What Are The Best Cars for Dogs?

By Mike Reitz

That's a dog-gone good question. Did you know that 47 million families own at least one dog?

Dogs are more than pets, they are family members. Knowing this, making sure that your canine family member is safe and comfortable is something to consider when purchasing your next vehicle. Forty seven percent of families think of their pooch when buying a car.

With all the different makes and models of vehicles out there, how do you know which is best suited for your furry friend?

Here are the best makes and models that get a Five Paw Rating.

But first, here are some general tips to think about if your dog is a frequent traveler:

• Be sure that there is plenty of airflow directed toward the area the dog will be sitting. Are there vents near that spot so you are not simply relying on open windows?

• Make sure the doors have dog, I mean child safety locks.

• Be sure the windows have a restriction on the level they will open to prevent the dog from being able to easily jump from the windows.

• A vehicle with a sun-roof is another good option providing plenty of that "wind-in-the-hair" feeling all dogs love without getting rocks, sand and debris into your dog's eyes.

• Make sure the dog can easily jump into and out of the vehicle, judge this according to the dog's size.

• Think of the fabric, make sure it will be easy to clean and remove unwanted dog hair.

• Be sure there is enough cargo-room to carry the dog, crate, dog food, dog dishes and toys.

Some specific Five Paw Rated models to check into are:

• Dodge Caravan with its second row removable seats and 25 miles per gallon highway, starting at $23,995.00 MRSP.

• Volvo XC90 Crossover with its seven person seating capacity, starting at $38,400.00 MRSP

• Subaru Outback with its spacious interior and under the floor storage, starting at $23,195.00 MRSP.

• Subaru Forester with its 60-40 rear fold down seats and under the floor storage, starting at $20,495.00 MRSP.

• Honda CR-V, which seats 5 and has rear seat air vents, starting at $21,895.00 MRSP.

• Honda Element with its wide opening cargo doors and wipe down utility floors, starting at $20,825.00 MRSP.

• Kia Soul with its wide wheel base for more interior room and a smooth ride, starting at under $14,000.00 MRSP.

• Nissan Cube with its tiered rear seats and 31 miles to the gallon highway, starting at $14,740.00 MRSP.

• Range Rover Sport with its elevated cockpit and foot well lamps, starting at $60,495.00 MRSP.

This list will give you a better idea of what to look for when purchasing your next vehicle and it helps to answer the dog-gone good question of which car is best for dogs.

Dogs love to ride whether it is a trip to the post office, a weekend trip or a family vacation so make sure your canine friend is happy, safe and comfortable.

By the way, do you want to learn more about how I show my clients to save money on their vehicles?