ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the 10th anniversary of National Dog Day, AutoTrader.com's expert editorial team has named their picks of the "Must-Shop Cars for Dog Lovers." More than 56 million American households own a dog1, and these furry family members factor in when it's time to pull a new car into the driveway. In a recent survey, 55 percent of AutoTrader.com visitors polled who own a dog said they actively seek out cars and trucks that can accommodate them. Of site visitors polled who have a dog, 75 percent take them in the car once per month or more, and 53 percent take them in the car at least once a week.
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"It's important to take your lifestyle into consideration when choosing a car, and for many people, this includes their dog," said Brian Moody, AutoTrader.com site editor. "Dog owners should be mindful of the features that will make traveling with their dog easier, and if possible, even take their dog with them on the test drive to make sure the car is the right fit for everyone in the family."
The vehicles on AutoTrader's "Must-Shop Cars for Dog Lovers" list offer a multitude of comfort and convenience features that make a road trip more enjoyable for human and dog passengers, including fold-flat seats, rear lift gate, low ride height, airy cabin and underfloor storage. Vehicles on the list include:
While these vehicles will make travel with a dog easier and more comfortable, keeping the dog safe in the car should be the top priority. Lauren Genkinger, president of Adopt a Golden Atlanta, recommends not allowing your dog in the front seat to avoid driver distraction and injury to the dog if there is a sudden stop or accident and the airbag goes off. Genkinger also advises that dogs not be permitted to ride with their head out the window as they can easily be injured by debris flying into their eyes, and some dogs have even jumped out of the window of a moving car.
"Also, turn off power windows in your car when your dog is with you as they can be accidentally opened with a simple press of their paw," Genkinger added. "It's also smart to bring water and a bowl even if it's just a trip to the groomer. Dogs need regular access to water and you never know what will happen – you could get stuck in a bad traffic jam for several hours."
For more information about the vehicles on the list and additional car shopping tips for dog owners, visit AutoTrader.com.
1SOURCE: American Pet Products Association http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
About AutoTrader.com
Created in 1997, Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace. As a leading resource for car shoppers and sellers, AutoTrader.com aggregates millions of new, used and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers and provides expert articles and reviews. AutoTrader.com, which also operates the AutoTraderClassics.com auto marketing brand, is wholly owned by Cox Automotive. Additionally, Cox Automotive owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com®), Manheim Auctions as well as companies that provide a full suite of software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online: vAuto®, HomeNet Automotive®, VinSolutions®, AIS Rebates™, Genius Labs® and Haystak™. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.
About Adopt a Golden Atlanta
Adopt a Golden Atlanta is a volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to finding warm, loving permanent homes for Golden Retrievers in order to prevent them from becoming strays or adding to the shelter overpopulation. Golden Retrievers, regardless of medical needs or age, will receive comprehensive evaluation, spay/neutering services, veterinary care, behavioral training if required, and safe passage into a permanent loving home. In addition to providing those services, Adopt a Golden Atlanta is intent on educating and assisting the metropolitan Atlanta general public, and dog owners specifically, regarding issues such as responsible pet ownership, spay/neutering, obedience training, and veterinary/specialists referrals. Our goal is to reduce the number of Golden Retrievers sent to shelters. AGA relies solely on donations and has a 501 (c) (3) classification with the IRS. For more information, visit AdoptAGoldenAtlanta.com.
About National Dog Day
Founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige, National Dog Day was created to honor dogs more than we currently do, to give them "a day", to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other - for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives every day in the most miraculous ways. National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure - and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and "abuse-free life". For more information, visit NationalDogDay.com.
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SOURCE AutoTrader.com
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