(AAA), tying with the Toyota Venza. “It can carry multiple crates with easy access, and the lack of carpeting makes it easy to keep clean,” notes Root. Also worth considering in this category is the Subaru Forester, for its room, fuel efficiency and low emissions. Any are capable of taking Rover off-road.


BMW 3-Series (luxury station wagon).


This is deemed a luxury choice by AAA, which notes, “Owners will find a wide range of accessories available to make the car more suit- able for pet transport,


including rubber mats for the cargo area and sturdy dividers that can keep a dog comfortably confined to the cargo area and away from distracting the driver.” But despite 60.9 cubic feet of maximum storage space, the 3-Series is relatively small, and the association cautions that it may be a better choice for medium to smaller breeds. Also worth consider- ing, says AAA, is the Volvo XC60, a brand known for its extravagant safety equipment.


Ford Escape Hybrid


(medium-sized SUV,). The Escape Hybrid, ubiquitous as a taxi in New York City, is also a good canine mover—it gets 34 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 31 on the highway in front-wheel-drive form.


The 66.4 cubic feet of cargo area is nicely configured to resist dog damage. Ford notes that it’s ideal for a “big wet dog.”


Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (full-sized SUV). The


main attraction here is a huge 108.9 cubic feet of total storage in this eight-seater, coupled with a best-in- class economy rating of 21 mpg city and 22 highway. For maximum dog-carrying efficiency, fold the second row of seats down. Unfortunately, the third set doesn’t fold flat, so to make it as friendly to dogs as pos- sible, you’ll have to remove it—no small feat at 60 pounds.


Jim Motavalli writes about green cars for The New York Times, CBS Interactive, NPR’s Car Talk, Mother Nature Network (MNN.com), and TheDailyGreen.com. He is currently writing a book on electric vehicles.


Half of all dog owners consider their pets when buying a new car. American Kennel Club 21st Century Dog Owners Study


Five More Pet Road Trip Tips by Jim Motavalli


The ordeal of a long car trip with a pet can be lessened by taking a few timely precautions. Here are some road- tested tips:


n The ASPCA advises that people with pets that travel in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, to shows for example, have a choice of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided models. Any carrier should be large enough to allow the animal to stand up, lie down and turn around. Be sure to secure the crate, so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. Also, it’s best to feed pets three or four hours before a trip and on the ground, rather than try to do it in a moving vehicle.


n Is a tranquilizer a good idea for anxious pets heading on the road? Maybe, but don’t simply give them your own prescription drugs; some sedatives like Valium work for both pets and humans, HowStuffWorks.com reports, but the dosages are different. The best bet is to get a prescrip- tion from a holistic vet. “Tranquilizers are okay, but natural therapies, such as the amino acid theanine (found in green tea) or the herbaceous valerian, administered under vet su- pervision, often work as well,” counsels Veterinary Doctor Shawn Messonnier.


Note: The American Humane Society strongly recommends against using tranquilizers and sedatives for pets travel- ing by air, which may cause trouble for their breathing at higher altitudes.


n The Travel Channel recommends that when people make a fast pit stop, they always crack at least one car window for pet ventilation and avoid leaving them unattended for a long time. Dogs will particularly appreciate a chance to stretch their legs in the fresh air, too—on a leash, of course.


n Losing pets on a trip is a nightmare that the family can guard against with some advance planning. SmarterTravel. com urges pet owners to make sure they have a current ID tag on their pets at all times, and consider microchip im- plantation as an effective, high-tech way to find a wayward cat or dog. Finally, carrying a few color photos will help in asking around if a beloved animal gets separated.


n The suggested contents of a pet’s travel kit, according to the ASPCA, includes: food, bowl, leash, waste scoop, plas- tic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit. Also pack a favorite toy or pillow to give the pet a sense of familiar surroundings.


The web is stuffed with pet advice. A lot of it is good, but make it a practice to consider the source and get a second opinion.


natural awakenings pet Summer 2011 23


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