Pet travel may never be the same again. For the New York Auto Show, Honda has transformed an Element SUV into a dog-hauling special. The Dog-Friendly Honda Element Concept is a glimpse of a model that will reach production this fall. No joke.


Dog Friendly features include:

- A cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform
- Pet restraint systems in the second row and in the cargo area
- An extendable cargo area load-in ramp
- A 12-volt cargo area fan
- Back-seat covers with dog pattern design
- Rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern
- Exterior Dog Friendly emblems
- A spill-resistant water bowl (our favourite!)

"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car."

Since its 2002 introduction, the Element has been perceived as a dog-friendly vehicle, since it can easily swallow a full-size crate; that's something not many compact vehicles can achieve. The Element even won a "Dog Car of the Year" award in 2007, compliments of the pet travel advice site Dogcars.com.

Look for the Pooch-tuned Element in a few months. For now, it will only be available in the United States.


Photo Credit : Honda