The Honda Element has gone to the dogs (sorry, I had to use the bad pun)

Honda will be launching its new “dog friendly” accessory package for the Element starting in just a few weeks. The dog friendly features include a cushioned cargo bed with safety restraints, second row seating with places for leashes, a spill resistant water bowl area, paw printed floor mats, badges with the “dog friendly” stamp of approval for the exterior of the car, special ventilation in the cabin, and a retractable ramp for the pooches.

The Element is a car (really, it’s more of a crossover) that appeals to a small group of people. It isn’t an attractive car to most (and definitely not to me) but with those features, it would make any dog lover happy. I know that when I travel with my dogs it can be a hassle. I usually restrain them in the cargo area of my car (don’t worry, I have a hatchback so they’re in the cabin) with their leashes and it really is a pain to get them in and out of the car. I’m not saying that I would like to put them in the back seat exactly, but a nice cargo area meant for dogs would be nice.

There is a definite market for automakers to appeal to pet lovers. Accessories for cars to restrain dogs are expensive. Just a cargo net to keep them out of the front seat can run anywhere from $30 – $90 at a PetCo or PetSmart store. Other things like a special harness that clips into the seat belt are anywhere from $35 to $50 per harness. When You have three dogs, that can get quite expensive.

The only thing that this accessory package needs is crates fit for the car and we’re good to go! I know that my dogs would love something like this when they’re in the car.

I don’t necessarily think that some people who would opt for this package would go for something like the exterior badges on the car, but I wouldn’t mind.