Can you fit a dog in a Porsche Cayman?
There is no way you can fit a Siberian Husky in the back of the Cayman, unless you wanted your dog to grow to hate you. I personally would never transport a dog in my CS, but as this has been discussed before here, there are many dog owners that love to bring their companions along.
Porsche came a decidedly average joint 22nd out of the 31 manufacturers in the 2020 What Car Reliability Survey, while the Panamera came ninth out of the ten cars in its class. Unlike some brands, though, Porsche’s warranty isn’t limited by mileage, but it does and after only three years unless extended at extra cost.
With agile handling and a smooth ride, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the 2021 Panamera is a thrill to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury expected of such an expensive four-door hatchback.
When pit stops become pet stops
Before embarking on your adventure, plan your Porsche pit stops in advance. It’ll help reduce the chance of panic if you get behind schedule. Also research some dog-friendly locations you haven’t yet discovered – from parks to dog hotels. And if you’re going fully electric in a Porsche Taycan, you can double up charging stops with recharging your dog after they’ve been holed up in the car with you. The Porsche Charging Planner can even automatically schedule your stops around available charging stations along your way.
“We routinely stick to a maximum of two-hour stints, regardless of the destination,” says Porsche 911 and dog owner, Matt Page. Matt and his partner’s dog Stanley love life on the road – they all regularly make the 700km round trip from their home in Manchester to visit family just north of London. Stanley, says Matt, usually gets restless after a couple of hours, highlighting the importance of those pre-planned stops. It also goes to show that the back seats of a 996 Carrera 2 are very pooch friendly.
Matt Page’s dog, Stanley, is a seasoned traveller in his master’s 911 (type 996) Carrera 2PHOTO: Matt Page IG: @justcallmematti
Instagram sensation Brock Keen has been rolling with his Golden Labradoodle, Lucy, in his Porsche 911 (type 996) and roof tent since it was a puppy. He says that getting your dog accustomed to car travel at an early age is a huge help in keeping them settled on long drives. “My wife and I have been travelling with Lucy since she was eight weeks old,” says Brock. “We even picked her up in our 911. That was her very first car experience – it was a very proud dog parent moment!”.
It even feels like Lucy loves the thrill of speed as much as her owner does. “Travelling with her is really easy. She doesn’t move around a bunch as she’s so used to it,” adds Brock. “She’s happy to just sit and watch the world go by. She even leans into the corners as we drive around them – it’s the most adorable thing.”
Kate Reid is another who advocates initiating your pup to life on the road early on. A renowned pâtissier from Sydney, who – according to the likes of the New York Times and The Guardian – bakes the world’s best croissants, ¬introduced her black Labrador, Lily, to her 718 Cayman GTS as soon as possible. “Lily loves being in the car,” says Kate. “Since I knew she’d be driving with me a lot, I made sure when I first got her that she went everywhere in the car with me. She got used to it very quickly. Now, she’ll typically sleep for the entire journey.”
Brock Keen’s labradoodle, Lucy, has been on the road in his 911 (type 996) since she was a puppy. It’s like a second home to herPHOTO: Brock Keen IG: @996roadtrip
Furry friends don’t need to stay at home on your Porsche adventures
We asked dog-owning Porsche drivers for their top tips on how to travel with your four-legged friends on long journeys
Having fun in a Porsche is a given whether you’re the driver or passenger – but what if one of those passengers is a dog? First, there’s no need to get overwhelmed. With a bit of advance planning, you and your canine companion can have fun on the open road. Here’s your essential guide on how to travel by car with a dog.