We met some extremely friendly car dealers; I’ve never been offered so many bowls of water! I particularly warmed to the canine-caring salesman who said, ‘’dogs are like family and people are increasingly choosing cars with pets in mind, so come with me and I’ll show you some features designed into cars from the point of view of a dog.” I was all ears and here are my thoughts on canine-friendly car features.
Seats - Leather doesn’t show dog hair. However, I prefer grippy fabric so I can hang on when Mummy goes whirling around the roundabouts in Mawson Lakes. Dark seat covers are good cause they don’t show my dirty paw prints when I’ve been playing in the ocean or rolling in the mud down by Dry Creek.
Getting in and out - Low load height makes it easy to jump in and out. I’m an independent sorta dog and don’t like to be lifted, so this is important to me, but I did see cars with load-in ramps and rear steps for heavier/bigger dogs so they don’t have to jump. And for older dogs, a specially lowered luggage compartment.
Not happy - Sometime I like to ride in the back seat if the sun is beaming in the passenger side. I wasn’t happy about the silly, slippery plastic drink holders down the centre aisle that caught my paws when I tried to cross over. Daddy had a solution. He has made me a special carpeted ramp in our new car so I can get from front to back with ease (manufacturers take note).
The view - Nose-out-window is my favourite driving position. I like to keep an eye on where we’re going (just in case Mummy is taking me to the vet, in which case I dive below the seats and become invisible). A low window line is a must. I like fresh air in my whiskers too. Did you know we can even get doggles glasses to protect our eyes from flying dirt. Now that would make a good Christmas present.
Comfort - Air conditioning vents that reach me are essential for hot Adelaide days. Also an accessible hat rack where I can stretch out and enjoy an elevated view.
Canine accessories - One car had seat covers with a dog pattern to match the pet-bed fabric. Another had all-season rubber floor mats with a dog bone pattern, and a spill-resistant water bowl. Then there’s the car with a built-in crate for small pooch paraphernalia. Jeep enthusiasts have everything from Jeep dog backpacks to dog-lover’s T-shirts and a rubber steering wheel chew toy. Some of the best-selling accessories are a booster seat for small dogs (I’d like one of those) and pop-up travel cups (yes please). Other equipment to enhance dog travel includes rear seat guards, a reversible and waterproof load-compartment mat and a longitudinal cargo compartment to separate pooch from luggage and kids. Volvo’s doggie miscellany includes a fleece blanket, bowl, dog scarf and towel.
If you’re looking for a dog friendly car for yourself just go to the internet and google dog-friendly cars.
