We have an 8 year old english cocker spaniel that still has lots of energy. Until now, when we would go away for the weekend to our beachhouse, our dog travelled in my wife's 2000 Toyota Sienna. With 137k on the odometer, I wasn't overly concerned about any damage to that car, especially since it had a flat floor and no wood console.

Last night we picked up my wife's new car (BMW 530XI) and I asked whose car we would be using to take the dog (I already knew the answer but wanted to hear how strongly she felt). Of course my wife responds--"no way she's riding in my car. She'll have to go with you" I smiled and asked if she was sure she wanted to part with her minivan.

My dog's nails can be pretty sharp and she can get very excited when she's in the car and hops from from seat to seat--my main concern is that she's going to destroy the wood console in the IS. Also, the leather is soft and I'm wondering if she can do any damage here too.

I'd like to hear suggestions from other dog/pet owners that have to travel with their pets in their ISX50's. How have you pet-proofed your car?

I've seen some custom seat covers, but at $200-300, they seem too expensive.

 

I have a Great Dane and while 99% of the time he rides in the back of my wife's Grand Cherokee, sometimes he has to ride with me. I bought one of those (too expensive) seat covers specifically fitted for the IS. To me, to spend $200 to protect a $40k car was well worth the investment.

The cover itself is great. It fits perfectly, stain resistant, guaranteed against nail penetration, and is soft. It is so nice that if I ever have anymore than 1 passenger, I might make them sit on the cover so THEY don't ruin my seats.

The only thing that it doesn't protect obviously is the wood and the jumping into the front seat. My dog just lays there or sticks his head out the window so we don't have to worry about that. However, in our Jeep, we have an ajustable divider that probably would fit in the IS if we needed it too. That was like $50.

 

I'd call Cesar Millan to help with your "jumping" and "over excitement" problems.

 

I always keep my dog in the back seat, mainly because he would not fit in the front. If you love your dog, do not put him in the front seat, an airbag can kill it instantly. I dont mean to preach.

Otherwise, just put some blankets down, or get the seat covers.

 

have you thought about a crate? My dog travels to work with me most days(own my own business) and I put her in a crate. She has no problem with it and it saves the interior of my car!

 

Invest the money in the seat cover - it is well worth the investment!