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National Tyre Service Ltd t/a National Tyre and Autocare is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The guard weighs about 5kg, so it isn't heavy — but leaning into the boot while trying to position the guard correctly is easier with an extra pair of hands (although we managed fine alone). The Sakura headrest dog guard is, as the name suggests, a budget dog guard that hooks over the headrests of your car's rear seats. The clincher, however, is that sliding hatch, which you – or rather the backseat passenger – will come to love, especially if your dog isn’t a great traveller and needs regular reassurance with a good rub around the ears, a snack or a drink of water.

If you're looking for a universal fit, budget-friendly dog guard - the Sakura should be at the top of your list. As the RAC Dog Guard claims to fit any car, we tested it in a range of vehicles - an old Vauxhall Corsa (hatchback), a nearly new Skoda Octavia (Estate) and a very scruffy Suzuki Grand Vitara (4x4). It isn’t as tall as the others, though, so while it filled the Astra’s gap perfectly, it left a big space in the Discovery.This model remedies the issue with a lockable sliding hatch that provides access to the dog without having to stop, get out and open the boot. A dog wouldn't be able to get through the guard, but because it's a universal fit rather than car-specific, it'll fit different models in different ways. Two clamps attach it easily to the rear headrests, and its high mount means the parcel shelf can still be used.

This system allows the dog to sit and lie down on the back seat without too much hindrance while protecting the animal under heavy breaking or accidents. The circular plastic cover comes off to reveal a small bolt head, however, it was to hand tighten the bolt and then replace the cover.

We tested the Travall on our Skoda Fabia with a very energetic, 11-year-old chocolate Labrador named Hershey. g. your mobile phone)