The Audi allroad wagon gets top marks for being the most dog-friendly car.
ATLANTA: With the growing choice of cars on sale it can be difficult enough to find one that caters for the entire family's needs, especially if said family extends to the dog, too.
According to the latest data from Nielsen and Harris Poll, 62% of Americans have at least one pet in their home and 95% of US pet owners consider said pet a crucial member of the family.
Nowhere is this consideration more pronounced than among dog-lovers. Almost three quarters of pet owners (71%) own at least one dog and a quick glance at the sums involved - US$2.6 billion annually spent just on edible dog treats - show how much Fido is an integral part of the modern American family.
Therefore, news that 22% of Autotrader users in the US claim to have already taken their dog on a test drive or would seriously consider doing so as part of the decision-making process should come as no surprise. Just over half (55%) of dog-owning Americans say that their pet travels with them at least once a week.
All of which explains why for 56% of US dog owners, catering for their pet's automotive needs is just as important as any other member of the family when it comes to buying a new car.
"We know car shoppers take every aspect of their lifestyle into account when shopping for their perfect ride, and four-legged friends are no exception," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader.
With this in mind, the car shopping and price comparison site has named what it feels are the best new cars for those that consider their dog an integral part of the family. Topped by the Audi Allroad station wagon, it's a list dominated by wide-opening hatchbacks, such as the Honda Fit and SUVs and crossovers like the Ford Edge and Jeep Renegade.
But whether the dog travels in an Audi or a Ford, ensuring its safety is crucial. If not restrained by a harness or travel in a carrier, dogs can be at risk of serious injuries, even in low-speed collisions.
The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate.
In July, Subaru conducted a series of crash tests on pet carriers and crates in conjunction with the Center for Pet Safety to find the best and worst on the market.
"We are proud to help lead the charge in identifying the best crates and carriers for pet lovers everywhere, while, more importantly, making pet parents aware of the safety measures they can take and the dangers that can occur if they don't," said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.
The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate came top in testing. However, whatever make or model a consumer plumps for, Subraru recommends that it be at least 15cm longer than a dog's body and that it comes with its own belts for fixing down in the trunk or the same ISOFIX connectors used in child seats.
