How to Fit a Dog and a Pram in the Car: A Practical Guide for UK Pet Parents

So, you've got a dog. You've got a pram. You've got a car. And now you're wondering: how on earth do I fit everything in without losing my mind (or my boot space)?

Whether you're planning a countryside walk, a vet visit, or a weekend away, travelling with both your pup and their trusty dog pushchair can feel like a game of Tetris—with fur. But don’t worry. With a little planning and a few smart tricks, you can load up like a pro—no wrestling, no swearing, and no leaving the pram behind.

Here’s how to make it work, step by step.

🚗 1. Start with the Right Car Boot Setup

Let’s talk boot space. No two cars are the same, and neither are dog prams.

Before anything else, open your boot and take a good look. Do you have:

  • A flat loading area or a lip?

  • Rear seats that fold flat?

  • Enough vertical clearance for a pram to stand upright?

If your boot is on the smaller side, don’t panic. Most modern dog prams, especially those from Paw Comfort UK, are designed to fold compactly—often with one hand. Some fold like umbrellas, others like suitcases. Learn your pram’s folding style and master it. It’ll save time and space.

🧳 2. Fold the Pram First, Not the Dog

Seems obvious, but you’d be surprised.

Always fold the pram before loading your dog into the car. An open pram takes up three times the space and leads to awkward fumbling. Fold it first. Lock it securely. Place it in the boot—flat or upright, depending on the model.

💡 Pro tip: Store the pram against the back seat or on its side to maximise boot space.

🐶 3. Decide: Dog in Boot or Back Seat?

This depends on:

  • The size of your dog

  • The size of your car

  • The layout of your boot

  • How well your dog travels

🐕 Option A: Dog in the Boot (with Grille or Barrier)

If you have an estate, SUV, or hatchback, this is usually the easiest option.
Fold the pram flat. Place it at the back or side of the boot.
Then lay down a non-slip mat or dog bed, and let your pup hop in.

Make sure there’s enough ventilation and a guard to prevent back-seat jumps.

🐶 Option B: Dog on the Back Seat (With Harness or Crate)

If your boot is full or your dog prefers closer company, buckle them in using a seatbelt harness or put them in a soft travel crate.
This leaves the boot free for the pram, shopping bags, and everything else life throws at you.

✔️ Don’t forget to protect your car seats with a waterproof cover.

🛠️ 4. Use Storage Smarter, Not Harder

Dog parents travel with a lot of extras—lead, water bowl, poo bags, snacks, blankets… the list goes on.

Use your car’s side pockets, footwells, and seat-back organisers to keep small items out of the way.

If your pram has a storage basket underneath, fill it before you fold it. Just make sure everything’s soft (no rattling metal bowls, please).

🧼 5. Protect Your Car From Dirt and Fur

This might not help with space, but it will help your sanity.

Lay down a:

  • Boot liner or mat for muddy pram wheels

  • Dog hammock or towel on the back seat

  • Blanket over the folded pram if your dog was recently swimming (because soggy pram fabric is no one’s friend)

Even the cleanest dog becomes a mucky pup after a park trip.

🧩 6. Practice the Load-In, Load-Out Routine

Don’t wait until you’re running late to figure out how to fit it all in.

Practice at home:

  • Fold the pram quickly

  • Position it in the boot

  • See how your dog likes getting in

  • Time yourself (bonus points if you beat your last record)

With a bit of repetition, this all becomes second nature. You’ll load up in less than 3 minutes—coffee in one hand, lead in the other.

🛒 7. Choose a Pram That Works With Your Car

If you're still shopping for a dog pushchair, make sure it’s car-friendly.

Look for:

  • Quick-fold mechanism

  • Lightweight frame

  • Compact folded size

  • Sturdy wheels that don’t take up half the boot

  • Locking clips to keep it from springing open while driving

At Paw Comfort UK, we stock a range of prams made for real UK life—compact for car travel, strong for outdoor use, and smart-looking enough to turn heads at your local market.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Load Like a Pro, Drive in Peace

Yes, fitting a dog and a pram in the car sounds like a juggling act. But with the right setup and a bit of practice, it becomes just another part of your routine.

Your dog stays happy. Your pram stays clean. Your car stays organised. And you? You arrive calm, cool, and ready for adventure.

So fold smart. pack light. and enjoy the ride—with your best friend in tow.

Explore our space-saving prams at Paw Comfort UK—perfect for boot-size living and tail-wagging travels.

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