Dog Guard Group Test

Behind Bars - Secure your luggage and stop Rover from roving with a dog guard. We put eight to the test, but which one leads the way?

Auto Express Car Reviews

May 2009

Slam on the brakes and anything not secured in your vehicle is liable to move around and potentially injure occupants. With estate cars, there is even the potential for objects to kill as they fly from the boot
to the cabin – and this includes your dog.

Not only will a guard keep your pet in place in the unfortunate event of a collision, but it will also ensure luggage or other items remain at the back. We fitted eight of the best on the market to see which provided the ultimate in protection.

The Test

Most people install these devices and forget about them, but they still need to be easy to construct and come with comprehensive instructions. You don’t want it to become loose over time.

Although the guards can be fitted to almost any car, we particularly looked for those that filled the gap between boot and cabin well, and offered adjustment. The quality of finish was also important, as rough edges could harm pets or mark interior trim. As ever, price was a key factor in the results.

Verdict

All these guards will keep luggage or pets out of the cabin, but the best all-rounder is the VC Saunders T95, which offers a good blend of price, stability and easy set-up. Next is the WalkyGuard from Bice, which feels robust and is simple to fit.

Joining them on the podium is the Mont Blanc Mesh protector, which is perfect for those who don’t want or need to use a guard all of the time.

1. VC Saunders T95
2. Bice WalkyGuard
3. Mont Blanc Mesh Dog Guard