Dog Auto Accessories Pet auto accessories to help you travel safely with your dog as well as protect your car from paw prints, dirt and damage.   

Many of us will be taking our furry ones on road trips this Thanksgiving.  Here are some ideas for vehicle accessories that make traveling with pets easier.   It is so important to keep your pet's safety in mind while on the road.  While many like to have them on their lap or see them enjoying the breeze in their face, this can be very dangerous in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.   To keep your pet secure, we recommend a safety harness or, for smaller dogs, a booster seat with a tether to attach to their harness.  Some pet carriers such as the Sleepypod can be secured in place with your car's seat belt.  These items will prevent your pooch from jumping around the car and keep them in place in the event of a sudden stop.     Car seat covers and hammocks are a worthwhile investment as they protect seats from water, snow and muddy paws.  They come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles and are very easy to install.     Proper hydration while on the road is important to your dog's health and comfort.  The To Go Bowl is a water bowl that is designed to fit into a car's cup holder - in the front or back seat - and allows your dog to drink whenever he wants without stopping the car. Stay organized by using a seat back organizer or cargo organizer for your pet's toys, leashes, treats, etc. If your dog gets anxious in the car, try a calming remedy or anxiety wrap.  We have heard from many happy customers, including one of our own Furry Travelers, that they really do work! Just for fun, you can personalize your vehicle with a cute magnet or license plate cover.   See all Furry Travelers automotive accessories here.   Wishing you and your Furry Travelers safe travels! (Look for more travel tips from Furry Travelers during the holiday season.)    

Auto magnet lets other drivers know you have a pet on board.  Size:  6 inches

Spring is here! And you know what that means! That's right, time to clean out all the stuff that's piled up this past year! Even your pooches' stuff! We know how messy it can get when your pup commonly accompanies you in the car. Throwing around toys, treats, and accessories is a common habit, and it's time to organize! The Auto Seat Pet Organizer, fits conveniently on the back of your seat.  It contains pockets for:  grooming sprays / shampoos, insect repellent, a leash, seat belt harness, first aid kit, treats, toys, extra storage, pet documents, towel holder, and more. This organizer is just what you need this spring cleaning season! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/30547--auto-seat-pet-organizer.html

Many of you might have vacation plans this holiday season! If your planning on taking a trip this winter, make sure you are properly prepared to bring your pooch along! Having a Pet Gear Auto Carrier would make your vacation trip much easier, and much safer for your pup! If you're going on a family vacation, the Auto Carrier is an ideal way to take your pet securely in your car! Plus it includes a treat/water feeding tray and a padded waterproof mat! Keep your pet safe and check out our Auto Carrier! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/5799--pet-gear-auto-carrier-car-seat-kennel.html

Who's going on a road trip this summer? It's just about time to start making some summer travel plans. Whether you're driving cross country or just to the next town, having a pet carrier is crucial! Our Pet Gear Auto Carrier is the perfect way to take your pet securely in your car. The Auto Carrier is perfect for small dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds and other small domesticated animals. When you're traveling, having your pet with you is important! We want to assure that your travel trips are safe and comfortable for the pets you love! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/5799--pet-gear-auto-carrier-car-seat-kennel.html

Pet toys always make the best gifts for pet parents. If you're considering getting another pet parent a toy this holiday season, we've got a great variety to choose from!  Click here and see all of our fun pet toys! http://www.furrytravelers.com/11m7/toys.html?m7:nested=0 

Cookie and I just got back from the AKC Dog Show in Atlanta.  It has been a few months since we traveled together and it reminded me how important it is to have proper pet travel accessories.  These are some of our favorites:   Safety First!   The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat keeps smaller dogs safely buckled, while allowing them to see out the window - something a simple safety harness can make difficult.   The Skybox adjusts to any height and holds up to 30 pounds.  I often put both of our dogs in it!  You simply strap them to their own harness, or a safety harness.  When it is not in use, just unclasp the seat strap and flip it over the head rest.  It is lightweight and collapses to just a few inches when not in use.   Note: All dogs should be safely buckled up, just like you and the rest of your family.  There are many styles of safety harnesses to choose from at many price ranges.  You might be surprised to find how quickly your dog adjusts to a safety harness.  Even the most active dogs can feel more secure when they are restrained in the car.   And everyone will be safer in case of a sudden stop or accident.         The To Go Bowl by Furry Travelers is a must have travel accessory for all road trips.  Cookie was able to drink whenever she wanted without having to stop the car or worry about splashing.  We also used the bowl in our hotel and at the dog show by removing the cup portion (which of course carried her treats).   The patented, award winning To Go Bowl fits cup holders between 3 - 4 inches and can be used for dogs of all sizes.         We never take a trip without Cookie's own bag, the EBD Carry All Travel Bag.  This bag is the greatest!  It has so many interior pockets that staying organized is a piece of cake.  Cookie had to look her best while working at the dog show, so we had pockets for her hair brush, dental spray, tear wipes, extra harness and leash, a coat (it was cold there!) and still had room for some of my own things.  The EBD Carry All Bag even comes with its own fleece blanket.         NEW FAVORITE:  I picked up the Kurgo Quantum Leash at the trade show this month.  It is a leash that can be used 6 different ways (see details)!  I didn't really see a benefit to using this type of leash, especially for a small dog like Cookie.  While setting up our booth at the show, I thought I would give it a try.  Cookie likes to be with me all the time, especially when in a new environment.  I often keep her in her Susan Lanci Travel Sling, but she can still be in the way and gets kind of heavy after a while.  Anyway, I hooked the Quantum Leash to her harness and hooked it across my shoulder.  What a problem solver!  She was with me everywhere I went, without me having to carry her.       Finally, the big seller of the show and perhaps my all time favorite product (next to the To Go Bowl, of course), is the Susan Lanci Travel Sling.  Cookie "hung around" all day, every day at the show and really started a trend with the other small dog owners in Atlanta.  The sling is ideal for smaller dogs (under 10 pounds) and comfortable for both you and your pup.  It is lightweight, breathable, and folds up so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse!    Traveling with your dog can be fun and easy!  There are many, many great travel accessories for pets.  Furry Travelers goal is to carry the newest and most unique pet travel products on the market.  We are constantly adding great new items, so check our website often!    To see all our pet travel accessories, click here.  

I came across an aritcle recently (from Cars.com) that listed the pet friendliest cars on the market and thought I would share the information.  A few of these brands will soon no longer be manufactured, but can be a useful if you are looking for a pre-owned car.   As a pet owner, we want to keep our pets as safe and comfortable as we are.  Volvo was found to do the best job of offering products for pet owners, however many automakers offer features and options that are pet-friendly, even though not all of them were specifically designed for pets.    Volvo: Nets that span the space between the ceiling and the backrests of the front or rear seats to keep pets in their own area. A collection of metal dividers for wagons and SUV's. A Vertical grate that divides the cargo area into halves, separating a dog from cargo or another dog. Saab:  The 9-3 SportCombi and 9-5 SportCombi (wagon) include a cargo space divider, cargo mat, cargo apron and cargo guard in the back; the 9-5 SportCombi also has a trunk tray.   Saturn: The Vue has a cargo management system.   Volkswagen: The Jetta and Passat wagons offer cargo partitions, while driver accessories include a VW Beetle squeaky toy, air freshener and squishy pillow. Other VW gear includes heavy-duty floor mats and cargo liners.   Nissan: A Pet Guard Divider accessory that helps keep pets secure while in a vehicle's cargo area.    Other features that can make traveling with pets easier, and a few cars that have them, include: Fold-up backseat cushions, which allow a larger area on the floor for pets to lie down. (Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota) Fold-flat second row seats, which open up the cargo area for more pet space. (Most wagions/SUV's/Minivans. Fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up the cargo area for even more pet space.  (Toyota Tacoma, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent       Hard-coated and scratch-resistant load floor/folding seatbacks, making for easy cleanup. (Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V) Washable/stain-resistant upholstery. (Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler ('07), Honda Element, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring ('07), Dodge Nitro, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab, Jeep Patriot)  (Sources:  Cars.com)

I am getting ready to go to Orlando for the International Auto Show so thought this week I would review another product I don't travel without:  The E.B.D. Carry All Bag (E.B.D. stands for Everything But the Dog).      This great bag has so many pockets you probably won't use them all, but it is nice to know you can if you need them (great for medications, waste bags, water bottles, cell phone, etc).     This bag also includes collapsable food and water bowls, 56" x 48" indoor/outdoor fleece blanket with nylon backing and a freezable gel pack Dimensions 12"h x 15"w x 5"d.    The E.B.D. Carryall Bag is available in Brown with fun printed interiors in Blue, Green and Pink.   Since my older dog Sammy is on many medications and both dogs have their own treats, food, toys, bones, this bag really helps keep me organized!   For more details, click here.