How to Select a Dog Friendly Car

If you have ever packed your pooch up in the family car for a trip to the park, beach or Veterinarian then you know first hand how much of an ordeal it can be. Imagine taking him on a trip out of town or on a cross country move. More and more people travel with their pets and few are willing to settle for the old stand by option of throwing him in the bed of the pickup truck and hitting the open road.

First and foremost, it is dangerous for dogs to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, especially if they are not contained in a proper crate. Dogs can jump from moving vehicles, be ejected from them through accidents or sudden stops and slam into the bed if they slip and fall. Even if the dog is crated and protected from ejection of the vehicle, exposure to the extreme temperatures on spring and summer days can cause heat exhaustion or sunburn. Besides, when done properly, traveling with your four-legged friend inside the car with you is much more fun.

According to the American Kennel Club, 47% of dog owners consider their dog when selecting a vehicle. These are significant numbers considering 40% of Americans own dogs! Car manufacturers are taking heed and increasing canine friendly features. There are several things to consider when digging around for the most expensive dog accessory you can purchase.

1. Cargo Size and Shape: While monster SUVs are not popular sellers in today’s economy, cargo space is a huge selling point for dog owners. In order to ensure that your dog is properly contained it is best to travel with your companion in a kennel. Large dogs require large crates and large crates require some cargo space. A flat back hatch works best when housing dog crates.

When shopping measure your crates before you go to the dealership to assure the proper clearance. You do not have to limit yourself to gas guzzling SUVs. In response to customer demand many car manufacturers are creating fuel efficient mini vans, hatchbacks, crossovers and station wagons with adequate cargo space for hauling dogs. While the large SUVs like the Ford Excursion or the Chevy Tahoe boast significant cargo space, compact wagons like the Honda Fit or Doge Caliber offer between 20 and 57 cubic feet of storage space depending on the configuration of the seats.

2. Height of Vehicle: While space is important, larger SUVs can be difficult to access because they are so high off the ground. Consider the height of the rear of the vehicle you are assessing. Will you be able to lift the crates into the rear of the vehicle? Will your dog be able to jump into the rear unassisted? Large dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia of joint problems as they age and may not be able to access a vehicle of considerable height.

3. Safety Features: A 60 pound dog generates 2,700 pounds of force upon impact in a 35 mile per hour car crash. If you prefer to travel with your dog loose in the back seat consider additional safety features to keep both of you safe. Your dog should always be in a harness specially designed for four-legged passengers, but there are other safety features built into some vehicles. Some Subaru models come with an optional steel barrier between the cargo area and the back seat to keep your pet safely contained. In fact, 60% of all Subaru owners’ are dog owners so Subaru purposely makes their vehicles dog friendly. Volvo also offers steel barriers and vertical dividers to separate the cargo area for hauling dogs as well as other cargo.

4. Interiors: When selecting a dog friendly car; interior is extremely important. A dog hauling mobile of any kind will suffer more abuse than the average commuter vehicle. Scratches from dog nails, dog hair in the upholstery, drool on the windows and even some upchuck from upset tummies are all par for the course in the dog hauling business. Leather upholstery is the most resistant to dog hair; however, Honda and Dodge offer some models with special interior fabric that is less expensive than leather yet is treated to resist dirt and spills. Many SUVs offer cargo liners; however, models like the Honda Element offer 100% urethane flooring that wipes clean with warm water.

Visit pet super store to find great deals on dog car seat covers.