Make Traveling With Your Pet Easier, and Safe

Automakers are constantly creating new features for your whole family, even the four-legged members. In 2015, Americans will spend an estimated $60.59 billion on pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, $2.55 billion more than in 2014.

That's no surprise as 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, encompassing 79.7 million homes, the National Pet Owners Survey notes.

Related: Center for Pet Safety, Subaru Name Top Pet Crate and Carriers

A wide range of products are available to help make traveling with your pet easier, though most are designed to fit particular car models. The following are offered for Subaru, Jeep, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen models:

• Ramps allow pets an easier way to enter and exit the car
• Restraints keep pets in place for safer, less-hectic travel
• Crates ensure that your pet will not roam around the vehicle or disrupt passengers
• Seat covers help keep upholstery clean and damage-free
• Easy-to-clean flooring and mats provide hard surfaces that can be washed easily

Cars.com photo by Jen Burklow

Beyond pet-specific products, some cars offer useful convenience features that make it easy to travel with pets. These include:

• Flip-up backseat lets you transform passenger seating into an open space for pets.
  Available in: Ford F-150, Honda HR-V
  
• Split-folding backseat, a common feature, lets either side of the backseat fold for additional pet space while retaining some passenger seating.
  Available in: Nissan Rogue, Subaru Outback
  
• Low lift-over height makes it easier for a dog to hop into the cargo area.
  Available in: Honda Fit, Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
  
• Rear air conditioning with separate controls to help maintain an optimal temperature for your pets, which may be different than what passengers in front want.
  Available in: Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna

While automakers typically offer specialized products, many cars can accommodate pet gear you already own. No matter what car you're considering, be sure to bring the pet products you use, whether it's a crate, a carrier or a ramp, to the dealership to make sure a potential new car is compatible with the things your pet needs.

Cars.com photo by Jen Burklow

Since your pet is a big part of your family, finding a car that matches your entire family's needs is an important task. By determining the products and features your pet needs, you'll be able to find a car that will keep everybody safe and happy.