Before diving into the best car fans for dogs, it’s necessary to address the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car. Many people don’t realize that temperatures can increase incredibly quickly in a car, especially in a vehicle with dark paint and upholstery. This can happen even when it doesn’t feel especially hot outside.
Know The Dangers of a Hot Car
According to one study, in 70-degree weather, the inside of a vehicle can reach 89 degrees within ten minutes and 104 degrees within thirty minutes. Of course, the color of the car affects its interior temperature, as well as the size of the car and its materials factor into this.
You should never, ever leave a dog in a hot car for any period of time. Not only can this be potentially fatal for the dog, but it may also cause concerned passers-by to smash your windows, even if the dog is not in distress. In addition, many states have laws against leaving dogs alone in cars. You can face criminal charges for doing so.
If you foresee the need to leave your dog in the car unattended for any longer than five or ten minutes, just leave your dog at home. If it is at all avoidable, never leave your dog alone in a vehicle. Better to be safe than sorry.
For Those Unavoidable, Unforeseeable Times
Despite your best efforts, it may be necessary to leave your dog alone for a few minutes while gassing up or picking up a prescription or something else unavoidable. In which case, you should be prepared to make sure your dog is cool during the few minutes you’ll be gone. One of the ways to do that is by using a car fan.
But it’s not just leaving the dog alone that can prove dangerous. Putting a dog into a car that has been sitting in the sun can be equally dangerous, especially if the AC takes more than a few minutes to cool down. This is also where car fans for dogs come in handy. Car fans, in addition to other precautions, can help to keep your dog cool while in the car. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the best car fans for dogs.
#1 – EXCOUP 12V Car Fan
The EXCOUP 12V dual car fan is great for keeping the air moving in your vehicle. The fans are manually adjustable up to 180 degrees, so you can point them wherever you need air. The cord plugs right into your car charger, and it comes with sticky pads for mounting. Since it doesn’t draw lots of power, it’s okay to leave the fan running for a few minutes while you’re running a quick errand or two. Plus, it’s great at moving AC air around your vehicle for a cool, even temperature.
Pros
- Stepless speed adjustment for optimum comfort.
- Two separate mini fans, both 180 degrees adjustable.
- Adjustable fan holder.
- Made out of durable plastic.
- Quiet operation.
- Can boost your AC operation to help cool the whole car.
- Small and lightweight.
Cons
- Not a replacement for a broken AC.
- Not easily moved to different areas around the vehicle.
#2 – Poraxy Headrest Car Fans
Satisfaction is guaranteed with the Poraxy dual headrest fan. Great for cooling passengers and pets in the backseat, these adjustable fans include a mounting clip for easy removal. The 7-foot, 12V cord makes placement in the vehicle incredibly convenient. Installation is easy, and the stepless speed adjustment makes for quality comfort. The fans are adjustable and durable, so you can easily point them in two different directions for maximum airflow. Great for cooling down cars fast and keeping dogs cool in the car. Unfortunately, the power switch is near the plug, making it hard for a passenger to turn the fan off.
Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- 360-degree adjustable fans.
- Easy installation.
- 7.7-foot, 12V cord.
- Stepless speed adjustment.
- Quiet and powerful.
Cons
- The power switch is near the plug, not the fan.
- Not incredibly durable.
#3 – Pro Select Cool Pup Crate Fan
The Pro Select Cool Pup Crate Fan is designed specifically to keep pets cool in crates, cages, or kennels. The built-in temperature thermometer measures the ambient temperature, making sure you know how hot it is. This easy-to-use fan is easy to install and quiet while running. It’s great for those pets who don’t like strange or loud noises. It runs on C batteries or an AC power adapter (sold separately). It has two speed options and measures 8-inches tall, 6.25” wide, and 2.5” deep, making it great for small and big pet crates alike.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer.
- Runs on batteries.
- Two speed options.
- Easy to use and install.
- Great for big and small wire crates.
Cons
- Tends to drain batteries fairly quickly.
- Works best on wire crates/doors.
- AC adapter (sold separately) doesn’t work in vehicles.
#4 – VIAV Electric Car Fan
The VIAV Electric Car Fan is a stylish blue-and-black colored fan that is great for moving AC air throughout your vehicle or keeping a breeze on your dog. No batteries are needed because it plugs right into your 12-volt cigarette lighter plug. Plus, with a 64-inch cord, you can place it just about anywhere in your car. This fan is light and portable, but also comes with the option to fasten it in place with stick-on pads. It is also designed to be safe for kids or pets. It comes with two fan speeds and is easy to rotate for maximum efficiency.
Pros
- Stylish design.
- 12v cord.
- Safe for kids and pets.
- Portable.
- Low energy consumption.
- Quiet at both speeds.
Cons
- Not a replacement for broken AC.
- Once fastened in place it is not easily portable.
#5 – COMLIFE Clip-On Car Fan
The COMLIFE Clip-On Car Fan, available on Amazon, is great for keeping you and your dog cool in the car. The vent-clip makes it easy to install and position. Since it is designed to clip onto an air vent, it is great at circulating cool AC air around a hot vehicle. Plus, the clip is padded to prevent scratching or damaging anything in your car. The chargeable lithium-ion battery means you don’t have to worry about running a cord to your 12v plug. But, if your battery is running low you can charge it with a 12v USB adaptor while you drive. With four separate speeds, you’ll have plenty of options for keeping you and your dog cool on a hot day.
Pros
- 1-year warranty included.
- Power with a chargeable lithium-ion battery.
- Can be charged with a laptop, wall outlet, 12v car outlet, portable charger.
- Charges and works at the same time.
- Easy installation.
- 4 speeds.
- The battery lasts for 2 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen speed.
- 360-degree rotation.
- Rubber-coated clips prevent scratching or damage.
Cons
- Leaving the battery unused in a hot car for extended periods can damage it.
- If the battery runs low, the high-speed setting may not work.
#6 – IcyBreeze Cooler Frost Package
The IcyBreeze Cooler Frost Package is a two-in-one cooler and air-conditioner is great for cooling down a hot car— by itself! Like a regular cooler, you can store and cool food and drinks with ice. On top of that, it has a built-in fan that uses the cold air inside to cool you off outside. It has a flexible hose for aiming the cool air and comes with three speed options. On a fully charged battery, you can run it for up to 6 hours. This cooler/air-conditioner is one of the best car fans for keeping dogs cool. It also works great for cooling down other small areas like tents, boats, and small RVs.
Pros
- Acts as a cooler and air-conditioner.
- Includes chargeable battery.
- 3 speed options.
- Has two cup holders on top.
- Has wheels and handles for easy transport.
- Easy to use.
- Easy to drain.
- Cools small spaces by itself.
Cons
- Must have ice and water inside to work properly.
- Takes up as much room as a medium-sized cooler.
In Conclusion
Many of the fans mentioned are not made expressly for dogs. Instead, they can be used to cool any passengers and to help a struggling air-conditioner. Both of which will benefit your dog. Remember, if it is at all avoidable, to never leave your dog unattended in the car— especially without having a fan or other cooling measures in place.
Car interiors can get really hot very quickly, and heatstroke can be fatal for dogs. Choosing one of the best car fans for dogs is simply one step toward assuring your dog’s safety. Of course, many of the fans on this list work just as well for kids, drivers, or any other passengers you may have.