Why Is Subaru So Dog Friendly? Exploring the Bond Between Subaru and Pet Owners

At Sunset Hills Subaru, we understand the special bond you share with your furry family members. Many Subaru owners in nearby communities such as Glendale, Richmond Heights, and Webster Groves choose Subaru vehicles because they’re thoughtfully designed to accommodate pets safely and comfortably. If you’re considering a vehicle that fits your active lifestyle and loves your dogs as much as you do, you’ve come to the right place. Call us today at (314) 476-9638 or visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 to explore our family-friendly Subaru models.

Table of Contents

• Subaru’s Dog-Friendly Design: Practical Features that Make a Difference
  Discover how Subaru vehicles combine spacious interiors, durable materials, and pet-centric accessories to make every trip comfortable and safe for dogs.

  
  

• What Percent of Subaru Owners Have Dogs?
  Explore data showing the strong connection between Subaru owners and pet ownership, highlighting why Subaru prioritizes pet-friendly features.

  
  

• Why You Should Never Leave Dogs Unattended in Cars
  Understand the dangers of leaving dogs in parked vehicles and learn Subaru’s approach to keeping pets safe.

  
  

• Best Practices for Traveling with Dogs in Your Subaru
  Learn recommended ways to secure and comfort your dog during drives, including Subaru’s official accessories.

  
  

• Why Do Subaru Owners Put Cows on Their Cars?
  Delve into the fun and meaningful “Moo Moo Subaru” movement and the cultural ties between Subaru’s logo and bovine symbols.

  
  

• How Subaru Supports Animals Beyond Their Vehicles
  Discover Subaru’s philanthropic efforts like Subaru Loves Pets and partnerships that make a difference in animal welfare.

  
  

• Is the Subaru Crosstrek a Good Vehicle for Dogs?
  Detailed insights into why the 2025 Crosstrek is an excellent choice for dog owners, emphasizing pet comfort and convenience.

  
  

• Understanding Subaru’s Dog Mode and Pet Safety Features
  Explore how Subaru helps maintain a comfortable environment for pets left briefly in the vehicle, including tips for safe use.

  
  

• Where Is the Safest Place for Your Dog in a Car?
  Expert recommendations on securing your dog safely in your Subaru for every journey.

  
  

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Subaru’s Dog-Friendly Design: Practical Features that Make a Difference

Subaru’s reputation as a practical, family-friendly brand extends naturally to pet owners, especially dog lovers in Sunset Hills, Crestwood, and Maryland Heights. Subaru models are thoughtfully engineered with pet safety and comfort in mind, making them a preferred choice for those who include their dogs in their daily adventures.

Inside Subaru vehicles like the Outback and Forester, you’ll find spacious cargo areas with multiple tie-down points to secure crates or pet barriers, preventing your dog from roaming freely during drives. This design not only protects your pet but also keeps the driver focused and distraction-free. The durable, easy-to-clean surfaces and available all-weather floor liners mean that muddy paws and shedding fur won’t leave a lasting mark on your interior.

Subaru accessories enhance this pet-friendly environment further. For example, rear bumper protectors shield your vehicle’s paint from nail scratches, while padded cargo liners provide a cozy and slip-resistant space for your dog. These features are especially valuable for residents in nearby communities like St. Louis and Webster Groves, where outdoor activities often bring pets into the car after hiking or park outings.

If you’re curious about Subaru’s full range of pet accessories, visit our Parts Department at Find Subaru Parts and discover how to equip your vehicle for the ultimate dog-friendly experience.

Durability Meets Practicality

Subaru’s use of high-quality, resistant materials means you won’t have to sacrifice style or comfort for functionality. The cargo spaces in models like the Subaru Ascent provide up to 86.5 cubic feet of space when rear seats are folded, offering dogs ample room to stretch. Multiple tie-down points enable secure harness attachments or crates, ensuring your pet’s safety in various driving conditions common to the Missouri area, including snowy winters and rainy commutes.

Technology That Keeps You Connected and Safe

Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology supports safe driving by monitoring traffic and alerting you to potential hazards, which is especially important when you have a furry passenger onboard. Meanwhile, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ lets you keep your hands free and your focus on the road, providing a safer environment for your dog and your family.

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What Percent of Subaru Owners Have Dogs?

Nearly 70% of Subaru owners nationwide have pets, and at least half of those own dogs, making dog-friendly features not just a nice-to-have but a core part of Subaru’s vehicle design and community engagement. This strong demographic trend is reflected in Sunset Hills and neighboring areas such as Ladue and Twin Oaks, where families and outdoor enthusiasts alike rely on Subaru vehicles to accommodate their active lifestyles with pets.

Subaru’s commitment to pet owners goes beyond vehicle features. The brand’s Subaru Loves Pets® program, a pillar of the Subaru Love Promise, supports animal shelters and adoption efforts across the country. Since its inception, this initiative has contributed millions of dollars and helped hundreds of thousands of pets find loving homes, resonating deeply with Subaru buyers who value community involvement and animal welfare.

This devotion to pets means Subaru is uniquely positioned to understand and meet the needs of dog owners, which in turn creates a loyal and engaged customer base in the St. Charles and Chesterfield, MO regions.

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Why You Should Never Leave Dogs Unattended in Cars

Even on mild days, the interior temperature of a parked vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. In Missouri cities like Valley Park, Maplewood, and Sappington, where seasonal weather can be unpredictable, leaving a dog unattended in a car poses significant health risks.

Research shows that vehicle interiors can heat up 20°F within 10 minutes and can exceed 110°F within an hour, even if windows are partially opened or the car is shaded. These conditions can quickly lead to heatstroke, organ damage, or even death for your pet. Cold weather also presents dangers, especially for puppies, older dogs, or those with health conditions, as temperatures inside the car can drop sharply.

Subaru encourages pet owners to never leave their dogs alone in their vehicles. If you need to step away, bringing your dog with you or arranging for pet care is the safest choice. For ongoing vehicle maintenance that keeps your Subaru running smoothly through all seasons, schedule your next appointment with us at Schedule Service and Diagnostics.

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Best Practices for Traveling with Dogs in Your Subaru

Transporting your dog safely and comfortably requires thoughtful preparation. Experts recommend several options to secure your dog inside your vehicle, all of which Subaru supports with accessories designed to fit perfectly.

Safe Seating Options

• Back Seat with Harnesses: Using a crash-tested dog harness connected to the vehicle’s seatbelt system keeps your dog secure and prevents distractions. This method is excellent for calm and cooperative dogs.
• Cargo Area with Barriers: For larger or more restless dogs, the cargo area behind a sturdy pet barrier or grille offers a safe space. This keeps your dog contained while giving them room to relax.
• Crates or Carriers: Many dogs feel safest in a crate, which should be securely fastened to prevent movement during travel. Subaru offers collapsible kennels and accessories to make this option convenient.

Subaru Pet-Friendly Accessories

Subaru’s lineup of pet accessories includes padded seat and cargo liners, rear bumper protectors, pet harnesses, and transport kennels that fit seamlessly into models like the Crosstrek and Forester. These are available through our dealership and can be explored online or in person.

For example, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek features wide rear openings and a low lift-over height, simplifying the process of loading pets and their gear. You can browse our New Subaru Crosstrek Inventory to find the perfect model tailored for you and your pet.

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Why Do Subaru Owners Put Cows on Their Cars?

The playful “Moo Moo Subaru” movement, popular among Subaru drivers in Missouri and beyond, involves leaving small toy cows on fellow Subaru vehicles as a fun way to celebrate brand loyalty and community. This tradition is inspired by the Subaru logo’s connection to the Taurus constellation, a symbol often associated with bulls and cows.

Owners from communities like Chesterfield, Fenton, and Creve Coeur participate by placing toy cows and notes on other Subaru cars, spreading joy and camaraderie similar to the Jeep community’s “Duck Duck Jeep” tradition. This lighthearted ritual exemplifies the strong sense of belonging among Subaru enthusiasts.

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How Subaru Supports Animals Beyond Their Vehicles

Subaru’s commitment to pets extends well beyond car design. The company is the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA, contributing over $60 million to support animal adoption, transport, and veterinary care nationwide. This dedication is reflected in local retailer efforts throughout Missouri, including Sunset Hills Subaru’s own participation in adoption events and community outreach.

Through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, Subaru retailers host adoption, microchipping, and pet care events year-round. These programs help thousands of animals find loving homes and provide vital support to shelters, particularly in the St. Louis metro area.

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Is the Subaru Crosstrek a Good Vehicle for Dogs?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is designed with pet owners in mind. Its spacious cargo area with 60/40-split folding rear seats provides up to 54.7 cubic feet of room, perfect for larger dogs or crates. The wide rear hatch and optional rear gate assist handle make loading and unloading easier for pets and owners alike.

Subaru also offers pet-friendly accessories specifically for the Crosstrek, including:

• Collapsible pet kennels that double as travel beds
• Durable and padded cargo liners to protect the interior
• Crash-tested pet harnesses certified by the Center for Pet Safety

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures with their dogs, the Wilderness trim adds all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and water-resistant upholstery, making it ideal for off-road excursions across Missouri’s scenic trails.

Check out our New Subaru Crosstrek Inventory or browse other models like the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback for more pet-friendly options.

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Understanding Subaru’s Dog Mode and Pet Safety Features

While Subaru does not have a factory-installed “dog mode” like some other manufacturers, drivers can create a safe, temperature-controlled environment for pets left briefly in the car by following a simple process:

1. Start the engine and set the climate control to a comfortable temperature.
2. Roll down one window slightly.
3. Manually lock the doors from the outside.
4. Roll the window back up using the auto function.
5. Use the key fob’s manual key to unlock the driver’s door when returning.

This unofficial dog mode keeps your pet cool and comfortable but should never be used for extended periods due to safety concerns. Subaru also offers official pet accessories such as harnesses and seat protectors to promote safe and clean travel.

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Where Is the Safest Place for Your Dog in a Car?

According to pet safety experts, the safest location for your dog during car travel is the back seat, secured with a crash-tested dog harness or inside a properly anchored crate. This positioning protects your dog from injuries caused by airbags and reduces distractions for the driver.

Residents of Missouri towns like Richmond Heights and Oakville benefit from Subaru’s commitment to safety, which integrates features such as:

• Multiple tie-down points for pet restraints
• Crumple zones designed to absorb impact away from the rear seats
• Durable pet safety accessories available through our dealership

Never allow your dog to ride in the bed of a pickup truck or stick their head out of a moving window, as these practices pose serious risks to your pet’s well-being.

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Embrace a Dog-Friendly Lifestyle with Subaru at Sunset Hills

Choosing a Subaru from New Subaru Inventory or our Used Vehicle Inventory means investing in your family’s safety and happiness—including your four-legged members. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect pet-friendly vehicle tailored to your lifestyle. Don’t forget to check our Current New Car Specials and Current Service and Parts Specials for great opportunities.

If you need to maintain your Subaru’s pet-friendly features or replace parts, visit our Find Subaru Parts page or schedule your next appointment at Schedule Service and Diagnostics.

Ready to upgrade your vehicle and enhance your dog’s travel experience? Use our trade-in tool to Get your value trade and start your journey today.

Experience firsthand why Subaru is a leader in pet-friendly vehicles. Visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638 to schedule your test drive.

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© 2025 Sunset Hills Subaru

Tags: Dog Mode, Dog-Friendly Cars, Family Vehicles, Pet Accessories, Pet Safety Features, Pet Travel Tips, Subaru, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Dealership, Subaru EyeSight, Subaru Forester, Subaru Loves Pets, Subaru Outback, Subaru Parts
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