Traveling by car with your beloved dog is no longer just a dream! A Comprehensive Guide to the "Dog-Friendly" Hiace & Sienta 2025

1. Why "Dog-Friendly Cars" Are Gaining Attention Now

• Increase in Pet Accompaniment Rate: According to a 2024 survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 27.3% of households travel with dogs more than twice a year. This is 1.9 times the rate from five years ago.

• Fusion of Personal Cars × Van Life: With rising accommodation costs and the spread of remote work, the demand for car camping is increasing, complementing the shortage of accommodations where dogs can stay.

• Wave of Strengthened Regulations: The EU is gradually introducing a "mandatory fixation of dogs while driving" by 2026. In Japan, JAF and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association are currently formulating guidelines.

2. HiAce Series: Large Luggage Space Becomes a "Mobile Dog Hotel"

2-1 FLEX "DOG VAN"

• Adjustable cage height with an 8-part bed kit. Easy cleaning with non-slip and deodorant mats.motor1.com

• Adds a "Wanwan Seat" between the driver's seat and passenger seat with standard lead fixing hardware.car.watch.impress.co.jp

2-2 Toy-Factory "HACO×DOG"

• Entry price starting from 2.98 million yen (excluding tax) based on a new HiAce DX. Bed size 1,800 × 1,210 mm, extendable to 2,450 mm as an option.

• Premium suede upholstery is resistant to claw scratches and uses recycled materials, balancing environmental consideration and durability.prtimes.jp

• Includes a 2-Way Doggy Bag, LED lighting, and DIY stickers to instantly create a "secret base with your beloved dog."

2-3 Advantages/Disadvantages

3. Sienta Series: A Balanced Model for City Driving and Dog Trips

3-1 "Hidden Dog Features" from the Factory

• Low floor 380 mm / Step height 300 mm: Easy for senior dogs to get on and off by themselves.

• 12 interior storage spaces and a 3-row flat mechanism support easy bed conversion.corolla-hakata.jp

• Combine Toyota's genuine luggage mat (water-repellent and washable) with waterproof seat covers for peace of mind even after muddy play.

3-2 Popular Aftermarket Parts Examples

• Pet carrier integrated seat extender (average 12,800 yen on Rakuten).search.rakuten.co.jp

• Suction cup mesh screen for the second row for ventilation and insect protection (DIY around 3,000 yen).

• ISOFIX-compatible dog harness (compliant with ECE-R17, EU imports are expanding despite not being certified in Japan).

3-3 Examples from Multi-Dog Owners

• In a YouTube video with over 250,000 views titled "Couple + Large Dog + Small Dog + Sienta Car Camping," a 157 cm woman achieves sleeping sideways by folding the passenger seat, flattening the back seats, and using a thin mat.youtube.com

4. Comparison of Domestic and International Regulations and Manners

|Region|Fixation Obligation|Penalties|Mainstream Devices|
|Japan|Effort obligation (Road Traffic Act Article 22, Paragraph 2)|Treated as overloading, fines from 9,000 yen~|Crate/Seatbelt|
|EU|Gradual obligation (2024-26)|Up to 2,000 €|ISOFIX Dog Chest|
|USA|Varies by state (penalties in NJ, etc.)|50-1,000 US$|Cable tether + Airbag sensor|

5. Cost Simulation

• HACO×DOG (Diesel 4WD + main options): Vehicle 4.05 million yen + tax / 5-year residual value 2.1 million yen → Approximately 32,000 yen per month.

• Sienta Z + Genuine + Aftermarket Kit: New car 2.85 million yen + accessories 170,000 yen → Approximately 21,000 yen per month.

• Average pet accommodation 1 night 2 people 1 room = 36,000 yen × 4 times a year → 43,000 yen saved over 3 years. Car camping equipment can be practically recouped.

6. Ten Commandments for Customization that Balances Comfort, Safety, and SDGs

1. Prioritize non-slip + antibacterial luggage mats

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2. For ventilation fans, USB-powered & silent type is recommended.

3. For summer measures, use insulating window film + heat-shielding curtains.

4. Prevent heatstroke with CO₂ / temperature and humidity sensors

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5. For hydration, always have a collapsible bowl that doesn't tip over + a 10 L poly tank.

6. At night, use **LED tape lights (bulb color)** to be gentle on the dog's eyes.

7. For senior dogs, use memory foam mats + ramps.

8. For in-car odor control, use photocatalyst + ozone mode air conditioners for quick deodorization.

9. For waste, use odor-proof pails + deodorizing sheets that can be sealed.

10. When traveling, prepare in advance by listing local veterinarian information for emergencies.

7. Future Outlook ― How "Dog Mobility" Will Change from 2025 to 2030

• There are industry rumors that Toyota is testing an electric camper pet version derived from the e-Palette.

• Recycled PET fabric + antiviral processing is becoming standard.

• In the era of L4 autonomous driving, **"dog-first" layouts (central lounge + AI monitoring cameras)** will become mainstream.

• With carbon-neutral fuel × solar roofs, could "zero-emission travel with dogs" become a reality?

List of Reference Articles

• Motor1.com "Toyota HiAce Dog Van Has Special Doggy Seat And Custom Bed" (Updated 2021/10/05)motor1.com

• Car Watch "FLEX, Complete Car 'DOG VAN' with Standard 'Wanwan Seat' for HiAce" (2021/10/05)car.watch.impress.co.jp

• PR TIMES "New Release of 'HACO×DOG' for Easy HiAce Car Camping Trips with Your Beloved Dog" (2023/06/23)prtimes.jp

• Toyota Official Sienta Interior & Equipment Page (Revised November 2024)corolla-hakata.jp

• Rakuten Market "Toyota Sienta Pet Carrier" Product List (Referenced 2025/07/05)search.rakuten.co.jp

• YouTube Shorts "New Sienta Car Camping with Couple, Large Dog, and Small Dog!" (Released April 2025)youtube.com##