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Most families today don’t consider themselves complete without their pets. Pets are given the royal treatment; doggie and kitty treats and accessories are must-haves, and pets are taken to regular grooming sessions. Around the world more and more pet owners are taking their furry friends with them everywhere they go, and this is where Japanese cars come in. Japanese automakers have recognized pet owners’ needs to provide a safe and comfortable ride for their pets whenever they’re traveling, so these companies have designed vehicles that are pet-friendly. If you’ve been looking for a model that can take you and your beloved pet to the vet and beyond (dogs love the beach!), here are some examples of the best cars that are perfect for taking good ol’ Sandy Barker along in. Honda Element The updated design specifically has dogs in mind. The new, dog-friendly version was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in 2009, and features a cushioned pet bed (classy and comfy!) for the cargo area, equipped with safety restraints. The clamshell side doors let your dog jump in and out effortlessly; a folding ramp is included for shorter-legged breeds and older dogs. The padded bed features a spill-resistant water bowl and an electric ventilator to keep your dog cool and comfortable. The rear seat covers are easy to clean and are machine-washable. The rubber floor mats sport a toy-bone pattern and the Element’s pet-friendly identity is shown off through its paw-print emblems on the vehicle’s side and rear. Other pet-friendly Japanese cars by Honda are the CR-V and the Odyssey—the CR-V for its low window line (good for enjoying the scenery!), and the Odyssey for it low load height which makes it easier for even short-legged dogs to jump in. Subaru Forester If your dog weighs more than you do, you would need a vehicle space that can accommodate your pet’s size. The Forester’s rear seats can be folded to create up to 68 cubic feet so your pet can stretch out as much as he wants. The expanded cargo area can also fit four kitty carriers without the felines taking a swipe at each other through the bars. And because the Forester’s floor is lower that that of other SUVs, getting in and out of the car isn’t difficult—for smaller dogs or for those with hip problems, there’s a rear-step panel that can be added as an option. You can also secure a kennel or two to the cargo area by securing it through the tie-down points. Other Subaru models such as the Liberty, Tribeca, and Outback also get a thumbs-up from pet owners. There are other Japanese cars that meet the pet owners’ needs: the Mitsubishi Outlander’s third-row seats may be folded flat and stowed, making lots of room for bigger breeds. The Mazda 5 is a good model as well, because it has been equipped with anchors and tethers not only in the second but also in the third rows of the car. These can be used to secure pet safety seats, similar to a child seats. If you have an existing car, how can you make it more pet-friendly? One of the most basic things you can buy is a car booster seat for small to medium breeds, and a harness which can be secured to the car’s cargo area or rear seats. It’s nice to know that makers of Japanese cars not only have human passengers’ safety in mind but also that of our furry companions.
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