My Astro Van is capable of hauling four 500 crates as well as myself to dog shows, so I’m not buying a new vehicle any time soon. Still, it never hurts to look…

The $40 billion a year pet industry is finally making its mark on car manufacturers in the form of the new dog friendly Honda Element. Among its accessories are a made to fit kennel, rear stowable ramp and plug in fan.

The Element equipment package:

* Rear car kennel
* Kennel organizer
* Pet bed
* Stowable ramp
* Dog-pattern seat covers
* All-season “Dog-Bone” floor mats
* Spill-resistant water bowl
* Electric fan
* Tote bag
* Dog Friendly emblems (3)
* A leash, collar and dog tag
* Bag dispenser

Pros: Cute and a good marketing ploy…
Cons: Don’t get rear-ended… or have dogs that like to chew. Also useless for more than one dog.

You can buy a ramp and similar crate for about $120 each and make your own dog friendly vehicle!