ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Autotrader is honoring National Dog Day—celebrated August 26—for the third consecutive year with "pawsome" insights on dogs and cars, as well as expert recommendations for Fido-friendly auto accessories and vehicles. Autotrader recently conducted a survey to understand the relationship between pooches and cars and found that 77 percent of dog owners say their dogs enjoy car rides. That's a good thing, as over half take their canine companions on car trips at least once a week.

"Car shoppers need to take every aspect of their lifestyle into account when searching for their perfect ride," said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. "If you enjoy driving around with your pet in tow, it's important to have the right car to keep you and your companion safe and comfortable."

With so many people bringing their dogs along for the ride, it is understandable that these furry friends factor into car shopping. Sixty-six percent of dog owners think about their dog's needs at least a little when shopping for a car. In fact, a quarter of dog owners have changed the body style of their car because they got a dog.

Dog owners say that either large SUVs or crossovers are best for traveling with their pup, and their other top vehicle body style picks all provide extra utility and ease of access. Easy-clean fabric, all-weather floor mats and pet-friendly seat belts or restraints are the most popular pet-friendly features dog owners say they want in their next car. For shoppers who want to make their current vehicles more dog-friendly, Autotrader recommends these eight accessories. 

"Dogs have their own unique needs on the road, just like humans, so take those into account if you find yourself chauffeuring your pup often," Moody added. "Some dealerships allow dogs on test drives, so don't be afraid to ask if you can take your pet along to see how easy it is for your dog to get in and out of the vehicle and ride safely."

While 87 percent of dog owners have not taken their dog on a test drive, 45 percent of those would consider doing so. In fact, four out of five dog owners say they would be more likely to do business with a dealership if it offered pet-friendly amenities or features such as allowing dogs on test drives, offering the dog a toy or treat or supporting animal causes.

According to the experts at Autotrader, there are many great vehicle choices across multiple segments for you and your most loyal companion to get around town. If you're a dog lover hunting for your next ride, start your search with the editorial team's picks for Five Great Cars for Dog Lovers.

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience.

Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader^®, Dealer.com^®, Dealertrack^®, Kelley Blue Book^®, Manheim^®, NextGear Capital^®, vAuto^®, Xtime^® and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com. 

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SOURCE Autotrader