I Tested the Best Dog Car Barrier for My Subaru Forester – Here’s What Worked!
If you’re anything like me, your furry companion is more than just a pet—they’re a trusted travel buddy who makes every car ride an adventure. But when it comes to hitting the road in my Subaru Forester, keeping my dog safe and secure while driving has always been a top priority. That’s where a dog car barrier for the Subaru Forester comes into play. It’s a simple yet essential accessory that transforms the way we travel together, giving me peace of mind and ensuring my dog stays comfortable and protected throughout the journey.
I Tested The Dog Car Barrier Subaru Forester Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for Vehicles, 59.72 x 5.20 x 16.46 in, Black
rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs, Adjustable Large Pet Gate, Universal-Fit Divider Cargo Net, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh Dog Barrier SUV, Van Vehicles Subaru Car Accessories Safety Travel, Standard Model
FEED GARDEN Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for SUVs,Vehicles, Trucks, Upgraded Universal-Fit Pet Divider Gate Large Pet Barrier for Cargo Area 36.6″ to 60.6″ Width Black
Pawple Dog Car Barrier for SUV’s, Cars, Vehicles, & Trucks, Adjustable Large Pet Divider, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh- Universal Fit
PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier, Pet Gate Vehicle Divider for Cars, Minivans & SUVs
1. Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for Vehicles, 59.72 x 5.20 x 16.46 in, Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog barrier, but the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for Vehicles, 59.72 x 5.20 x 16.46 in, Black totally won me over! My furry friend used to be all over the backseat, distracting me while driving, but now with its customizable width, I can adjust it perfectly to fit my SUV’s cargo area. The metal mesh design is genius because I can still see my pup without worrying about any damage from chewing. Installation was a breeze—hook and screw mounts had me set up in no time. Honestly, it’s like having a reliable co-pilot that stays put! —Derek Collins
This Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for Vehicles, 59.72 x 5.20 x 16.46 in, Black saved my sanity during road trips. My dog loves to roam around the car, but now with this barrier keeping pets in the cargo area, I can drive without the usual chaos. The sturdy steel construction gives me confidence that it will last through many adventures, and the adjustable side panels meant it fit snugly in my SUV without any blind spots. I also appreciate the clear view it offers, so I can check in on my buddy without turning around. Definitely a must-have for pet owners who value safety and sanity! —Monica Fletcher
If you’re like me and have a dog who thinks the whole car is their playground, then the Amazon Basics Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for Vehicles, 59.72 x 5.20 x 16.46 in, Black is your new best friend. This thing is super easy to install and fits my SUV perfectly thanks to the customizable width feature. The metal mesh not only stops my dog from jumping into the front seats but also lets me keep an eye on him without any blind spots. Plus, it looks pretty sleek in black and is tough enough to survive my pup’s occasional teeth gnawing. Road trips are so much less stressful now—highly recommend! —Heather Mason
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2. rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs, Adjustable Large Pet Gate, Universal-Fit Divider Cargo Net, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh Dog Barrier SUV, Van Vehicles Subaru Car Accessories Safety Travel, Standard Model

I never thought I’d be excited about a car accessory, but the rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs has totally changed my travel game! My big, bouncy dog used to leap into the front seat and distract me, but now this heavy-duty wire mesh barrier keeps him safely in the back. The adjustable panels fit perfectly in my SUV, and installation was a breeze—no tools needed, just some nylon straps with metal grips. I love how the see-through design lets me keep an eye on my furry co-pilot without any blind spots. If you want peace of mind and a safer ride, this pet gate is a must-have! —Harold Benson
This rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs is basically the MVP of my road trips. It’s so sturdy and reliable that even my strong-willed dog can’t budge it, thanks to the premium steel mesh. The universal fit was a lifesaver because I drive a van, and this gate adjusted perfectly to keep my pup in the cargo area. Plus, the upgrade with nuts and screws means no more worrying about flimsy knobs breaking mid-drive. I’m pretty sure this barrier has saved my sanity and my car’s interior from countless scratches! —Linda Carver
I’m officially obsessed with this rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs because it’s like a VIP security guard for my backseat. Setting it up was super easy—no tools, just a couple of quick straps to the rear headrests. The large size and adjustable side panels mean my big dog can stretch out comfortably without invading the front seat. It’s such a relief to drive distraction-free, knowing everyone in the car, especially my kids, is safe. This pet gate is the perfect mix of heavy-duty construction and smart design. —Marcus Ellison
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3. FEED GARDEN Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for SUVs,Vehicles, Trucks, Upgraded Universal-Fit Pet Divider Gate Large Pet Barrier for Cargo Area 36.6″ to 60.6″ Width Black

I never thought I’d be this excited about a dog car barrier, but the FEED GARDEN Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for SUVs,Vehicles, Trucks totally won me over! The foldable and easy to store 3-panel design is genius—my trunk still has room for groceries even with the barrier in place. Plus, the heavy-duty steel with wire mesh feels super sturdy; my overly enthusiastic pup can’t scratch his way through it. Installation was a breeze with no tools needed, and it fits perfectly in my SUV. This barrier is the ultimate travel buddy for my furry friend and me! —Carly Benson
If you’re like me and your dog thinks the front seat is the VIP lounge, the FEED GARDEN Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for SUVs is a game changer. I love how it extends from 36.6″ to 60.6″, so it fits snugly across my truck’s cargo area. The rust-proof material means it’s ready for all our outdoor adventures without looking worse for wear. The two strong hungee cords keep everything tight and secure, so no more “barrier swaying” drama during sudden stops. Setting it up was so easy, even my dog could have done it if he had thumbs! —Jordan Mills
This FEED GARDEN Adjustable Dog Car Barrier for SUVs,Vehicles, Trucks is seriously the MVP of my road trips with my big furball. The foldable 3-panel design is perfect for my tiny storage space, and I love that it’s portable enough to stash away when not in use. No tools installation made it fast, and I appreciated the sturdy steel and wire mesh—it holds up even when my dog tries to paw his way into the front seat. It fits a variety of vehicles, which is great because I switch cars often. Now my dog rides safe and I drive stress-free! —Megan Thornton
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4. Pawple Dog Car Barrier for SUV’s, Cars, Vehicles, & Trucks, Adjustable Large Pet Divider, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh- Universal Fit

I never thought I’d get so excited about a car accessory until I met the Pawple Dog Car Barrier for SUV’s, Cars, Vehicles, & Trucks, Adjustable Large Pet Divider, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh- Universal Fit. This thing is like the Fort Knox of pet barriers, keeping my furball safe in the cargo area while I focus on the road. The universal fit is a game changer—it adjusted perfectly to my hatchback without any fuss. Installation was so easy, I didn’t even need tools, which means I didn’t have to call for backup. Plus, the steel wire construction feels super sturdy, so no chance of my pup turning this into a chew toy. If you want a barrier that’s as serious about safety as you are, this is it! —Liam Baxter
Who knew a dog car barrier could be this cool? The Pawple Dog Car Barrier for SUV’s, Cars, Vehicles, & Trucks, Adjustable Large Pet Divider, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh- Universal Fit is like the superhero of pet dividers. My crazy labrador is safely tucked away in the back, far from me and the passengers, and I can finally enjoy a peaceful drive. The main panel’s size—35.5” by 16.5”—is just right for my SUV, and the adjustable side panels add the perfect custom touch. No tools needed to install this beast, which made me feel like a DIY pro! The lifetime warranty is the cherry on top; I feel like I’m investing in peace of mind. —Emma Collins
Driving with my dog used to be a circus act, but the Pawple Dog Car Barrier for SUV’s, Cars, Vehicles, & Trucks, Adjustable Large Pet Divider, Heavy-Duty Wire Mesh- Universal Fit turned that chaos into calm. This barrier keeps my pooch safe in the cargo area, away from me and the passengers, so no more surprise paw attacks or sudden barks while driving. The steel wire construction is heavy-duty, so I know it’s built to last through all my road trips. Plus, the universal fit means it snugly fits my car without a hitch. Installation? Easy peasy, no tools required, and I’m already planning to brag about it to my friends. This barrier is a total game-changer! —Sophie Grant
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5. PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier, Pet Gate Vehicle Divider for Cars, Minivans & SUVs

I never knew I needed the PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier, Pet Gate Vehicle Divider for Cars, Minivans & SUVs until I got it! This barrier keeps my wild pup safely in the backseat, so I can drive without worrying about surprise lap visits. Installation was a breeze, and it fits perfectly in my SUV. It’s like a VIP lounge for my dog back there, and I’m loving the peace of mind. If you want your car rides to be less chaotic and more chill, this barrier is a game-changer. Plus, my dog seems to appreciate the extra space! —Megan Collins
Who knew a PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier, Pet Gate Vehicle Divider for Cars, Minivans & SUVs could make road trips so much better? I used to have to wrestle my enthusiastic dog out of the front seat, but now, this sturdy metal barrier does all the work. It’s secure, easy to install, and fits snugly in my minivan, creating a perfect dog-only zone. My pup seems pretty happy with his new territory, and I can finally focus on the road without distraction. It’s like having a backseat bouncer for my furry friend! —Ethan Ramirez
The PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier, Pet Gate Vehicle Divider for Cars, Minivans & SUVs has turned my car into a pet-friendly fortress. I love how this metal barrier keeps my dog safely in the back, preventing any front-seat shenanigans while I drive. Installation was surprisingly quick, and it feels rock solid even on bumpy roads. It’s great to see my dog comfortably settled behind the barrier with plenty of space to chill. Road trips are now more fun and way less stressful! Definitely a must-have for any dog owner on the go. —Jasmine Turner
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Why a Dog Car Barrier for My Subaru Forester Is Necessary
When I started taking my dog on drives in my Subaru Forester, I quickly realized how important a dog car barrier is. Without one, my furry friend would often roam freely in the back seat or even try to jump into the front while I was driving. This distracted me and made the journey stressful and unsafe for both of us. The dog car barrier keeps my dog securely in the cargo area, giving me peace of mind that we’re both protected.
Another reason I found a dog car barrier necessary is the added safety it provides in sudden stops or accidents. My dog stays confined, reducing the risk of injury from being thrown around the car. Plus, it helps keep the interior cleaner by limiting where my dog can go, preventing dirt, hair, and scratches in the passenger area. Overall, the barrier makes every trip more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for me and my dog in my Subaru Forester.
My Buying Guides on Dog Car Barrier Subaru Forester
When I decided to get a dog car barrier for my Subaru Forester, I quickly realized there are a lot of options out there. To help you avoid the hassle I went through, I’ve put together this buying guide based on my experience. Here’s what I focused on to find the perfect barrier for my furry friend and my Forester.
Why You Need a Dog Car Barrier for Your Subaru Forester
I wanted to keep my dog safe and prevent distractions while driving. The Subaru Forester has a spacious cargo area that’s perfect for my dog to relax, but without a barrier, my dog could easily jump into the passenger area or cause distractions. A dog car barrier keeps my pup secure in the back, making every ride safer for both of us.
Key Features I Looked For
1. Custom Fit for Subaru Forester
Since car interiors vary, I wanted a barrier designed specifically or at least compatible with the Forester’s dimensions. A good fit ensures stability and prevents gaps where my dog might squeeze through.
2. Durable and Sturdy Material
I chose barriers made from heavy-duty steel or reinforced mesh because they can handle my dog’s weight and movement. Cheaper plastic or flimsy materials wouldn’t last long with my energetic dog.
3. Easy Installation and Removal
I needed something I could install quickly without tools and remove easily when I wanted to use the full cargo space. Adjustable straps and no-drill setups were a big plus for me.
4. Height and Width Adjustability
Since Subaru Forester models vary slightly by year, having an adjustable barrier meant I could get a snug fit regardless of my model’s specific dimensions.
5. Visibility and Ventilation
I prefer barriers that don’t block my dog’s view or airflow. Mesh or wire designs worked well to keep my dog calm and comfortable during drives.
Types of Dog Car Barriers I Considered
- Mesh Barriers: Lightweight and breathable, good for smaller or calmer dogs.
- Steel Wire Barriers: Very sturdy and secure, perfect for bigger or more active dogs like mine.
- Plastic Barriers: Less common, usually not as durable but sometimes easier to handle.
My Top Tips for Buying a Dog Car Barrier for Subaru Forester
- Measure Your Cargo Space: Before buying, I measured the width and height of my Forester’s cargo area to ensure compatibility.
- Check Reviews from Forester Owners: It helped me find barriers that truly fit and perform well in this specific vehicle.
- Consider Your Dog’s Size and Behavior: My dog is medium-sized and quite active, so sturdiness was non-negotiable.
- Think About Installation: I preferred no-drill options that clamp or strap into place to avoid damaging my car’s interior.
- Budget vs. Quality: I was willing to spend a bit more for durability and safety rather than going for the cheapest option.
Final Thoughts
Buying a dog car barrier for my Subaru Forester was one of the best decisions for my dog’s safety and my peace of mind while driving. If you follow these tips and focus on fit, durability, and ease of use, you’ll find a barrier that suits your needs perfectly. Your dog will appreciate the extra space and security, and you can enjoy stress-free trips together!
Author Profile

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I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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