No matter how well-trained or accustomed to shotgun riding your four-legged buddy is, if you don’t have safe containment options available, they are still vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident. Proper containment keeps pets secure in designated areas without restricting them so much that they're uncomfortable during long rides. This not only applies when dealing with hard brakes and accidents, but also in preventing your pet from leaping out of the vehicle at inopportune times to chase wildlife.
Temperature and ventilation matter way more in UTVs than in enclosed vehicles. Open cabs or soft enclosures mean pets experience full wind, dust, and weather. With this in mind, you definitely want side-by-side pet accessories that allow for airflow. As a rule, even with high-quality UTV pet accessories that come with ventilation, you should still watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion (excessive drooling or panting, for one).
For crew cab UTVs, converting rear cargo or seating areas into secure dog platforms solves transportation challenges elegantly. A UTV cargo rack conversion setup will either replace or work around your rear seating, offering a safe and secure platform where dogs can ride in comfort. Features you want to prioritize in this department include grippy surfaces and tie-down points for harnesses.
When in an elevated position, dogs tend to be calmer, as they love to have a full view (and being higher up keeps them away from mud and water at the level of the bed). You may need to finagle an item or two if you have limited cab space, but otherwise, we’re big proponents of the elevated side-by-side dog seat. As far as installation is concerned, there are bolt-in systems that you can manage with basic hand tools and more intensive, completely removable designs. Consider how often you will want to remove and install your seat when shopping.
If you’d rather have a side-by-side pet containment setup that takes advantage of existing passenger or cargo space, then seat barriers may be the best bet for you. These are awesome for dogs that ride in rear passenger seats of crew cabs.
Cargo area barriers for bed-mounted dog transport create boundaries preventing dogs from jumping out while giving them reasonable movement within the bed. Storage integration in some barrier systems provides organized storage for leashes, water bowls, treats, and other pet supplies. Keeping everything in one location prevents hunting for scattered gear. Material durability matters since dogs can damage weak barriers with their claws or teeth.
Quick-release mechanisms make it easy to pop the barrier out when you don’t want it. Visibility through barriers lets you monitor pets during riding without needing to stop and look back constantly.
How do I prevent overheating of my pet?
Take frequent breaks in the shade and water, water, water!
Do I have to have a harness when riding with my pet?
It all depends on the dog and where you’re containing them. For bed riding, a barrier alone isn’t enough, so a harness is mandatory.
What’s the best way to get a pet used to UTV riding?
Start small. Short rides, plenty of praise, and go from there.