Dr. Marty Becker, 'America's Veterinarian,' Picks the DogCars.com Best In Show for 2010

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Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian"

Car-makers have long targeted specific groups with specific vehicles, but while the soccer moms got all those cup-holders, dog-lovers couldn't get any attention at all.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 5, 2010

DogCars.com, the No. 1 resource for people looking for a vehicle to fit a pet-friendly lifestyle, has given its annual Best In Show award to a pair of vehicles that marks a change in the way the auto industry treats dog-lovers -- and that set the bar for high for the future as well.

Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian" and owner of the DogCars.com site today named the Honda Element EX Dog Friendly edition and the Toyota Venza as the Web site's annual Best In Show winners A regular on "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show," Dr. Becker runs the DogCars.com site as a resource for people who'd rather not leave their pets behind. His home site, PetConnection.com, caters to all pet-lovers.

The award this year was given in recognition of the efforts made by Toyota and Honda to serve the needs of an increasingly pet-loving population.

"Our winners this year reflect a trend we hope continues, " says Dr. Becker, who's also a best-selling author and syndicated pet-care columnist. "Car-makers have long targeted specific groups with specific vehicles, but while the soccer moms got all those cup-holders, dog-lovers couldn't get any attention at all. As a parent, grandparent and practicing veterinarian, I'm delighted to see more choices to fit everyone."

Both vehicles were designed and marketed with the dog owner in mind, with the company's taking great measures to outfit each with custom accessories to help keep a dog safe and comfortable.

The Toyota Venza, first introduced as a 2009 model, is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle with a design similar to a sport wagon, but with more interior room than a traditional wagon. The low-to-ground clearance offers small or less-agile dogs easier access through tailgate or the side passenger doors.

The Venza was initially marketed to pet owners by offering a variety of dog-safety accessories built specifically to fit the vehicle. Made by pet products manufacturers Kurgo and Solvit, the accessories can be purchased directly through the Toyota dealer, making it easier than ever to ensure that all dogs are safe and secure when riding in a Venza.

For Honda, this year’s Best In Show award marks a return engagement, as the 2007 Element was honored with our first-ever DogCar of the Year Award. After DogCars.com caught their attention, Honda upped the ante, rolling out a special edition Element EX that goes to great lengths to please pup lovers. The Dog Friendly Honda Element EX includes a raised platform and cushioned bed with a soft-sided crate facing out the rear of the vehicle, and an extendable ramp for easy in-and-out suitable for dogs of sizes.

Other dog-friendly features include a rear fan for improved airflow, a spill-resistant water bowl, bone-patterned rubber floor mats, and a tote bags with leash, collar, ID tag and bag dispenser. Special badges on the side and rear of the Element proclaim its dog-friendly status.

In a departure from previous DogCar of the Year Awards, which listed top DogCars in several categories, this year’s list features a look ahead at what potential pupmobiles are coming from the world’s automakers.The reasoning: The past year was so hard on the auto industry – with entire brands disappearing and new vehicle production slowed to a crawl – that it seems to make sense to look forward, not back.

In addition to the Toyota Venza and Dog Friendly Honda Element, here are the top five DogCar prospects for 2010: The Ford Transit Connect, the Honda Accord Crosstour, the Volvo XC60, the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Tucson.

For more on why these 2010 models are eagerly anticipated by the DogCars.com team of reviews, visit the Web site for more information.

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