Who let the dogs out? Nissan Australia launches pooch-protecting Dog Pack for new and old Qashqai, X-Trail and Patrol SUVs

There’s been a big focus in recent years on the safety of vehicle occupants, especially young children.

But what about the safety of our furry friends? Don’t our precious pooches deserve protection too?

Thankfully a number of carmakers have considered this and launched dog packs for some models, and the latest is Nissan.

Nissan’s Dog Pack includes a number of in-car accessories that are designed to keep your best mate safe when driving.

Depending on the model, the Dog Pack includes a rear protection mat or tray, a reflective bot-lip protector, an over-seat cargo-area organiser, an all-terrain dog bed and a four-piece travel set for your pampered pooch that includes a bowl, lead, waste-bag holder and resealable food bag.

Over and above the Dog Pack there are more accessories to keep your doggo happy on the road.

To help prevent possible joint or bone injuries that may occur when pup jumps out of or into the boot, there is a ramp that extends 1.6 metres from the boot-lip to the ground, allowing easier entry and exit from the cargo area. The ramp folds to fit in the cargo area or under a seat.

Another option is a cargo barrier separating the cabin from the cargo area to ensure your dog stays in the one spot while you’re driving.

For now, the Dog Pack and accessories are limited to the Qashqai, X-Trail and Patrol SUVs, but Nissan Australia says pet pack items can be purchased individually to be customised by the dealer to another vehicle.

Nissan says these can be ordered at the time of vehicle purchase or ordered as accessories after purchase at Nissan dealers.

Buyers can just opt for the Dog Pack or add any of the accessories for the paw-fect dog-friendly car space.

Pricing varies depending on the size of the dog (small/medium or large). Ordering the Dog Pack alone costs $339 for a small/medium dog and $353 for a large dog.

If you add the ramp to the Dog Pack it’s $471 and $485 respectively, and if you just add the cargo barrier to the Dog Pack the price is $1038 and $1052.

Adding to ramp and cargo barrier to the Dog Pack brings the price up to $1201 (small/medium) and $1212 (large).

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said the new accessories allow owners to safely take their furry children away with them.

“For so many of us, our pets are like a member of the family, and now it’s easier than ever to bring your dog along with you on your next road-trip, whether to the local park or to the other side of the country,” he said.

Other brands that sell some degree of dog accessories in Australia include Volvo, Skoda and Subaru, while most major car parts and accessories retailers sell these products.