For drivers who regularly travel with their dogs, the right vehicle and a few simple accessories can make road trips safer and more comfortable.
“Many of us consider our dogs part of the family, and just like any passenger, they deserve to travel safely,” said Jason Fogelson, managing editor for Autotrader. “While we often think about vehicle safety for ourselves and our passengers, it’s just as important to consider the safety of our pets.”
Autotrader recommends safety-focused accessories such as seat-belt harnesses, travel crates, pet barriers, collapsible water bowls and ramps, particularly for older dogs.
Vehicle choice can also matter. Larger SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia can provide more room for larger breeds, while the Subaru Outback and Forester offer accessible cargo areas for medium-sized dogs. Regardless of the vehicle, dogs should be properly secured inside the cabin and never transported in an open pickup truck bed.
For car dealers, pet-friendly features can also be a useful selling point when matching vehicles to customers’ everyday needs.
