Whether it’s a visit to the park or a trip to an Agility trial, I mostly drive with the dogs in tow. So when I’m in the market for a new car, I always keep them in mind. 
 
When it comes to the perfect canine vehicle, the Honda Element always comes up in conversation. From rave reviews on dog sport blogs [4] to being named DogCar.com’s Car of the Year [5], the Element’s washable floors and spacious interior make it the clear winner among pet owners.
 
Earlier this month, Honda unveiled a dog-friendly version of the Element [6] at the New York International Auto Show [7] that will be available for purchase in the fall. The car features bone-patterned floor mats, a built-in crate, a load-in ramp, a rear ventilation fan and a spill-resistant water bowl. 
 
Honda has long recognized the need for dog friendly travel options and became a front runner in the market when it designed a minivan with built-in crates [8] for the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. 
 
Although the dog-friendly Element seems like more of a marketing ploy, since it’s really just the Element with dog-themed add-ons, I’m happy to see one of the big car manufacturers cater to pet owners.
 
To learn more about finding the perfect car for your perfect pup, check out “Dog & Driver” in the current issue of The Bark [9].