Skip to main content

National walk your dog day – dog-friendly cars for safer adventures

Subaru Crosstrek

Every great walk starts with a safe journey

There’s a certain look your dog gives you.
The one that means “Are we going?”
The one that means mud, fresh air and freedom.
For National Walk Your Dog Day (22nd February 2026), we’re celebrating the moments that begin long before you reach the trail — because the journey matters just as much as the destination.
At Subaru UK, safety isn’t a feature.
It’s a promise.
And for dog owners, that promise means something more.
Safe. Tough. Fun.

Because they’re not just pets. They’re family.

You buckle up without thinking.
You check the mirrors.
You drive carefully.
But how many of us truly think about how safely our dogs travel? Are we doing enough to protect our four-legged passengers? Or is it time to rethink how we travel together? They trust us to take them on adventures, we owe them the safest ride possible. 
We surveyed the nation* about dog safety in cars — from restraints and crates to distractions and legal awareness. Here's what we found out...
Vehicle Image
Our survey revealed that although 80% of dog owners base their car purchase decisions on their pet’s needs, only 20% have test-driven a vehicle with their dog—something Subaru retailers are fully equipped for and actively welcome, encouraging customers to bring their dogs along for the experience.
Learn more
Vehicle Image
The survey found that one in five dog owners are driving illegally by failing to properly secure their pet, risking fines of up to £5,000 and invalidating their insurance—yet a third were unaware of the potential insurance consequences.
Learn more
Vehicle Image
The survey also found that half of respondents were unaware that airbags must be deactivated when a dog travels in the front seat—an oversight that could seriously compromise their pet’s safety.
Learn more
Single Image -

A Test Drive for You. An Adventure for Them.

To celebrate National Walk Your Dog Day, participating Subaru’s dog-friendly retailers are welcoming both human and canine guests to experience the latest models together.

In our survey, only 20% of people had test-driven a vehicle with their dog, and we're on a mission to increase that and ensure your chosen vehicle works just as well for your dog as it does for you.

Check the boot space.
Test the loading height.
See how they settle.
Enjoy the drive!

Our showrooms have also been stocked with some exclusive dog-approved Subaru goodies (but hurry, they're while stock lasts)! Plus for a limited time only you can enjoy £750^ off the On The Road price when you test drive, order and register a new Subaru by 31st March 2026.

Book your dog-friendly test drive

Meet the perfect walking companions

For spontaneous plans and everyday escapes.

Compact enough for the city.
Capable enough for the countryside.
With 220mm ground clearance, reassuring stability, durable interiors for muddy paws and practical boot space for leads, towels, water bowls and treats, Crosstrek is made for dog owners who never quite stick to the pavement.

For bigger dogs and bigger days out.

Confident on country lanes.
Spacious enough for crates, coats and companions.
Reassuringly safe in every season.
Forester is the dependable heart of the family. With generous boot space, excellent visibility and permanent All-Wheel Drive, it’s built for owners who value space, safety and confidence on every journey. 

For those who measure walks in miles.

Built for the road beyond the map.
Engineered for wherever the path leads.
Uncompromising on any terrain.
Outback is for the explorers — the ones who pack for the whole day and keep going. With exceptional comfort, durability and all-weather capability, it’s designed for serious adventures with serious companions.

Book your test drive today — and bring your best friend along.

Experience Subaru Today

This National Walk Your Dog Day, don’t just plan the walk. Plan the journey.

Experience Subaru safety, capability and confidence for yourself.

I agree to provide my personal information to Subaru UK for the purposes of communicating with me, processing my requests, and providing products or service. For more information on how we process your personal information, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Essential dog car accessories

Subaru Dog Guard

Dog Guards

A secure barrier between boot and cabin helps prevent distraction and protects passengers in the event of sudden braking. Ideal for larger breeds and energetic travellers. View our luggage dividers on our accessories page for more information. 

Subaru Dog Crates

Travel Crates

Well-fitted crates offer one of the safest ways for dogs to travel in cars, keeping them secure and comfortable.

Look for:

  • Proper ventilation
  • Correct sizing (enough room to stand and turn)
  • Secure anchoring within the boot
Subaru Dog Harness

Dog Seat Belts & Harnesses

Designed to restrain your dog safely while allowing limited movement.

Important for:

  • Smaller dogs travelling on rear seats
  • Preventing driver distraction
  • Reducing injury risk in sudden stops
Subaru Boot Liner

Boot Liners & Protective Mats

Because muddy paws are part of the adventure.

Durable, easy-clean cargo trays help protect your vehicle’s interior while keeping your dog comfortable after long walks.

*Based on research of UK dog owners who own a vehicle conducted for Subaru UK by Ragdoll Research. Base: 2,000, surveyed February 2026.
^Customer saving of £750 incl. VAT (vs. On The Road price) applicable to new Subaru vehicles test driven, ordered and registered between 18th February and 31st March 2026. Applicable to private retail sales only. Offer excludes all other sale types, including but not limited to demo, BCH, PCH, Affinity Schemes (NFU) and Motability. Offer available in conjunction with Subaru Deposit Contribution on eligible Retail Offers. Offer available exclusively through participating retailers. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers from participating retailers. Only one voucher may be applied per retail vehicle registered before 31st March 2026. The maximum value of any single voucher is £750 (incl. VAT). Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time.