How to Choose a Dog-Friendly New Car

In the market for a new car this year?  If you take your four-legged friends out on the road for fun and adventure, then you know how important it is to choose a vehicle with your canine companions’ comfort and safety in mind.  What are the best types of cars for dog owners?  Do you even consider anything besides an SUV if you have multiple large dogs?

The car experts at Autotrader have put together a list of helpful suggestions for must-have features to look for in a car when you share your life with dogs.  Here’s a quick summary, be sure to check out their website for the full story:

• A rear lift gate for easy loading of dogs and supplies like big bags of dog food.
• Fold-flat seats to provide more room for multiple and/or large dogs to lie down comfortably.
• Hardware in the rear cargo area so you can safely secure dog crates with cargo nets or bungee cords.
• Low-height vehicles if your dogs have difficulty getting in and out due to age or health conditions.
• Rear climate control so your dog stays cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.
• A large back seat so your dog can sit comfortably and safely while strapped in with a doggie seat belt.

What are some of Autotrader’s top picks for dog owners?  Among the most dog-friendly vehicles, you can consider the Ford Edge, Honda Fit, Jeep Renegade, Kia Sedona, and pretty much any Subaru (as they work closely with the Center for Pet Safety)…although Autotrader especially likes the Crosstrek model.  Happy shopping!

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