http://www.performanceautoblog.com/tips-traveling-petTips For Traveling With Your PetPerformance Automotive Blog

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Traveling with your pet can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. With a pet-friendly vehicle, proper safety equipment and a little extra preparation, however, traveling with your pet can be a fun experience for you and your furry friend!

If you enjoy taking your pet everywhere with you, having a pet-friendly vehicle with plenty of space is a must. CNN Money recently named three vehicles offered at your local Performance Auto dealer amongst the “best cars for dog owners.” These vehicles are:

Honda Element

• $20,825 starting price
• 20 city/25 highway miles per gallon
• 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
• Wide-opening side doors to allow your pet easy access
• Roomy interior
• Special accessory package available for pet owners:
  • Pet Ramp
  • Spill-resistant water dish
  • Soft-sided kennel

Toyota Venza

• $26,475 starting price
• 21 city/27 highway miles per gallon
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Pet-friendly accessories:
  • Waterproof seat covers
  • Pet restraint system with doggie booster seat

Ford Escape Hybrid

• $30,045 starting price
• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine
• 34 city/31 highway miles per gallon
• Roomy interior
• Dog-friendly aftermarket accessories

In addition to all the great accessories and features these vehicles have to offer, you can purchase other items to keep your pet safe and sound while you’re on the road. Pet seat harnesses, booster seats, kennels and pet barriers are all great ways to keep your pet restrained and safe while you’re traveling, which will help keep you focused on the road.

For long trips with your pet, the ASPCA offers these helpful tips:

• Get your pet used to any special carriers or harnesses before taking a long trip. Take shorter trips using these new items and gradually increase your trip time.
• Get your pet used to being in the car using the same method above. Take shorter trips and gradually increase the length of your trips.
• Never leave your pet alone in your vehicle. They can easily become overheated or frozen in harsh temperatures.
• Bring your pet’s favorite toy or blanket along for familiarity. This can help your pet feel more at ease, making the trip more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
• Make sure your pet has proper identification.
• Never let your pet hang their head out the window while you’re driving. Debris could hit and injure them.
• Bring vaccination records if you’re crossing into other states or countries. Some state borders and all country borders require you to show proof of rabies vaccinations.
• Bring plenty of the same type of water your pet is used to. Unfamiliar water could upset your pet’s stomach, making a miserable trip for both of you!

Hop into any of these pet-friendly vehicles and follow these pet traveling tips, and you and your dog will have a great trip!

For more information on any of these pet-friendly vehicles, check out our lineup at www.PerformanceAuto.com or visit one of our dealerships today!