Is the Model Y the best choice if you have a dog?

[tbwnm]

Our 2019 Model 3 SR+ was recently totalled and now looking to order a replacement Tesla. We are a family of 3 and have a medium sized dog (50lbs) and even though I personally like the style as well as the way the Model 3 drives, we are thinking of switching to the Y to make it easier to bring our pup on roadtrips (which isn't something we will probably do more than a two or three times a year). Would like to hear back from any Model Y owners that have dogs and how the Y is working for them. If you put the dog in the trunk behind the back seats, is there access to a seat belt latch to clip them in? Price differential between the base Y and the Model 3 SR+ is around $10K and although I appreciate you get other advantages with the Y (such as improved range, sound system etc..) the SR+ was fine for our needs given the size of our family and the amount of driving we do so not sure if it's worth spending the extra $$ for a more dog friendly vehicle. Many thanks!!

 

[everydaychris]

Of course. We have two dogs and are getting one. Nice trunk, raised higher so it's easier to move things in and out. Dog mode. Tons of space. That's why we're getting one actually instead of a 3.

 

[Puma2020]

My wife likes the hatchback style for dog carrying. The dog can easily sleep in the back. Not sure the the seat belt latch. I do not believe so. Our dogs are much smaller so we put them in crates and buckle the crates to the latched seat belts. The Y would easily have enough room for your 3 (and even a 4th if needed), plus your suitcases and the puppy. The deep side wells in the back are great for carrying dog supplies, leashes, water, bowls, baggies for clean up, combs, brushes, etc... Plus you have 2 underneath compartments. I do not even use the one closest to the seats (yet) but the other one has even more supplies plus the med kit and safety triangles and such. That is easy enough to get to if needed.

Plus dog mode. As we do dog agility, we used dog mode a LOT this summer. Ate some battery (depending on outside temp and what temp you set the inside to), but never an issue. I have the LR AWD.
Love dog mode.

 

[zecar]

The real issue is that you are forced into the long range battery. Without the forced battery upgrade the Y is the clear choice IMO. But I prefer the Y raised seating, as well as a typical SUV back end.

 

[kickenandbrian]

Just “dog proofed” ours..

 

[Maryland]

Somewhat related, I'm actually interested in the Cybertruck for the way the liftgate turns into a ramp. I think it'd be nice for my old dog with her bad joints. Would have to make it grippier back there though.

 

[Raechris]

Our 2019 Model 3 SR+ was recently totalled and now looking to order a replacement Tesla. We are a family of 3 and have a medium sized dog (50lbs) and even though I personally like the style as well as the way the Model 3 drives, we are thinking of switching to the Y to make it easier to bring our pup on roadtrips (which isn't something we will probably do more than a two or three times a year). Would like to hear back from any Model Y owners that have dogs and how the Y is working for them. If you put the dog in the trunk behind the back seats, is there access to a seat belt latch to clip them in? Price differential between the base Y and the Model 3 SR+ is around $10K and although I appreciate you get other advantages with the Y (such as improved range, sound system etc..) the SR+ was fine for our needs given the size of our family and the amount of driving we do so not sure if it's worth spending the extra $$ for a more dog friendly vehicle. Many thanks!!

Our cocker is 28 lbs and she has plenty of room. She liked her first trip last weekend but today she figured out how to actuate the power assist seat latch on the seat back. May tweet Elon to suggest deactivation setting. The driver rear seat back (60%) is heavy and falls with a thud. Not safe for a child and a smart dog combination.

 

[BeausY]

Just “dog proofed” ours..View attachment 597302View attachment 597303

Looks great, just one suggestion if you don't mind. Dog mode will be enhanced if you had a cargo liner that has a mesh opening so that your dog can enjoy the rear A/C. Currently in your set up, you are blocking the rear AC vent.

This is what I use and the dog can see me as well. Just my 2 cents

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZY74NPF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jerry33]

Model X or Model Y are the ones to get if you need dog room (or any other type of additional room, X having more room than Y albeit at a higher cost).

 

[LouCostello]

The one thing to be aware of is how steep the slope on the hatch is. I have German Shepherds, and while they fit in the back okay they do have to sit sideways and can’t really look out the back window without smooshing their ears down. I don’t think we could fit a crate large enough for one of them if we needed a way to do that.

 

[Kevin66]

Just “dog proofed” ours..View attachment 597302View attachment 597303

I like this. Where did you purchase this setup?

 

[kickenandbrian]

I like this. Where did you purchase this setup?

Pet Cargo Cover for Tesla Owners

 

[rxlawdude]

60lb Labrabull was happy in back seat (with doggie cover) on 500mi road trip. As others have mentioned, Dog Mode is invaluable at charging stops.

 

[mrbloons]

The Model Y has worked out perfect for our two dogs, 80 lb lab mix and 40 lb terrier mix. We've taken them on numerous trips, they stay in the back (trunk area) and we're able to stow all our luggage in the compartment underneath the trunk and the frunk, so it's all secure and the dogs have the full upper trunk area to themselves. We usually travel with 2 adults and 2 kids, and the dogs seem content in the back, even on 3 hour road trips to/from our family vacation home. In previous vehicles it was always a challenge to secure the luggage which had to be in the same area as the dogs so it wouldn't slide or fall into them. I really like how the Model Y storage areas are compartmentalized.

 

[noshadow]

The one thing to be aware of is how steep the slope on the hatch is. I have German Shepherds, and while they fit in the back okay they do have to sit sideways and can’t really look out the back window without smooshing their ears down. I don’t think we could fit a crate large enough for one of them if we needed a way to do that.

I have a 80lbs white swiss shepherd, 26" whithers, 40" nose to base of tail. I would say the space is just fine for car rides. We used to have a Subaru Outback, and while the length and width are similar, the height of the space is not. My pup's ears are always smushed down to look out the window, but they really don't need to look and can lay down just fine.

We take her places daily, and we've been on a big road trip (1000 miles) before without any issues.

 

[SouthernDragon]

We have two mini Australian Shepherds that sit in the back seat. They do really well, especially with the dog covers over the seats.

 

[theganjaguru]

My cattle dog fits in the back fine. I also have a large golden retriever. Have to put the seats down for him

 

[iCeMaNxLb]

i bought the MY just for my 2 small under 12lb dogs - perfectly fits 2 pet carriers in the rear hatch; i put baby wipes, toys, poop bags, and all their stuff in the sides within the rear hatch. i also got the performance version b/c they are happy when i drive fast (they tend to whine if i drive slow)

 

[Zoso]

One thing to possibly consider, our 11-year-old 75-pound lab mix can't quite get up in by herself. We have to lift her hind end to help her. She didn't have a problem with the Ford Fusion or Kia Stinger we had before and can get out by herself no problem. The MY seat is just a little too high for her to get in on her own.

 

[richyrich]

Yeah it’s a bit high a jump into the trunk for smaller dogs but that’s nothing Tesla-specific. My dog is happy back there.