Yes, but the doors-off, top-off configuration that makes a Bronco fun also changes what "safe" means for a dog riding along. Cargo space, restraint, and heat all matter more here than in a standard SUV.
In This Guide
Cargo Space by Configuration
A 4-door Bronco holds 38.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 83.0 cubic feet with them folded, which fits most crate sizes without much trouble. A 2-door drops to 22.4 cubic feet behind the seats and 52.3 cubic feet maximum, a genuine constraint for a large dog's crate, worth measuring against before assuming it fits.
The Back Seat Is Safer Than the Front
Veterinary safety guidance points to the back seat as the safer spot for a dog, the same logic behind putting children there, since it keeps the dog clear of airbag deployment in a front-end collision. California doesn't require a seatbelt or restraint for a dog riding inside a fully enclosed vehicle, but the law does prohibit letting a dog sit in the driver's seat unless it's secured.
Doors-Off and Soft-Top Rides Change the Rules
This is where the Bronco's biggest feature becomes a genuine safety consideration. With the doors off, there's nothing physically stopping a dog from jumping or falling out at speed or during a sudden stop. Guidance on transporting animals in open-air vehicles calls for the dog to be secured in a crate, restrained with a harness rated for vehicle use, or kept under the physical control of a passenger who isn't driving. A loose dog with the doors off isn't just risky, it's the exact scenario this guidance exists for.
Choosing a Crate or Harness
Not every product sold as a pet seatbelt has been tested to hold up in a crash. Crash-tested options certified by the Center for Pet Safety, from brands like Gunner and Rock Creek for crates, or Sleepypod and Kurgo for harnesses, are built and tested specifically for vehicle use rather than just marketed for it. A harness should fit snugly across the chest, not the throat, with a tether short enough to keep the dog out of the front seats.
Heat Is the Bigger Risk
A parked vehicle's interior climbs to dangerous temperatures within minutes even on a mild day, and cracking a window doesn't meaningfully slow that down. This applies to any vehicle, not just the Bronco, but it matters here too since a quick errand stop is exactly when it happens. Metal surfaces like rock sliders and side steps can also get hot enough in direct sun to burn a dog's paws getting in or out, which is worth a check by hand before letting a dog jump down on a hot day.
FAQ
Does California require a seatbelt for dogs in cars?
No, not inside a fully enclosed vehicle. California does prohibit a dog from sitting in the driver's seat unless restrained, and has separate rules for dogs riding in an open truck bed.
Is it safe to drive a dog around with the Bronco's doors off?
Not without a crate, a vehicle-rated harness, or a passenger keeping physical control of the dog. Nothing stops a dog from jumping or falling out once the doors are removed.
How much cargo space does a Bronco have for a dog crate?
A 4-door offers 38.3 to 83.0 cubic feet depending on whether the rear seats are folded. A 2-door offers 22.4 to 52.3 cubic feet, which is worth measuring against a large crate before assuming it fits.
Are cheap pet seatbelts safe in a crash?
Many haven't been independently tested and can fail on impact. Products certified by the Center for Pet Safety have gone through crash testing, which most inexpensive straps have not.
Can rock sliders or side steps burn a dog's paws?
Yes, on a hot day in direct sun. Checking metal surfaces by hand before letting a dog jump down is a simple way to avoid this.
About This Quick Read
This was put together by the team at Bronco Forge. We sell aftermarket parts exclusively for the Ford Bronco and reference documented specs and safety guidance when writing about builds and everyday use. Questions about fitment or anything Bronco-related? Reach out at contact@broncoforge.com or (909) 772-8050.
