Tips you must know when buying a car with the dog in mind
March 17, 2011 • Travel • Most Popular
As a followup to Keith Turner’s article in the Jan/Feb issue of FIDO Friendly magazine, “One for the Rover,” pertaining to how to buy a car with Fido in mind, I interviewed Keith for some extra info and insider tips.
In the market for a car and want to be sure it accommodates the family dog(s)? Be sure to check out the January/February article and read on.
FIDO Friendly car buying guide 2011
FIDO Friendly: Do you actually take the test drives of the cars mentioned in the piece?
Keith Turner: Absolutely! We drive the vehicles — provided by the manufacturers for testing purposes — and check out all the pertinent details that families and dog-owners are looking for in a Fido-friendly vehicle.
FF: What are some key features you look for before dubbing a car “FIDO Friendly?”
KT: Safety is our top priority, so when we test drive a vehicle we place special emphasis on how safe and comfortable our pups will be on the road. Here are some of the things we look for:
1) Plenty of interior space for multiple crates
2) Tiedowns or hooks to secure those crates or barriers
3) Good ventilation or outlets for fans in the tailgate area
4) Easy in/out access for all dogs, including miniatures and elderly canines
5) Ability to do at least a minimal amount of off-roading.
FF: Do you find that more people are purchasing cars with their dogs’ transport needs in mind?
KT: Yes. Many of the comments we receive from dog-loving drivers indicate that they make their pups a priority when shopping for a new vehicle. In fact, some automakers like Volvo, Honda and Toyota have specifically marketed their key vehicles to people who love to travel with their dog.
FF: What are some of your all-time favorite vehicles for Fido?
KT: From the very first year that we started reviewing cars from a dog-lovers point of view, a few vehicles have stood out as best in show. The Honda Element, with its boxy shape and easy-to-clean interior has always been a Fido fan favorite and it was such a hit that in 2010, Honda introduced a special Dog Friendly version of the Element that is packed with pup-related products http://automobiles.honda.com/element/dog-accessories.aspx).
Unfortunately, Honda has decided that 2011 will be the last year of production for the Element.
Other favorites include the Toyota Venza, the Volvo XC-90, Mitsubishi Outlander and the Dodge Grand Caravan.
FF: Where can our readers go to learn more about car buying with Fido in mind and to keep up on the latest trends and topics on the subject?
KT: We’ve just started a Facebook page called Family Dog Cars that will include reviews and videos of this year’s best Fido-friendly vehicles. Keep checking back!
FF: Please conclude with telling me a bit about yourself, how long you’ve done this, and how you find the vehicles that make your awesome list yearly.
KT: I am a veteran journalist who has been writing his self-syndicated auto review column “The Family Car” since 1994 for parenting and dog-friendly publications nationwide. I have worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers in Michigan, California and Alaska, where in 1989 I was privileged to be a member of the Anchorage Daily News staff that was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
The vehicles are provided by auto manufacturers for testing and review.
