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Pet-Friendly Fords: The Best SUVs For Dog Owners In Mississauga
Aug 22
14 min read

Many dog owners in Mississauga struggle to find a ride that keeps their pets safe and happy. Over half of homes in the Greater Toronto Area now have at least one pet, making vehicle choice more important than ever.
Our guide spotlights Pet-Friendly SUV Mississauga options with roomy cargo space, sturdy seats, and special safety features for dogs. Discover how Erinwood Ford can help you and your pup travel better today.
Key Takeaways
Ford SUVs like the Explorer, Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport offer features ideal for dog owners. These include spacious cargo areas, easy-to-clean surfaces, and safety tech.
Erinwood Ford in Mississauga focuses on helping pet owners find vehicles that suit their needs with options such as washable materials and flat-folding rear seats.
Dog-friendly features in Ford SUVs also cover advanced safety tools like the Co-Pilot360 suite to protect pets on the road.
The dealership provides transparent pricing, flexible financing options for buyers with different credit backgrounds, and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and dogs.
Erinwood Ford offers comprehensive service support, using genuine parts and skilled technicians to keep pet-friendly SUVs running smoothly.
Why Choose a Pet-Friendly SUV?
As a team of pet lovers at Erinwood Ford, we know your dog’s comfort on the road matters. Choosing an SUV with smart features gives both you and your furry friend peace of mind during every trip in Ontario.
Importance of safety and comfort for pets
Travelling with pets in Ontario calls for top safety and comfort. Dogs need secure cabins and cool interiors, just like people. Many SUVs now include rear-seat alert systems to guard against leaving pets behind by mistake.
Advanced features, such as sliding doors and wide cargo space, make loading pets easy and stress-free.
Easy-to-clean seats protect from fur or mud after your adventure at Jack Darling Park or Lakefront Promenade Park.
Wagons and compact SUVs lead the way as best choices for pet lovers, with high safety ratings shown by options like the Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V. Models such as Ford Escape also focus on washable materials and spacious layouts that allow every family member—including four-legged ones—to ride safe and relaxed.
Features that make an SUV ideal for dog owners
Dog owners need SUVs that keep their pets safe and comfortable. At Erinwood Ford, we value both your needs and your pet's needs. Here are features that make an SUV perfect for dog owners:
Spaciousness is a must. It ensures pets and their gear fit comfortably.
Interiors that are easy to clean help manage pet messes quickly.
Power liftgates make it easier for pets to get in and out.
Low ground clearance helps smaller or older pets enter without jumping.
Safety features like driver-attention monitoring protect everyone in the vehicle.
Surround-view camera systems help avoid accidents when driving or parking.
Folding rear seats increase space for carriers and crates.
Hands-free, foot-activated liftgates offer convenience when your hands are full.
The availability of accessories like folding crates keeps pets secure during a ride.
Pet barriers prevent pets from jumping to the front, ensuring safer travel.
Advanced safety options include rear air conditioning to keep pets cool.
These features ensure a journey that is comfortable for you and your pet, making the experience enjoyable for all involved.
Next, let’s look at what makes Ford SUVs stand out for pet owners in Mississauga.
What Makes Ford SUVs Stand Out for Pet Owners?
At Erinwood Ford, our team sees how pet owners love vehicles that make travel easy for their dogs. Our Ford SUVs use strong, washable materials and smart storage solutions like roomy cargo spaces to help keep your pets safe and comfortable on every drive in Mississauga.
Spacious interiors and cargo areas
Ford SUVs give your pets room to move, rest, and travel in comfort. The 2025 Ford Expedition seats up to eight people and still leaves lots of cargo space for dog crates or carriers.
Models like the Explorer offer up to 2,488 litres of cargo room with seats down—more than enough for large dogs or more than one pet. The Edge and Escape both have flat-folding rear seats, making it easy to fit beds, toys, and gear for every trip.
The Ford F-150 stands out among trucks with its wide cabin and spacious bed that can carry even big breeds safely. Open cabins in many Ford models let pets sit upright without feeling trapped during the drive.
Every new Ford SUV at Erinwood Ford gives you a flexible interior so you can adjust as your family and pets grow.
Durable materials make cleaning up after muddy paws quick and simple; next, learn how these interiors hold up against everyday messes from active dogs.
Durable, easy-to-clean materials
Right after finding enough space for your pets, tough and reliable materials matter most. Our team at Erinwood Ford recommends SUVs with interiors built to handle pet hair, dirt, and claws.
The Ford F-150 stands out with its heavy-duty surfaces made for outdoor adventures and resisting pet wear. Most of our SUV models, like the Edge and Explorer, offer optional leather or vinyl seats in Canadian trims.
These resist scratches from nails and make cleaning up dog fur quick.
Easy-to-clean floors mean less time vacuuming after a muddy walk on Mississauga trails. Many Ford SUVs use washable surfaces throughout the cabin for simple wipe-downs after messy trips.
The Ford Edge gets top marks for comfort paired with fast cleanup thanks to smart material choices inside. With these details in mind, you can focus more on travel fun instead of constant clean-up duty while keeping both your family and furry friends
happy in their spacious SUV with durable finishes designed just for them.
Advanced safety features for pets and passengers
Ford SUVs give you peace of mind with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Features like Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and Emergency Brake Assist spot hazards before they become accidents.
The Lane-Keeping System keeps your SUV steady on busy streets in Mississauga. Rearview cameras help drivers check for pets behind the vehicle while backing up.
Rear air vents let fresh air flow to keep dogs cool during travel. Some models offer rear airbag deactivation for crate safety. These advanced tools protect both people and pets on every ride.
The right safety features make every drive safer for your loved ones—paws included.
Next, discover what makes the Ford Escape such a great choice for small to medium-sized dogs.

Ford Escape: Perfect for Small to Medium-Sized Dogs
Our team at Erinwood Ford recommends the Ford Escape for pet owners with small to medium-sized dogs. Its roomy cargo space and washable surfaces make outings in Mississauga easy and stress-free.
Key features for pet owners
As the President of Erinwood Ford in Mississauga, I understand the need for a vehicle that suits both your lifestyle and that of your pet. Our SUVs are designed with pet owners in mind, offering features that ensure safety, comfort, and convenience during travel. Here are some key features that make our SUVs perfect for dog owners:
The Ford Escape offers a spacious cargo area with up to 1,062 litres of space when seats are folded down. This makes it easy to fit crates or carriers for small to medium-sized dogs.
With its low lift-in height, smaller dogs can easily get in and out of the Escape, making trips smoother for both you and your pet.
Optional leather interiors in the Escape provide a durable surface that's easy to clean after outdoor adventures or beach trips with your furry friend.
Flat-fold seating is available across our SUV models, allowing you to customize the space according to your pet's needs or when carrying extra gear.
The hands-free, foot-activated liftgate in the Ford Escape simplifies access to the cargo area when your hands are full, like holding leashes or dog food bags.
Pet barriers are available for added safety and can be easily installed in the cargo area to keep pets secure while driving.
Rear air conditioning ensures your pet stays comfortable during long drives or hot days.
Adjustable seats give more flexibility in managing space, especially helpful when travelling with multiple pets.
With these features and more, our team at Erinwood Ford is committed to providing SUV options that cater specifically to families with pets. Whether you're looking for a vehicle with ample cargo space for dogs or one with washable interiors for pets, we have flexible financing options on approved credit for qualified customers. Let us help you find the best SUV for pets today.
Pros and benefits of dog-friendly travel
The Ford Escape gives small to medium-sized dogs plenty of space to move and rest. Its low lift-in height lets older pets climb in with less effort. Fold-flat seating offers more room for crates or gear, making it easy to organize the cargo area for trips around Mississauga.
Interiors feature optional leather that resists pet hair and scratches. Materials are simple to wipe clean after a trip to the park.
Key safety features like rearview cameras and Lane-Keeping System help protect both your pets and your family while on the road. The Escape's price fits many budgets, helping families find an affordable SUV with pet-friendly features without giving up comfort or style.
Next, we’ll look at how the roomy Ford Edge suits families with pets who need even more space inside their vehicle.
Ford Edge: A Comfortable Option for Families with Pets
Our team at Erinwood Ford sees the Ford Edge as a top pick for pet-loving families here in Mississauga. The roomy interior lets your dog stretch out, while features like smart access and washable surfaces make every trip easier.
Spacious rear seats and cargo space
The Ford Edge stands out with roomy rear seats, giving pets plenty of space to relax during trips. Rear air conditioning helps keep your dog cool and comfortable, even on hot days in Mississauga.
The flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats fold flat for extra cargo area. You can easily fit pet crates, beds, or all the gear needed for a day at the park.
Low cabin height means dogs hop in and out without struggle. Our team sees families enjoy SUVs with pet-friendly features like these every day at Erinwood Ford. The large cargo area suits both small and multiple pets, plus their accessories.
Interior materials wipe clean fast after muddy walks or beach runs—ideal for Ontario seasons. The Edge gives you space so every adventure is fun for you and safe for your pets.
Pet-friendly interior design
Easy-to-clean surfaces and durable materials inside the Ford Edge make life simple for pet owners. Soft-touch upholstery options help you wipe up dirt quickly after a trip to the park.
Rear air vents keep dogs cool in any weather, while spacious rear seats give them room to stretch out. The cargo area holds pet beds or crates, letting larger breeds relax safely during longer drives.
Low cabin height means small or older pets can step into the vehicle with less stress. Our team at Erinwood Ford often hears from families who love how easily their dog jumps in or out of the Edge on busy days here in Mississauga.
We focus on SUVs with washable interiors for pets because clean-up matters most after muddy adventures together.
Our customers say that a clean car makes every road trip more fun for both people and pups.
Next, we will look at how ample space makes travel easier when you drive with large dogs or more than one furry friend.

Ford Explorer: Ideal for Larger Dogs and Multiple Pets
At Erinwood Ford, we see many families with big dogs or several pets choose the Ford Explorer for its roomy interior and flexible seating. Its smart design gives you extra space to fit crates or carriers while keeping your furry friends safe during any drive around Mississauga.
Ample space for crates and carriers
The Ford Explorer offers up to 2,488 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. This flat-folding layout lets you fit large dog crates or multiple carriers with ease. Three rows of seating allow owners to adjust space as needed for pets and gear.
Many pet owners in Mississauga like the optional second-row bucket seats for extra flexibility when arranging their dogs and travel supplies.
The spacious rear cargo area keeps crates secure even on bumpy roads around Ontario. With room for large dog beds, food bins, and other essentials, explorers can bring along everything their furry friends need on road trips or daily outings.
Crew cab comfort and durable materials protect both pets and passengers in this pet-friendly SUV option from Erinwood Ford.
Technology to keep pets safe and comfortable
SUVs like the 2021 Ford Explorer use smart safety technologies to create a safe ride for your pets. Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring help keep every passenger protected, two-legged or four-legged.
Lane keep assistance adds extra peace of mind on busy streets in Mississauga.
Rear air vents and rear air conditioning make sure pets stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Soft-touch upholstery offers comfort, while perforated leather makes cleanup easy after muddy walks.
The low ride height means even large dogs can jump in without trouble.
Our team at Erinwood Ford knows how much you value your pet’s safety, so we make sure our SUVs with cargo space for dogs have features made for real life.
Let’s look at how these spacious SUVs for pets fit families who travel with larger breeds or more than one dog.
Ford Bronco Sport: For the Adventurous Dog Owner
Our team at Erinwood Ford loves how the Bronco Sport handles both city streets and rugged trails around Mississauga. Its connected car features, smart digital instrument cluster, and easy-to-clean surfaces make each adventure with your dog safe and enjoyable.
Rugged design and off-road capabilities
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport stands out for its tough build and advanced off-road features. Every Bronco Sport comes with a standard 4x4 drivetrain that handles mud, snow, or rocky trails with ease.
The Big Bend Black Diamond Off-Road Package gives you steel underbody protection and all-terrain tires; these upgrades keep your SUV safe on rough ground during outdoor trips with your dog.
If you pick the Sasquatch Badlands Package, you get an advanced 4x4 system and seven G.O.A.T. Modes suited for Canadian terrains. The Bronco Sport was tested in extreme places like Johnson Valley to prove its strength and durability.
Responsive handling helps both drivers and pets stay comfortable, even off paved roads. With every purchase or lease of the Bronco Sport at Erinwood Ford (on approved credit), buyers enjoy a complimentary test-drive to try out these rugged capabilities first-hand—perfect for adventurous pet owners exploring Mississauga’s great outdoors.
Pet-friendly features for outdoor trips
At Erinwood Ford in Mississauga, we understand the importance of bringing your pet on outdoor adventures. The Ford Bronco Sport is packed with features that make it perfect for dog owners who love to explore.
Wide rear opening makes loading and unloading your pets and their gear a breeze.
Ample cargo and cabin space ensure your pets and all their accessories fit comfortably for any trip.
Standard 4x4 capabilities allow you to confidently take on off-road trails with your furry friend.
Pet-friendly accessories, available at our dealership, add convenience and safety to your outdoor excursions.
The included Bronco Off-Roadeo experience invites you and your pet to discover new adventures together.
At Erinwood Ford, we offer flexible financing options for qualified customers looking to embark on their next adventure with a pet-friendly SUV. Join us, and let's find the perfect vehicle for you and your furry companion to explore the great outdoors together.
Why Buy Your Pet-Friendly SUV at Erinwood Ford in Mississauga?
My team at Erinwood Ford understands what pet owners need in an SUV. We help you find the right Ford to keep your dogs safe and happy on every trip.
Exceptional customer service tailored to pet owners
At Erinwood Ford in Mississauga, our team takes pride in helping pet owners find the right SUV. We know your dog is part of your family. Staff are friendly and understand what features matter most, like easy-to-clean cargo space and fold-flat seats for crates or carriers.
Our sales professionals answer questions about safety for pets, showing how Ford’s advanced safety technology protects every passenger.
Reviews from happy customers highlight our honest approach with no hidden fees on admin, registration, PDI, nitrogen tires or window etching. Every discount and rebate is applied up front to save you money.
We create a welcoming atmosphere so shopping feels stress-free, even if you bring your furry friend along. Many first-time car buyers choose us because we offer support even if their credit history is limited.
The staff really listened to what my family needed—not just for us but also for our Golden Retriever! I felt confident driving away in my new Ford Escape, says one Mississauga customer.
Our transparent pricing policy beats other local offers since we check competitors each day to make sure you get the best value. Whether looking at a new Ford Edge or comparing it with a Subaru Outback or Genesis model on pet-specific features like head-up display options, you can count on expert advice suited to your needs as a pet owner.
All financing options are available only upon approved credit through Canadian programs tailored by our finance specialists.
Flexible financing options for your next vehicle
Our team makes financing easy for all dog owners. Get started fast with secure online applications or bring your trade-in for extra support. Financing is available for qualified customers in every credit situation, making it simple to get into a pet-friendly Ford SUV like the Escape, Edge, Explorer or Bronco Sport anywhere in Mississauga.
Choose what fits you best. Maximize your down payment to unlock better rates and terms. Our experts explain each option clearly, including leasing versus owning new Ford vehicles across Ontario.
We want everyone to understand their choices and feel confident about choosing flexible plans at Erinwood Ford.
Explore New and Used Pet-Friendly SUV Inventory
Erinwood Ford offers a wide selection of new and used pet-friendly SUVs in Mississauga. Shoppers can filter the inventory by price, mileage, model year, make, trim, colour, or body style.
The real-time online tool updates listings instantly; you can clear your search results at any time and start fresh.
Many options come directly from auctions or customer trade-ins; this allows for better vehicle history checks and strong value on every SUV. From the Ford Escape to the Explorer and Bronco Sport Canadian trims, each option meets different space needs for both people and pets.
Pet owners will also find advanced features such as easy-to-clean surfaces and head-up-display technology useful during travel.
Flexible financing is available for qualified customers who need it when purchasing their next SUV. Next up is why Erinwood Ford continues to support dog owners with top parts and service care after the sale.

Why Choose Erinwood Ford for Your Next Vehicle?
At Erinwood Ford, our team uses the latest diagnostic tools and genuine Ford parts to keep your pet-friendly SUV in top shape—read on to discover more.
Comprehensive Parts and Service Support for Your SUV
Our Ford Parts & Service Department uses only genuine Ford components to keep your SUV in top shape. Skilled Ford-trained technicians handle all repairs and maintenance, which helps vehicles stay safer and last longer for every pet-friendly trip around Mississauga.
Booking a service visit is simple with our online scheduling system.
Shop the online parts store if you need custom dog barriers, seat covers, or other pet accessories made to fit your specific Ford model. Enjoy tire servicing with our Price Match Promise on tires against local competitors’ costs.
Ask about full vehicle detailing services to help remove fur and paw prints so your ride stays clean for both pets and families.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV keeps you and your dog happy on every drive. Ford models like Explorer, Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport offer the space and strong interiors that pet owners need.
Our team at Erinwood Ford in Mississauga will help you find the best fit for your family and pets. Bring your dog to visit us; let’s start your next adventure together.
FAQs
1. What makes Ford SUVs the best choice for dog owners in Mississauga?Ford SUVs like the Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Bronco Sport are designed with pet owners in mind. They offer spacious cargo areas, flat-folding rear seats, washable interiors, and rear air vents to keep your pets comfortable and secure during every trip.
2. Which Ford SUV is best for families with multiple pets or larger breeds?The Ford Explorer is an excellent choice for larger dogs or families with multiple pets. With up to 2,488 litres of cargo space and flexible seating options, it easily accommodates large crates, carriers, and gear while keeping pets safe and comfortable.
3. What pet-friendly features do Ford SUVs offer?Ford SUVs come with features designed specifically for pet owners, including:
Flat-folding rear seats for added cargo space
Easy-to-clean upholstery and washable surfaces
Hands-free, foot-activated liftgates for convenient access
Rear air conditioning and vents to keep pets cool
Available pet barriers and accessories to ensure safe travel
4. Can I customize my Ford SUV with accessories for my pets?Yes! At Erinwood Ford, we offer a variety of genuine Ford accessories designed for pet owners, including cargo liners, seat covers, folding crates, and custom-fit barriers. These options make travelling with your pets safer and more comfortable.
5. Where can I find pet-friendly Ford SUVs in Mississauga?You can explore a wide selection of pet-friendly Ford SUVs right here at Erinwood Ford. Our team will help you find the perfect SUV for your family and your pets, with flexible financing options available for qualified customers.
Dave Raymond
President, Erinwood Ford & Direct Nissan
Dave Raymond has been a dedicated leader in the automotive industry since 2006, serving as the President of Erinwood Ford and Direct Nissan in Mississauga. With a wealth of experience and a customer-centric philosophy, Dave has consistently aimed to deliver the highest level of satisfaction to his customers.
His involvement in industry relations is extensive, including his roles as a former member of the Ford National Roundtable, President of the Toronto Dealers Association, and various leadership positions on advertising and action committees at the national and local levels.
Dave is deeply committed to social responsibility, actively participating in numerous projects that reflect his dedication to making a positive impact on society. His approach to business ethics focuses on continuous improvement, fostering a team ethos through community service, and creating an interactive and satisfying buying experience for customers.





