Pet Travel Expert

"Ready to go for a drive?" 

We all ask our pets that on a pretty regular basis, but we often forget the most important part of the drive: making sure that our pets are as secure in the vehicle as the human passengers are.  Finding a safe, pet-friendly vehicle these days is easier thanks to more auto manufacturers becoming aware of the important role pets play in our trips near and far!

Bark Buckle UP has awarded the Pet Safe Choice Vehicle Awards "TOP DOG" Vehicle of the Year award to the Ford Edge this week.  From the release:

"Most people don't think about it, but in only a 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet it becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. This will injure the pet, passengers, driver or the pet may escape the vehicle and cause a second accident or become agitated and bite the first responder that is on scene doing their job," stated Selter.

"With more than 340,000 vehicles sold since it was originally launched in late 2006, the Ford Edge has been meeting the needs of customers who demand style, technology, performance and capability in a compelling package," said Brett Burin, Ford Edge Marketing Manager. "We look ahead with excitement this summer to the arrival of the new 2011 Edge, which adds even more revolutionary technology and class-leading performance. And with a suite of safety features, flexible seating and nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, the Ford Edge is perfect for those traveling with pets."

Why are pet safe vehicles important?  Check out these sobering pet travel statistics:

• 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet unrestrained becomes a 2,700-pound projectile
• 98% of dogs do not travel properly restrained in a moving vehicle
• Driver distraction causes more accidents than any other issue
• 82% of pets travel on vacation with their owners
• Pet friendly lodging has increased 300% since 2005
• Over 70 million homes in America have a pet

Please remember to buckle up your pet this holiday weekend if you'll be traveling!