This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Autotrader. The opinions and text are all my own. At Wear Wag Repeat I only write about products and brands we truly love.

Do you think you have a dog-friendly car? When I got my car a few years ago, I took Lucy to the showroom to make sure she was comfortable in the back. It’s important for me to have a car that’s safe and has extra features to make the dogs more comfortable. 

If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure to check out Autotrader’s list of the Best Cars for Dog Owners 2020 on Dogtrader.com. They put this list together based on all kinds of dog-friendly features including rear A/C, low cargo area, and flat cargo floors. The cars on this list will make every ride with your dog, long or short, as enjoyable for your pet as it is for you!

Add These 4 Essentials To Your Dog Car Kit

If you’re not quite ready to buy a new car, I have some dog mom-approved tips to make your current car more dog-friendly. There are a few essential items I keep in my dog car kit no matter where I’m driving with Burt and Lucy. It’s always better to be over-prepared!

1. Collapsible Water Bowl 

I have collapsible water bowls of all different sizes because they’re so easy to throw in a bag or clip on to a leash. I keep one in the cargo area of my car at all times for doggy water breaks. Having water and a bowl for your dog is especially important in the summer when they need to stay hydrated. 

2. Microfiber Dog Towel

Life with labradors includes a lot of impromptu swimming and splashing in puddles. That’s why I always keep an absorbent microfiber towel in the back of my car. It’s perfect for wiping off wet paws and dirty bellies. I like the microfiber because it dries quickly.

3. Carabiner Clip

An unexpected pet-friendly car hack is to always have a carabiner clip with you. You can use this for so many things! It’s great for clipping a water bottle and collapsible bowl to your bag. After a hike, I use it to latch the dog’s leashes to the car so I don’t have to worry about holding on to them when I dry them off and fill up the water bowl. It’s a great way to keep them safe before we get back in the car. 

Dog Hair Remover Tool

It can be so hard to get dog hair out of my car! The material on the sides of the cargo area is like velcro for Burt and Lucy’s fur. I found a really great little rubbery tool that actually gets the hair out! It works much better than a vacuum, and it’s so small you can just leave in your glove box. 

How Autotrader Helps Adoptable Dogs

As a rescue dog mom myself, I love to find companies that support pet adoption. In honor of National Dog Day, Autotrader teamed up with Adopt-a-Pet.com to help homeless dogs find their furever loving homes. 

Two years ago I saw Burt’s shelter profile online. His photo caught my eye and even though I wasn’t really looking for a second dog, I had to call and ask about him. When I found out he’d been in the shelter for over a year, I knew I needed to meet him in person. He’d been overlooked by so many for so long. I felt like I was his only chance at a furever family!

Adopting Burt was the best decision ever! Two years later, we’ve done so many things and gone on so many adventures including road trips to beaches, lakes, and mountains. Lucy and Burt are an inseparable pair now!

Want to find your next rescue dog? You can go to Dogtrader.com to search for adoptable dogs. While you’re there, get more info on Autotrader’s must-have car accessories for your dog, pet safety trips when driving, and the best cars for dogs. 

Find Your Next Dog-Friendly Car

Search for your next dog-friendly car on Autotrader. They continue to make car-shopping faster and easier thanks to their team of experts who have advice on everything from finding the right car for your (dog-obsessed) lifestyle to tips on how to navigate everything auto-related during COVID-19.

Like this post? Check out these links:
Find a Dog Lover Approved Car 2019 
Where to Stay on a Road Trip with Your Dog
Dog Friendly Summer Day Trip to Cleveland
Planning a Trip to New York City with Your Dog

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