If mommies have minivans, doggy parents now have the canine-conscious Honda Element. Unveiled last week at the New York International Auto Show (on through April 19), the Honda Element features a tricked-out package of dog friendly components including:
- A cushioned pet bed in the rear cargo area
- A ramp that extends and lowers from the cargo area
- Pet restraint systems in back seat and cargo area
- Rear ventilation fan to keep your dog cool
- Seat covers with a dog pattern design
- All-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern
- Spill resistant water bowl
- Paw print exterior emblems to flaunt that your car is dog-friendly
- A cushioned pet bed in the rear cargo area
- A ramp that extends and lowers from the cargo area
- Pet restraint systems in back seat and cargo area
- Rear ventilation fan to keep your dog cool
- Seat covers with a dog pattern design
- All-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern
- Spill resistant water bowl
- Paw print exterior emblems to flaunt that your car is dog-friendly
"It's a car we think is of interest to many of today's dog-crazy consumers," Honda spokesman Sage Marie told Reuters.
Ya think?
We spent $43 billion (yes, billion) dollars on our pets last year, according to the American Pet Products Association. In 2009, that number is expected to climb to $45.4 billion. Honda is banking on the 45 million U.S. households that count at least one dog as part of the family.
The new pet-friendly package has already gotten two thumbs (and four paws) up from the Humane Society of the United States' Heather Cammis and her rescue dog Sammy (pictured above), who gave it a two-week test drive.
"Sammy actually needs a ramp. Before I adopted him he ended up at a shelter having been hit by a car and he needs that ramp," Cammis told Reuters. "Otherwise I lift him to get into my car."
The Dog Friendly version of the Honda Element will be available at dealerships in the fall. No word yet on how much the extra pet-friendly package will cost. The basic model 2009 Honda Element starts at $20,275.
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Omg, this is totally my next car. Although, I don't think both of my pooches will fit in that bed ... Still, super cool!
I would love this car its awesome that doggies were in mind when this one was made....I want this car so I can take my pittie skittles everywhere with me
We already have a Honda Element, we bought it two years ago mainly because of traveling with our two dogs. It's a great vehicle and I may have to trade in before I planned to!