The short answer is an emphatic yes. The 2026 Subaru Forester is widely regarded by automotive experts and pet advocacy groups alike as one of the most pet-friendly SUVs on the market today. One of the primary reasons for this accolade is the Forester’s thoughtfully designed cargo area. It features a low cargo liftover height, which is incredibly important for older dogs or those with joint issues. Instead of forcing your pet to make a high, stressful leap into the trunk, the Forester allows them to step in with minimal strain. The rear hatch opening is also exceptionally wide and square, accommodating bulky crates and large pet ramps without awkward angling.

Furthermore, the 2026 Forester features rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. This wide-opening design makes it incredibly easy to guide your dog onto the rear seats, install pet seat covers, or secure a safety harness. Inside the cabin, the dual-zone automatic climate control system ensures that even if you prefer a warmer temperature up front, your dog can enjoy a cool breeze in the back. Standard rear-seat air vents keep air circulating efficiently, preventing the cargo area from becoming stuffy during warm Missouri summers. If you’re considering a trade-in to upgrade your pet’s travel experience, you can easily Get your value trade online to see how much your current car is worth.

Subaru’s dedication to safety is another major selling point for dog owners. The 2026 Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which provides outstanding crash protection. It also features the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you when you’re drifting outside your lane. These advanced systems help prevent accidents before they happen, keeping your entire family—including your beloved pets—safe on every journey. This focus on durability and active safety is why so many pet owners trust Subaru above all other brands.

Living in Sunset Hills and Oakville means experiencing a full range of seasonal weather, from sudden summer downpours to winter slush. When you are heading to the off-leash dog park at Suson Park or exploring the muddy trails of Lone Elk Park, you need a vehicle that can navigate wet grass, loose gravel, and deep mud with ease. The 2026 Forester features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which continuously monitors traction and distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring stable and predictable handling even on slippery, unpaved surfaces.

Outdoor adventures inevitably lead to dirty paws, wet fur, and muddy gear. The 2026 Forester is engineered to handle these real-world challenges effortlessly. Available with StarTex water-repellent upholstery, the Forester’s seats are incredibly easy to wipe down after a messy day at the park. Unlike traditional leather, which can scratch, or cloth, which absorbs moisture and odors, StarTex provides a durable, modern barrier against whatever your dog brings in from the trail, making it the perfect seating surface for active pet parents.

For more challenging terrain, the Forester offers X-MODE, a system that optimizes engine output, transmission ratios, and the AWD system to provide maximum traction on slippery surfaces. Whether you are driving up a muddy, rutted incline to reach a secluded trailhead or navigating a snow-covered suburban street, X-MODE keeps the vehicle composed and secure. This means you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors with your dog, knowing your Forester is fully capable of getting you both back home safely and comfortably.

To make traveling with pets as safe and seamless as possible, Subaru offers curated OEM Pet Accessory Packages. These bundles are comprised of high-quality, crash-tested items designed to protect both your pet and your vehicle’s interior. When you opt for a complete package, you are getting accessories that have been specifically engineered and tested to integrate perfectly with the 2026 Forester’s cabin architecture. They avoid the loose fits and sliding hazards of generic, aftermarket pet store items.

A typical premium Subaru Pet Accessory Package includes a heavy-duty pet ramp to assist senior dogs with entry and exit, a collapsible pet kennel that secures directly to the cargo tie-down hooks, a crash-tested pet harness that connects to the seatbelt system, and a custom-fit rear seat cover. Additionally, these packages often feature specialized door guards to protect the interior panels from claw scratches and drool. Each component is manufactured using durable, non-toxic, and easily cleanable materials, ensuring they stand up to years of enthusiastic use.

By selecting an official Subaru accessory package, you ensure that every item works in harmony. For instance, the collapsible kennel is sized precisely to fit within the cargo dimensions without blocking rear visibility, and the harness utilizes the vehicle’s existing safety restraint anchor points. It is a comprehensive system designed to provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the road ahead while knowing your pet is safe, secure, and highly comfortable in the back.

If you are interested in exploring these packages or individual pet items, you can Find Subaru Parts directly through our Sunset Hills Subaru parts department. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the exact package or custom combination that matches your family’s needs and fits your 2026 Forester perfectly.

Purchasing a Subaru pet accessory bundle is often the most cost-effective and convenient choice for new owners. These packages can offer convenient combined value compared to buying each item individually. If you are starting fresh with a new vehicle and want comprehensive protection—covering the cargo area, the rear seats, and the doors all at once—a bundle ensures you get a complete, matching system immediately. It takes the guesswork out of ordering and guarantees full-vehicle coverage from day one.

On the other hand, buying accessories separately makes sense if you have highly specific needs. For example, if you own a toy breed that travels in a small, hand-carried crate, you may not need a heavy-duty pet ramp or a large cargo divider. Instead, you might prefer to invest solely in a premium rear seat cover and a set of door protectors. Buying separately allows you to build a customized defense system for your Forester’s cabin that is tailored specifically to your dog’s size, age, and behavior.

Whether you choose a pre-packaged bundle or individual items, our parts specialists at Sunset Hills Subaru are here to help. We can walk you through the options, show you how each accessory fits in the 2026 Forester, and help you calculate the best value for your budget. We want to ensure that your setup is exactly what you and your pet need for comfortable, safe, and clean adventures around Oakville, Ladue, and beyond.

Deciding between a cargo liner and a rear seat cover depends entirely on your dog’s size, temperament, and riding preferences. A cargo liner is the ideal solution if your dog is large, active, or particularly messy. It keeps the entire cargo hold protected, allowing your dog to lie down, stand up, and stretch out comfortably without damaging any upholstery. This setup is also perfect for multi-dog households or for carrying muddy gear alongside your pet, keeping all the mess securely contained in the back of the SUV.

Furthermore, a cargo liner is perfect for dogs who feel more secure in a enclosed, den-like space. Because the cargo area is lower and has a flat floor, it can feel more stable for anxious travelers. Many owners find that pairing a cargo liner with a cargo divider creates a dedicated, secure dog zone that keeps the rest of the cabin completely pristine and free of pet hair.

Conversely, a rear seat cover is best if your dog prefers to be closer to you during the drive, or if they ride in a safety harness that attaches to the seatbelt. Seat covers provide a cozy, cushioned surface on the second-row bench, protecting the seats while allowing your dog to look out the side windows. This is often the preferred choice for smaller or medium-sized dogs who enjoy a softer ride and want to feel like part of the family dynamic up front.

A dog seat protector is a heavy-duty cover that shields your rear seats from scratches, dirt, and water. Subaru’s OEM seat protectors are custom-molded to fit the exact contours of the 2026 Forester’s rear bench. This precise fit prevents the cover from sliding around under your dog’s weight, which can cause anxiety or motion sickness. It covers the seatback, the seat bottom, and even the headrests, ensuring complete defense against wet fur and muddy paws.

The rear seat extension is a game-changing accessory for pet owners. It is designed to bridge the gap between the front and rear seats, effectively extending the flat surface area of the second row. Without this extension, a sudden stop can cause your dog to slide off the seat and into the footwell, potentially resulting in injury or panic. The extension fills this void, giving your dog a wider, much more stable platform to stand, sit, or lie down on.

By combining the seat protector with the rear seat extension, you create a safe, luxurious, and highly secure environment for your dog. They will feel much more confident during turns and sudden stops, which translates to a calmer, more relaxed ride for everyone. It is a simple, highly effective upgrade that makes a world of difference during long road trips or quick drives to the local vet. For any help installing these, you can Schedule Service and Diagnostics with us.

A cargo divider is one of the most critical safety accessories you can install in a dog-friendly SUV. It is a sturdy metal grate or mesh barrier that mounts securely behind the second-row seats, completely separating the cargo area from the passenger cabin. The primary purpose of the divider is to keep your dog safely contained in the back. This prevents them from jumping over the seats, distracting you while driving, or climbing into your lap during a sudden turn. It creates a dedicated, secure space where your dog can relax comfortably.

In addition to safety, a cargo divider is highly practical. It allows you to pack groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear in the passenger cabin without worrying about your dog getting into them. Conversely, it prevents items stored in the trunk from sliding forward and potentially injuring your pet during a sudden stop. It is a simple, highly effective way to organize your vehicle and ensure everyone travels safely. If you need assistance choosing or installing a divider, you can Schedule Service and Diagnostics with our expert technicians.

Subaru’s OEM cargo dividers are engineered to fit the exact dimensions of the 2026 Forester, ensuring they do not rattle or shake while driving. They are designed to allow excellent rearward visibility and do not block the air vents, keeping your pet cool and comfortable. Installing one of these dividers is an excellent step toward creating a safer, more organized, and more enjoyable travel experience for both you and your canine companions.

At Sunset Hills Subaru, we make it easy to customize your vehicle with the perfect accessories. Visit our parts department or explore our online catalog to find the exact divider and protective gear that will make your 2026 Forester the ultimate dog-friendly adventure machine.