Dog guard fitting in Exeter
Professional dog guard fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Dog guard fitted securely between boot and cabin. Keeps your pet safely in the load area while giving them space to move during journeys.
Freedom and Safety Combined
You want your dog in the boot, not climbing over the seats trying to reach you while you're doing 60mph. Crates are restrictive, harnesses are a faff. A properly fitted dog guard gives them space but keeps them where they should be.
💡 Pro tip: Dog guards are brilliant for daily dog-owners who need quick access to boot space without removing a massive crate every time.
Installation Done Right
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Tight fit top to bottom, no gaps | Dog squeezes through gaps |
| Pressure-secured or bolted firmly | Loose, rattles constantly |
| Headrests adjusted for solid mount | Wobbles when dog pushes against it |
| Quick-release mechanism works smoothly | Stuck, can't remove when needed |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Compatibility Check | Verify guard will fit your vehicle |
| Adjustment | Size guard to your car's specific dimensions |
| Installation | Fit securely between seats and roof/boot |
| Testing | Push test, ensure no movement or gaps |
| Demo | Show you how to remove and refit |
📦 You're Left With
- Dog guard installed and secure
- No gaps for dogs to squeeze through
- Easy removal when not needed
- Confidence your dog stays in boot area
Pricing Guide
| Guard Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Universal guard (hatchback) | 45 mins | £60-£85 |
| Universal guard (estate) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Vehicle-specific guard | 30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes you've bought compatible guard.
Perfect For...
✅ Daily dog transport - frequent journeys, need easy boot access
✅ Multiple dogs - more space than crates for several pets
✅ Estate cars - designed for load space, guard keeps it that way
✅ Active dogs - need movement space during travel
Why Choose Us for Dog guard fitting in Exeter?
Securely fitted barrier between boot and cabin
Prevents dogs climbing into front
Tested for strength and stability
Advice on safe pet transport
What to Expect
Step 1: Compatibility Check
I verify your guard will actually fit your car. Universal guards don't fit every vehicle - headrest spacing, roof height, and seat design all matter. Vehicle-specific guards are easier but more expensive.
Step 2: Fitting & Adjustment
Guard positioned, adjusted to your car's exact dimensions (headrest positions, roof height). Secured either by pressure-fit system or mounting points. No gaps at top, sides, or bottom.
Step 3: Testing & Demo
I push against the guard to verify it's secure - if I can move it, your dog definitely can. Then show you how to release and refit it yourself for when you need the space.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit your own dog guard? It's straightforward once you know how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Tape measure (check dimensions before buying)
- Your car's handbook (some have mounting points)
- Helper (useful for holding guard while adjusting)
📏 Before you buy
- Measure width between rear headrests (at guard height)
- Measure boot floor to roof height
- Check if your rear seats fold (affects mounting)
- Note headrest post spacing (universal guards adjust to this)
🔧 Universal guard installation
- Position lower feet behind rear seats
- Extend top bars to meet roof
- Adjust width to fit between headrests
- Tighten all adjustment points
- Apply pressure to create tension fit
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not extending top bars enough (guard sits loose)
- Leaving gaps at sides (small dogs squeeze through)
- Over-tightening (can damage headrest posts)
- Wrong size guard for your car (doesn't fit safely)
💡 Pro trick: Most guards fit better if you remove headrests and refit them through the guard mesh. Gives much more secure mounting than trying to squeeze guard around them.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐕 Small dogs? Check the mesh size on your guard. Small dogs can sometimes squeeze through wider mesh spacing. Fine-mesh guards are available for smaller breeds.
Saloon car? Dog guards don't work in saloons - no boot barrier to mount to. You need a crate or harness restraint instead.
Want boot access with guard in place? Some guards have doors that open for loading shopping etc. Costs more but very convenient if you're constantly in and out of the boot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a dog guard and how does it work?
It's a metal or mesh barrier fitted between your boot and back seats. Stops dogs jumping into the cabin while you're driving but gives them space to move around in the boot. Much less restrictive than a crate.
Will a universal dog guard fit my car?
Universal guards work in most estate cars and hatchbacks, but not all. Depends on your rear seat design and headrest positions. I'll check compatibility before installation - sometimes vehicle-specific guards are needed.
Is it easy to remove when not needed?
Yes - most guards are designed for easy removal. Takes 2-3 minutes once you know how. I'll show you the technique so you can take it in and out yourself when needed.
Will it protect in an accident?
It's designed to stop dogs climbing forward during normal driving, not to restrain them in crashes. For maximum crash protection, use a crate or harness. But guards do provide some barrier in sudden braking.
How long does fitting take?
About 45 minutes to an hour. Universal guards need adjusting to fit your specific car's dimensions. Vehicle-specific guards are quicker but you need to buy the right one for your make and model.
Dog guard fitting Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your dog guard fitting job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Dog guard fitting in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your dog guard fitting job in Exeter today.