Groves, MO.

Subaru also offers a range of genuine pet-friendly accessories designed specifically with your dog’s safety and comfort in mind. These include:

  • Custom-fit pet ramps to help dogs enter and exit the vehicle safely
  • Collapsible pet kennels designed to secure your dog during travel
  • Durable pet harnesses that integrate with the vehicle’s seat belt system
  • All-weather floor liners that protect your car’s interior from dirt and moisture brought in by your pet

These accessories, available through our Parts Department, provide practical solutions, especially during Missouri’s unpredictable weather conditions.

How Subaru Actively Supports Dogs and Animal Welfare

Subaru’s commitment to dogs extends far beyond vehicle features. Since 2008, Subaru has contributed more than $60 million to animal welfare organizations across the United States, supporting the rescue, transportation, and adoption of over 500,000 pets. This dedication is visible in their ongoing partnership with the ASPCA®, which administers grants to local shelters to cover veterinary care and adoption preparation costs.

Each October, including in communities like Fenton, MO and Crestwood, MO, Subaru retailers participate in adoption events, microchipping clinics, and fundraising efforts through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative. Additionally, for every purchase of select Subaru Parts Online during this month, Subaru donates $20 to the ASPCA, helping further these life-saving efforts.

This level of community engagement encourages Subaru owners to become advocates for animal welfare, strengthening bonds within local areas such as St Charles, MO and Oakland, MO.

Which Subaru Models Are Best Suited for Dogs?

While all Subaru vehicles come equipped with pet-friendly features, some models stand out for dog owners in Richmond Heights, MO and Ladue, MO due to their size, comfort, and convenience:

Subaru Outback: The Outback is often called the quintessential family and pet SUV. With its large cargo space, standard AWD for variable Missouri weather, and available pet accessories, it provides an ideal environment for pets. The Remote Engine Start with Climate Control is a particular highlight, ensuring your dog’s comfort before you even open the door.

Subaru Forester: Known for its excellent visibility and roomy cabin, the Forester offers a calm and spacious ride. Its rear seats fold flat to create a generous cargo area, perfect for transporting larger breeds or multiple pets. The Forester’s safety features, including EyeSight® Driver Assist, add peace of mind for pet owners.

Subaru Crosstrek: For those living in more urban areas like Concord, MO or Glendale, MO, the Crosstrek offers a compact yet versatile option. It features water-repellent upholstery on certain trims to handle muddy paws and sufficient headroom for dogs to sit comfortably.

You can explore our full New Subaru Inventory or consider a reliable option from our Used Vehicle Inventory to find the perfect match for your family and pets.

The Subaru “Make a Dog’s Day” Initiative and Community Involvement

October 22 marks National Make a Dog’s Day®, a special occasion created by Subaru to encourage dog owners nationwide to do something extra special for their canine companions. This initiative not only raises awareness but also celebrates the joy dogs bring to our lives.

In 2024, Subaru’s campaign features a unique “pack” of shelter dogs called Underdogs, highlighting stories of hope and adoption. Through social media engagement with the hashtag #MakeADogsDay, Subaru fosters community spirit and invites families in St Louis, MO and nearby cities to participate.

This campaign complements Subaru’s broader Subaru Loves Pets® program, which channels over $3 million annually to animal shelters. By supporting these events and sharing stories, Subaru customers and dealerships like ours at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 become part of a nationwide effort to improve animal welfare.

Tips for Bringing Your Dog Along in a Subaru Outback

Traveling with your pet in a Subaru Outback involves more than just opening the door. Dog owners in Webster Groves, MO and Twin Oaks, MO can benefit from these expert tips to ensure safe and happy journeys:

  • Use Subaru’s genuine pet harnesses and secure your dog with the vehicle’s seat belt system to prevent injury during sudden stops.
  • Employ pet ramps to help older or larger dogs enter the vehicle without strain.
  • Protect your Outback’s interior with all-weather floor liners designed to handle mud, hair, and spills.
  • Utilize the Remote Engine Start with Climate Control to pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin, providing a comfortable environment before your dog enters.
  • Keep water and pet-friendly snacks handy, especially for longer trips or outdoor adventures around Creve Coeur, MO.

For maintaining your Subaru and ensuring your pet-friendly accessories are in top shape, schedule a service appointment conveniently online with our Schedule Service and Diagnostics page.

Pet Ownership Among Subaru Drivers: What the Numbers Show

Subaru’s brand loyalty is strongly tied to pet ownership. Reports indicate that approximately 60% of Subaru owners have dogs, a testament to the brand’s alignment with pet-friendly lifestyles. This trend is reflected locally among Subaru drivers in communities such as Crestwood, MO, Fenton, MO, and St Charles, MO.

This high percentage underscores why Subaru invests heavily in pet-related initiatives and vehicle features that cater to these customers. It also means joining the Subaru family connects you with a community that values animal welfare and outdoor adventure.

To explore trade-in options or find value on your current vehicle as you upgrade to a pet-friendly Subaru, visit our Get your value trade tool.

Why Subaru is Among the Safest Cars for You and Your Pets

Safety is paramount when considering your pet’s travel comfort and protection. Subaru has built a reputation for prioritizing safety, making it an excellent choice for dog owners in Oakland, MO and Ladue, MO.

Key safety features include:

  • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: This system uses dual cameras to monitor the road, providing alerts and automatic interventions for collisions, lane departures, and adaptive cruise control. It enhances driver awareness, reducing accident risk.
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Standard on all Subaru models except the BRZ, this system ensures balanced power distribution, offering enhanced stability in slippery or rugged conditions common in the Missouri area.
  • Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame: Designed to absorb and distribute impact energy, this frame protects occupants from all sides.
  • Horizontally-Opposed Engine: Positioned to slide beneath the cabin in a collision, reducing intrusion into passenger space.
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking: These features provide extra assurance when backing out of parking spaces, detecting approaching vehicles and applying brakes if necessary.

These technologies are complemented by Subaru’s connected safety services through the MySubaru Connected Services® platform, offering emergency assistance, vehicle security alerts, and remote controls accessible via smartphone.

What Sets Subaru Apart in Vehicle Safety Compared to Other Brands

Subaru’s unique engineering choices make its vehicles stand out in the competitive automotive market, especially for safety-conscious pet owners.

Unlike many brands, Subaru’s:

  • Horizontally-Opposed Engine Layout lowers the center of gravity, enhancing both handling and crash safety. This design also allows the engine to move beneath the cabin during front-end collisions, reducing injury risk.
  • Standard Symmetrical AWD is rare among mainstream manufacturers and offers superior traction and control, especially in adverse weather conditions typical to the Missouri region, such as rain, snow, and ice.
  • Comprehensive EyeSight® Suite is often standard or widely available, providing more advanced driver-assistance features compared to competitors.
  • Extensive Use of High-Strength Steel reinforces the vehicle body for better crash energy management.

These combined features contribute to Subaru earning multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards and consistently high ratings from the NHTSA. This commitment translates into safer daily commutes in Sunset Hills, MO and beyond, for both you and your pets.

Experience Subaru’s Pet-Friendly Innovation at Sunset Hills Subaru

Choosing a Subaru means selecting a vehicle designed with your family’s safety and lifestyle in mind — including your four-legged members. From the spacious and versatile Outback to the reliable Forester and compact Crosstrek, Subaru offers options that fit your needs for pet-friendly travel around St Louis, MO and nearby communities.

Explore our extensive New Subaru Inventory or browse our Used Vehicle Inventory to find your perfect fit. Don’t forget to check out our Current New Car Specials and Current Service and Parts Specials to maximize your value.

If you already own a Subaru, keep it running smoothly for all your pet adventures by scheduling maintenance through our Schedule Service and Diagnostics portal. Need parts or accessories? Visit our Find Subaru Parts page.

Ready to upgrade or trade in? Use our Get your value trade tool to discover your vehicle’s worth.

Visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 and call (314) 476-9638 to experience Subaru’s pet-friendly features and exceptional service firsthand.

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