Edmunds.com and Bark Buckle UP Announce the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles

SANTA MONICA, Calif. —August 18, 2009 — Traveling in the car with the family pet is a common necessity for many of America’s 71 million pet owners – 82 percent of dogs travel in cars during their lifetime. However, 98 percent of dogs travel unrestrained in moving vehicles, leaving both pets and the passengers vulnerable to injury in the event of a traffic accident. In a 35 mile per hour collision, an unrestrained 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700 pound projectile and can do much harm to other passengers.

In collaboration with the pet-safety experts from Bark Buckle UP, Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, has published a list of the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles that make driving with pets safer and more convenient.

"It’s in everyone’s best interest for drivers to ensure that pets and their gear are safe and secure while on the road," said Kevin Smith, Edmunds.com’s Editorial Director. “The best vehicles for pet owners are the ones with plenty of room and pet safety features such as tri-climate control, fold-flat rear seats, rear back-up cameras, sliding rear doors, and side airbags.”

The top 10 2009 cars and trucks most highly recommended for safe pet travel, in alphabetical order, are:

1. Dodge Journey
2. Ford Flex
3. GMC Acadia
4. Hyundai Tucson
5. Jeep Liberty
6. Kia Borrego
7. Mazda 5
8. Mitsubishi Outlander
9. Subaru Tribeca
10. Volvo XC70

“Regardless of which vehicle you own, it is critical to safely restrain your pet when you’re driving,” asserted Christina Selter, Bark Buckle UP Founder and Pet Safety Expert. “Even the calmest unrestrained pets can become frightened in a moving vehicle, distract the driver and cause an accident. In the event of a sudden stop or accident, the animal can injure other passengers or be thrown through the windshield, then hinder the efforts of rescue workers or even cause another accident by escaping into the street. We don’t question the importance of seat belts for human passengers, and we should always provide the same protection for our pets.”

For more information on automotive pet safety, read Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles and check
Bark Buckle UP .

About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/)
Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site and home to the oldest and most established automotive community. AutoObserver.com launched in 2008 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

About Bark Buckle UP (http://www.barkbuckleup.com )
Bark Buckle UP is the recognized innovative leader and expert in pet travel safety, touring the USA and Canada educating and promoting awareness for pet safety, unleashing a life-saving message, as human safety is connected to pet safety. First responders, safety experts and pet industry leaders nationwide support the Bark Buckle UP pet safety program. Bark Buckle UP originated the Stat-Tracker program, which collects and stores valuable in-depth statistics about pet safety. The data and hard facts collected on an ongoing basis is complied and stored and used in improving pet safety. Bark Buckle UP also tests products and services for safety function, durability, quality, engineering, general functionality, ease of use and overall product design to ensure pet safe standards are met. Based on its testing and analysis, the organization grants Pet Safe Awards and Pet Safety Recognition Seals, orchestrates Pet Safety Days Tour, and is establishing pet automotive travel safety standard guidelines. Bark Buckle UP assists auto, marine manufacturers, child safety seat programs, pet product manufacturers and pet service facilities in communicating pet travel safety standards.

###


Contact:
Jeannine Fallon/Chintan Talati
Edmunds.com Corporate Communications
www.Edmunds.com
Media Hotline: 310-309-4900
pr@edmunds.com

Ashley Ann
Bark Buckle UP Corporate Communications
www.BarkBuckleUP.com
949-361-BARK (2275)
PR@BarkBuckleUP.com


Photos available: www.BarkBuckleUP.com/Media

* Statistics resources from Bark Buckle UP, Traffic Safety Evaluation Guide and APPMA

10,000 Pet Safety Kits in first 36 hours

Like millions of other pets and peoples, I'll be hitting the road this weekend for some summer fun. With summer now in full swing, it's good time for a little reminder about properly restraining your pooches when traveling. Because as much as we don't like to think about it, accidents can happen.

Bark Buckle UP has teamed up with first responders nationwide to launch the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit, created to protect both pets and rescuers in the event of an accident.

According to national statistics, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, have a pet. With summer travel well underway, millions of those pet owners will go on vacation - bringing along their furry members of the family. Since 2005, the number of pets traveling in vehicles has reached an all-time high - having increased by approximately 300%. As most animals travel unrestrained, the corresponding risk to vehicle occupants, pets and first responders called to an accident site is of growing concern. (some statistics from APPMA, some from Bark Buckle UP)

“When responding to a collision, our primary concern is coordinating the required medical needs of any of the injured victims and traffic control,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner, Joe Farrow. “Any delays in the caring of victims because of the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”

The FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit includes a customized pet identification card and first responder vehicle decal. The decal is affixed on the driver side window (by the lock) on your car, truck, RV, boat and/or motorcycle - indicating that there may be an injured or scared family pet inside. In the event of an emergency, first responders will identify the decal alerting them to the pet identification card located in the glove box, allowing them to call your emergency contacts to come get your pet and informing them you have been in an accident.

For more information, or to receive the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit including first responder decal, visit www.barkbuckleup.com.

Be Smart Ride Safe

Dog Man 160 Dead Dogs

Don't try this at home. Dearborn Michigan this past week a man was found in his home with over 250 dogs in his care, which all pets had to be assessed by the the volunteers from humane society for health evaluations.
"Mostly Chihuahuas were found in the house on Orchard Street last week, 112 live dogs and between 150-160 dead dogs, some were even found in the freezers throughout the house." Dearborn police said.
Surviving dogs are now in the care of Dearborn Animal Shelter, being evaluated and possibly will be available for adoption soon. Most of the dogs are in great need of food, being touched and simply not used to being held.
56 year old Dog Man is under criminal investigation, "due to the critical aggravated situation" said Chief Ronald Haddad from Dearborn Police Department.
The shelter is asking for donations to help care for all the animals. Anyone interested can call the Dearborn Animal offices at 313.943.2697

Dog Snuggie's

Snuggie they did it finally a blanket for DOGS that has arm hole or did they say paw holes.
SCORE: Four Paws UP from Bark Buckle UP
With it's slick design it is sure to make pets happy and warm.
The Snuggie™ DOG Blanket keeps them totally warm and gives them the freedom to use their paws Walking, potty breaks or playing in total warmth and comfort!
The Snuggie™ DOG Blanket is made with super soft, thick, luxurious fleece with roomy, sleeves that let them do what you want while still being totally wrapped in warmth.
Some of the key features are:
Warm, ultra soft fleece for indoor/outdoor use
Perfect for every dog adjustable Velcro tabs for a perfect fit
Sizes range from extra small, large available
Washable
Here are some helpful order instructions from Snuggie for dogs:
You can select additional buy 1 get 1 free sets of 2 in other colors & sizes after your initial selection. All buy 1 get 1 free sets are in the same color & sizes - no substitution of colors may be used. Offer Details: For only $14.95 plus $7.95 P&H you’ll receive a Snuggie™ For Dogs blanket in blue or pink. It also comes in 4 sizes: extra small, small, medium and large. Plus we’ll also send you the Recordable Dog Tag absolutely FREE! And as a special bonus, we’ll send you a second Snuggie™ For Dogs blanket in the same color and size, along with an additional Recordable Dog Tag for FREE, just pay $7.95 P&H. If you're unsatisfied, for any reason, simply return your package within 30 days for a full product refund!

HOT Paws OUCH

Summer is here and so is the hot pavement, sand and sidewalks. Is your pet prepared for the hot ground?
Hot Paws can be very dangerous and painful as the asphalt grows to scorching heats and can burn the pads of pets quickly thus will be a very expensive pet hospital bill.
There are some great products available for paws booties and shoes but one our the best is the disposable kind. That way if they get dirty or ruined just toss them out and put on new ones.

Pet Yard Safety

Plants, grass, chemicals, rodent and poisons, is your yard safe?
Going camping, to the beach, lake or neighbors, are those safe?
Plants, fruit trees, bushes
Lawn, plant food and garden chemicals
Houseplants
Car fluids (antifreeze)
Snail, slug and mouse baits can be deadly to pets
Water, gutters, ponds, lakes, beach
Plants, fruit seeds, leaves, yard chemicals, furtilizer, and so much more learks in the open area and yards across America.
Here are a few tips to be more Pet Safe in your yard:
Always read the labels
Canola oil is a green, nontoxic way to control insects
Caffienated coffee kills slugs
White vinegar directly on the weeds and grass
Lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and spray the plants from time to time

FREE Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit with First Responder Decal

Sign up today get your FREE Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit with First Responder Decal

Visit BarkBuckleUP.com to make your custom pet safety kit, enter pet owner info, emergency contact info, pet info and pet photo, proceed to check out pick which pet gets free kit, add more kits for additional family pets, add more decals and pick regular or faster shipping.

First Responders Nationwide support Bark Buckle UP's awareness program. You can hear and see what some of them have to say right on the Bark Buckle UP pet safety website. See the Commissioner of CHP, Superintendent NY State Troopers, Phoenix Fire, Phoenix Police, OCSD, Miami Dade Fire Chief, Police Chief Waterford CT and many many more.

As American's its out job to make First Responders jobs safer and easier so secure your pets for travel, short trips and vacation.

Protect your pets, passengers, driver and our First Responders we will all thank you.

Travel Time with Rover

Christina on Fox and Friends for Travel safety with Rover
How about it pet owners, are you going to be safe on a RoadTrip with Rover this 4th of July?
No not LandRover your dog "Rover".
Bark Buckle UP is on tour this week and featured Bark Busters and Fetch Pet Care to help bring awareness to this summer and pet travel safety.
Boating with BassPro, riding in a car, on an airplane and even in the hotel, camping or your backyard. The experts at Bark Buckle UP show how easy it is to Be Smart Ride Safe with your pets.
Watch the clip from Fox & Friends with Bark Buckle UP reviewing the safety tips for summer travel and safety link for video click here
Remember safety at home/hotel, on the road, in the water, camping and in your own yard will help your pet stay safer and happier through your 4th of July celebrations.
Pet Safety needs to be the #1 priority.

4th of July Pet Safety Tips

4th of July pet safety
Are you following the basic guidelines for safety on 4th of July with your pets?
Most pet parents don't know that during 4th of July a higher amount of pets will get loose then any other time of the year due to loud noises from fireworks.
Fireworks and loud noises cause pets to panic, excited and may become destructive, so it is always best to not take pets with you to the firework events.
Here are the top safety tips for your pets on 4th of July:
1) Never leave your pet in a car unattended
2) Keep your pet indoors in a quite secure place (pull blinds or window coverings)
3) Never take your pet to the fireworks events
4) Pets with extreme anxiety visit your vet
5) Current pet id tag and make sure your micro chip is updated
6) Plenty of fresh clean, water
7) Leave a radio or TV on
8) Do not leave your pet outside
9) Do not leave your pet tied or chained up
10) If your pet is missing check immediately with your local rescues
Also watch Christina Pet Safety Expert on TV in Florida five cities in five days.

Pet Safety in Campgrounds

Not all campground are alike check ahead to be sure they are pet friendly and safe plus follow all pet regulations while at the campground. Regulations are in place and enforced to protect you, other campers and your pets.
Basic guidelines for pets and camping:
Clean-up after your pet
Keep your pet on a leash/restrained at all times
Check for what areas pets are aloud
Never leave you pet unattended or tied up
Clean, fresh water for your pet
Excess noise normally will not be permitted
Shade for your pet to relax under
Fee may be required
Id tag/licensed
Normally only Guide Dogs are allowed inside the restroom facilities
Be aware of plants not safe to pets
Camping pets, are normally welcome if kept properly under control by the owner also another good tip is pets should be in your tent or camping unit at night.

Woofin Summer Fun with Lucy Osteen

With summer right around the corner have you planned out your Woofin Fun Vacation? Paws in the Water, Wind in my Ears, Sun on my Fur, whether you are vacationing at a hotel, in your RV, boating or camping make sure to bring along pet safety and travel.
Traveling with your pets can be challenging yet rewarding, there are certain guidelines you should keep in mind for short or long trips.
When traveling in your car or RV make sure to utilize pet travel gear to keep them safe. A travel harness or crates are great. Remember that a vehicle can become extremely hot so never leave a pet in a vehicle unattended.
Boating, beach, pool or lakeside a PFD (life vest) is imperative along with disposable booties for hot sand or pavement to protect their pads.
Hotels and camping you need to plan ahead to be sure they allow pets also have handy a sign you can place on your tent or door that warns “pet inside” this way people like a maid will know not to open the door.
When traveling by Air with your pet you will need to plan ahead as they only allow a certain amount of pets per flight, size restrictions, additional fees and only pre-approved crate systems or carriers are permitted.
Know we come to the basics 1-2-3 of traveling with your pets so that it will be a rewarding experience for the whole family. Here are the top things to remember to bring, do and not to forget.
Pet food
Clean water
Pet’s medicines
Tag with current information
Leash
Bedding
First aid kit
Pet’s shots record and photo
Travel bowls
Poop bags
As I say everyday “Be Smart Ride Safe, in your car, boat, RV from point A to point B get there safe and enjoy the ride.”

Unavoidable accidents: would your pet survive?

National safety statistics indicate the number of pets traveling in vehicles continues to grow—and so do the number of pet fatalities. I'll bet dog bones to dollars that 99.9 percent of pets travel improperly restrained.

Visit Story Here

As quoted by a representative from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “wearing a seat belt costs you nothing but to not wear one certainly will.”

Sacramento area Veterinarian, Dr. Tom Kendall Director of American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stated that “as Veterinarians we see, first hand, the tragedy of improper restraint of animals that travel and look forward to continuing to educate pet owners on the importance safe travel for their beloved pets." (Dr Kendall and Sherry the dog wearing the Ruff Rider Travel Harness featured in this photo with the Commissioner of CHP Joe Farrow).

The following life changing survival stories of Unavoidable Accident are a true testament of Why Buckle?

California
I was taking Cody, our large collie, to the veterinarian when a knucklehead pulled right out in front of my car from a driveway. I was only going about 25 mph, but Cody fell forward in the back of my Expedition (seats down, limo style). It wasn't until I got to the vet that I realized he had caught his paw during the "flight" and ripped a nail out of the nail bed. Blood was all over the back of the car. I am getting him a buckle as he LOVES his car rides and I don't want him to be hurt ever again!

Washington
I was traveling at 40 mph when the other driver ran a stop sign. I broadsided him before I could hit the brakes. The car (a 1999 Honda CRV) was totaled. My wife spent 4 days in hospital and I spent 2. I was off of work for a month. The other driver had to be removed with the "jaws of life". When the fireman heard that there was a dog in the car he immediately asked for "the kit"; however, since our dog was buckled in he was unhurt and didn't need to be put down. In fact he didn't require any veterinarian care at all.

Massachusetts
I started using a vest type dog restraint years ago after an incident where my 15 lb. Norfolk Terrier was jumping from the front to the back seat of the car while I was going through the car wash. She was making a game of trying to catch the car wash brushes that she could see through the moon-roof. Her leash tangled around the headrest and I was unable to reach it to untangle her without walking around to the other side of the car. She almost strangled herself. From that day on she wore a restraint and I felt much safer. I was in an accident a couple of years later and even though I was injured, she was fine.

Texas
We have always used a seatbelt restraint that connects to the existing seat belt system of our truck for our miniature golden retriever whether we are traveling in town or on the highway. We got into a situation in one of the state parks where we had to "jump" two "ditches" in order to get our truck and trailer out of the site the campground had put us in. The roads leading out of each campsite were too narrow for a truck and trailer (or large RV) to turn the corners of the roads in and out of the park. (There was one way in and another way out - in was ok, but out was not.) Brandie was buckled up when we were attempting to get out of the site. If she had not been restrained she would probably not be with us today and may also have caused much harm to my husband who was driving. We escaped with only a blown out trailer tire and torn up steps and back corner of the trailer. God was truly watching over us that day. I believe that all children and pets need to be restrained for their safety as well as the safety of all the occupants of the vehicle. Thank you for what you do to make this safety issue known to the public.

Ohio
I used to let my then-kitten Bouncer run free in my car. My husband and I were in a very bad car accident and if Bouncer had been w/us at the time, he would've been thrown from the car. That served as a wake-up all. Since that day when I travel with my cats, they each have their own carrier. I use the plastic hard carriers, not the soft squishy style. They always ride in the back seat (away from airbags) and I use the safety belt to secure their crates.

Pennsylvania
My husband and I do a fair amount of traveling in the car with our 2-year old Boxer dog, Kiara. We made the decision about a year ago to purchase a pet restraint and we had been using it consistently since then. In August of 2007, we were traveling home with Kiara from my in-laws' vacation house when we struck a deer (6-point buck) head-on. [It was a totally unavoidable accident - very sad for the deer] Kiara was strapped into her "seatbelt" and she stayed put in the back seat. There was $8000 in damage to our SUV. No damage to any of us because we were wearing our seatbelts!! Please, please buckle up your pets!

Montana
One day I got stopped by the police I am originally from Canada and have been using a seat belt harness for 5 years now. One day, I got stopped by the police speeding 10 kms over the speed limit. When the police officer came to the vehicle and wrote the ticket, he asked why my dog wasn't jumping at the window. I told him that "she" was in a harness and attached to the seatbelt. I had to get out of my vehicle to show the officer how it all worked, as the officer had never heard of a seatbelt system for dogs. Unfortunately, he still gave me the speeding ticket!!!

To share your travel safety stories with us visit www.barkbuckleup.com and go to the contact page.

Be Smart Ride Safe

Pet Safety with Flea Medicines

Those pesky mosquitos pet owners beware
We all know how itchy we get with a Mosquito bite, but what about our pets? As the temperatures get hotter every pet owner needs to prepare for Mosquito season, don't forget Heartworm disease and fleas are a great risk to pets.
Heartworm is dangerous to dogs, however there is treatment. Cats on the other hand/paw there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease. Either way to avoid costly pet medical bills for your pet use year round treatments that are prescribed from your veterinarian. Your doctor most likely will give you daily or monthly tablets or a topical, which are effective and easy to use.
Recently the EPA is considering further restrictions on Flea/Tick pet products due to the evaluation of whether the use of spot-on pesticides for Flea and tick control are necessary. More than 44,000 potential incidents were reported to the EPA in 2008. The Federal laws require reports of adverse reactions of a product even if it was misused or misapplied.
It is best to communicate with your pet’s veterinarian regarding any medical questions or concerns:
Purchase medicine through a licensed veterinary
Always read the instructions
Call your pet’s veterinary if there are any side affects.

Keep Your Pets Safe Week

Take care of your pets and keep them safe by speaking out to your state officials, reports animal abuse, appreciate wildlife (also do not litter), make sure to adopt your pets.
1915 was the launch of Be Kind to Animals Week by the American Humane Society. This week was created to help promote for you to Be Kind to Animals, your pets and wildlife.
As a Pet Safety Expert I believe Animals play a very important role in our lives. Our pets, wildlife are all connected to the ECO system so it is our job to promote ways to treat them humanely and to teach others to do the same. The picture to the right is Radar a little angel we met in Jacksonville, Florida at one of the Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Days. The Humane Society brought him over along with several other wonderful pets for adoption, he was full of energy and love to share with a loving family.
Adopt your next pet and teach other to do the same, keep them safe and healthy so they can live a long happy life.
Check out your local rescue, shelters or humane societies for special events that you can attend and make sure to spread the word Be Kind to Animals each and every day.

Sacramento is Barking "Bark Buckle UP"

SACRAMENTO, CA. America’s recognized pet safety advocate, Bark Buckle UP, whose work with first responders brings the important message of traveling safely with dogs and cats, brought its message to Sacramento this week. Spokeswoman Christina Selter discussed the Bark Buckle Up’s BE SMART—RIDE SAFE® Pet Travel Safety Program and measures pet owners should adapt in their vehicles to lessen the risk of injury and even death when traveling with dogs or cats.

As a direct result of Bark Buckle UP’s mission, first responders, such as police, firefighters and animal rescue agencies throughout the country look for the Bark Buckle UP decal on a car, which alerts them that a dog or cat may be inside or may have escaped from a car involved in an accident. This insures that every effort will be made to get an injured pet to a veterinarian in the shortest possible time, or find the pet if indeed it has escaped from the accident scene.

Commissioner California Highway Patrol (CHP)Joe Farrow, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Capt. Christian Pebbles, Capt. Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department and Reina Schwartz, director of Animal Care Services discussed the importance of pet travel safety.


“When responding to a collision, our primary concern is coordinating the required medical needs of any of the injured victims and traffic control,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Any delays in the caring of victims because of the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”

“With proper responsibility these animals do not have to die,” said Captain Christian Pebbles Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
“The Firefighters of the Sacramento Fire Department respond to countless auto accidents. Unfortunately many of these accidents also involve pets that become crash victims, because they are not secure inside the vehicle. Many of our Firefighters are pet owners and we know first hand that by securing your animal inside your vehicle properly, you may save their life in an accident,” stated Captain Jim Doucette Sacramento Fire Department.

Special guest Doctor Tom Kendall, Director American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) demonstrated safety gear and the ease of traveling safe with your pet with his furry friend Sherry.
“Pets play such an important role in our lives; making sure they are safe when traveling helps ensure that they are around for a long time,” said Reina Schwartz, director of Animal Care Services.

National safety statistics indicate the number of pets traveling in vehicles continues to grow—and so do the number of pet fatalities. "I'll bet dog bones to dollars that 99.9 percent of pets travel unrestrained. Our mission is to make first responders—that is, police, fire fighters, and EMT's—aware of the fact that a pet may be a passenger in a car involved in a crash, and that they need to look out for, and care for, that animal if indeed it has been injured—or has gone missing,” Selter explained.


The number of pets traveling with their owners has increased 300 percent since 2005, and over 98 percent of pets that travel in cars are not restrained. “Pet owners need to realize that it is just as important to buckle their pet up as it is to buckle themselves up when the get into a car,” Selter said. “We all know that wearing a seatbelt saves human lives. Well, it saves pet lives, as well. It costs nothing to strap yourself into your seatbelt—but the cost of not wearing a seat belt can cost you your life. The same applies to your dog or cat.”

Crash tests show that a car traveling at 35 mph with an unrestrained 60-pound dog causes an impact of 2,700 pounds in a crash. That’s equivalent to an elephant crashing into a car seat, windshield or worse, a passenger. Chances are an animal cannot survive such an impact. A further difficulty is that an unrestrained pet can impede the progress of first responders. Every second counts in getting to those injured in a car crash. If the crash scene is complicated by a dog that has been injured, or worse yet, has escaped from the car and is frantically running loose, a secondary accident in which the dog runs into oncoming traffic can occur, causing additional injuries or even death.

Reporters Speak UP about Bark Buckle UP the Real Pet Safety Program

Written by Yegster:
Bark Buckle Up Campaign is stirring up the automakers I have to give a good friend of mine a lot of credit for what she has done. Christina Selter is the founder of Bark Buckle Up http://www.barkbuckleup.com

Bark Buckle UP has been traveling the country putting on press events, attending auto shows, and visiting car dealerships to demonstrate what people should be doing to secure pets in their vehicles while traveling with them.

Initially she worked with Volvo to launch a dealer campaign utilizing the Pet Safe Vehicle of the Year – the 2008 Volvo XC90. The crowds that attended her press releases at the auto shows were incredible! Imagine 15 dogs running around and barking and hundreds of photo journalists trying to get photos of them with Christina and the barrage of police and fire personnel that were part of the news release.

Well, for 2009, the GMC Acadia Sport Utility vehicle won the Pet Safe Vehicle award and two other manufacturers took note – Toyota, beginning a campaign of their own at the Chicago Auto show and now Honda, who installed pet safety equipment in an Element to carry on the cause.

One person can make a difference in people’s lives and in this particular case, your pet’s life. When that person is someone you know and she delivered a message that has now caught the attention of 25 auto manufacturers, I can’t say enough about how proud I am of her.

You go girl!!! Keep on these guys until you get them all on board!!!

Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert from Bark Buckle UP on Petopia TV

Petopia reporter Michelle Brubaker interviewed Christina Selter at the Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Day in San Diego with dogs hopping in and out of the General Motors Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice winner 2009.

Giant 225 pound dogs all the way to 3 pounder Yorkie all test drove the Acadia with their families. Take a peek at the wonderful coverage from Petopia.TV

More then 100 dogs test drive GMC Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Winner

As most of you know Bark Buckle UP and the pet safety days tour last weekend more then 100 dogs test drive GMC Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Winner.

Everyone loved the Acadia and Marvin K Brown, three Acadia's were none stop for more then 3 hours for all dogs and their families. Even a lottery winner came down to buy the Acadia after seeing Christina Selter the official Pet Safety Expert on KUSI.
KSON mascot was there to check it out and won a Pet Buckle Harness along with over 175 dogs and their families stopped by to check it out.
A big thank you went out for all paws up to:
Dogswell
PetBuckle tethers
SleepyPod
Wellness
Roadie Ruff Rider
Bamboo travel bowls, quick connects
Pet People retail store
K9 Canvas from Evolve Digital
Pug Rescue/Adoptions
PawYard Photo Booth
Union Tribune Mark Maynard
GM Blogger
Pet Topia TV
KUSI Dave Stall
NBC
KSON Toni
Bark Buckle UP Volunteers and the hard working Marvin K Brown team!

Bark Buckle UP Spring Pet Safety Day San Diego

Bark Buckle UP was featured at Marvin K Brown GMC for the Pet Safety Day 2009 Kick Off, over 100 dogs and their families test drove the 2009 Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice. The Acadia and Bark Buckle UP were a huge hit.

Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Days travel the nation and Canada teaching pet safety not just for around vehicles, but home, emergencies, travel and day to day care. Visit the website for a city event near you.

Bark Buckle UP Tests Pet Products for Lead

Bark Buckle UP the leader and experts in pet travel safety, test products to set the guidelines and regulations for quality, ease of use and safety. Bark Buckle UP has added lead testing to the pet safety program. By testing, pet toys, pet beds, pet carriers, pet clothing, misc pet products for lead content and safety we will safe lives and make the public aware of products that are being sold that are not safe for our pets or homes.

Here are some simple guidelines and tips to follow from Bark Buckle UP:
1) Purchase products made in the USA
2) Brand name products
3) Look for the Bark Buckle UP seal or testing results on packaging
4) Avoid painted products (ex: painted dog house, food/water bowls not from USA)
5) If not sure DO NOT BUY, investigate or email Bark Buckle UP
6) Tennis balls (just ask Marshall several surgeries to remove pieces)
7) Products with removable or chewable areas need to be secure
8) Read instructions, labels and investigate
9) Products pet size appropreiate (small dog small toy)
10) Supervise your pets with all toys, bones, chews, snacks, foods

LEAD What is it?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes.

Lead poisoning may cause a range of health issues or disabilities:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Frantic Barking
- Appetite Loss
- Lethargy
- Muscle/Joint Pain
- Convulsions
- Blindness

"If you feel that your pet may have Lead Poisoning consult your Veterinarian immediately." stated Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert with Bark Buckle UP.