A walk might be Fido’s first choice, but going for a ride in the car – especially if the destination is the park or the cottage – is usually a close second. Having the right vehicle can make all the difference in safety and comfort for both you and your dog. And there’s an option to suit every situation – hatchbacks, wagons, SUVs and vans that can accommodate big dogs, active dogs and multiple dogs, as well as crates and other accessories.

Selecting a new vehicle typically involves hours of research and countless test drives. But choosing a vehicle that will accommodate both you and your dog in safety and comfort requires some additional effort – like checking that crates and gear will fit, and ensuring that your dog has a safe place to ride.

There are dozens of vehicles on the market that qualify as dog-friendly – the best one for you is the one that meets your individual needs and budget.

Safety is obviously a primary consideration. As with small children, dogs are at risk when travelling in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with airbags. “The worst place for dogs is in the front seat,” explains Sgt. Tim Burrows of Toronto Police Traffic Services, adding that they can interfere with the driver’s ability to concentrate and control the vehicle. He recommends that dogs be secured by a pet harness in the back seat or, even better, in a kennel attached to the cargo area. The Nissan Xterra boasts 10 tie-downs on the floor, ceiling and walls of the cargo area, offering multiple options for securing both crates and cargo.

In a collision, an unsecured dog travelling loose in a vehicle becomes a missile with the potential to cause injury or death to passengers and itself, Burrows adds. In addition to seat belts and secured crates, a barrier can keep dogs safely confined to the cargo area. As part of its versatile barrier system, Volvo offers an optional divider that splits the cargo area in two, providing separate space for two dogs (or your dog and your luggage), as well as a gate that prevents dogs from jumping out when the tailgate is opened.

Easy access should also be a consideration for loading dogs, crates and any other gear you typically travel with. Clamshell doors, like those featured on the Honda Element and Mini Clubman, open wide to make loading even the bulkiest cargo a breeze. On the other hand, vehicles with tapered rear ends sacrifice cargo space for style, leaving tall dogs cramped and un-comfortable and making it impossible to close the hatch on large crates. Opt instead for models with a square back, like the Ford Flex. And watch for obstacles such as wheel wells and cup holders that can interfere with crates and other large cargo.

Versatility is another key consideration when selecting a dog-friendly vehicle. Look for 60/40 split folding rear seats that allow you to create different configurations based on your needs. Seats that fold completely flat make the most of available space and are more comfortable for dogs to ride on – but check for any gaps be-tween the folded seats where dogs can catch a nail, or worse, a foot. The Dodge Grand Caravan features seats that disappear into the floor, offering the ultimate in safety, flexibility and convenience. As an added bonus, the compartment that the seats fold into can be used for stowing gear like leashes and bowls when the seats are in the upright position.

Available accessories are also a selling point, and those that come straight from the manufacturer are guaranteed to fit and work properly with your vehicle. Range Rover – vehicle of choice for Queen Elizabeth and her Corgis – offers the utmost in dog-friendly options: wa-terproof seat and cargo covers; removable non-slip mats; cargo barriers, dividers and gates; and even a day tent that attaches to the rear hatch, offering privacy and protection from the elements at outdoor events.

If the vehicle you choose doesn’t offer the accessories you want, Kerri Stoakely, communications manager at Ford Canada, recommends checking with your dealer before ordering after-market accessories. “They may be able to advise you about which ones work best with your vehicle,” she explains, adding that it can be frustrating to order after-market accessories only to discover that they don’t fit or are difficult to install.

With dog lovers becoming an increasingly important segment of the market, some manufacturers are even introducing dog-friendly packages – like Honda’s Dog-Friendly Element, unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show, which features integrated restraint systems, a spill-resistant water bowl and an extendable loading ramp. Unfortunately, these dog-friendly packages aren’t offered on the Canadian market yet. So until then, shop carefully, ask plenty of questions and insist on taking a test drive that includes your dog and all his gear.