“Dog Park Days” Presented By Toyota

Toyota is treating Phoenix pet owners and their dogs to a “pawsitively” fun-filled day of travel gear demos, test drives with the all-new pet-friendly Venza, free pet accessory giveaways and treats for dogs and owners. The series of “Dog Park Days” will kick off at Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, on March 7th & March 8th, and will wrap up at Jackass Acres K-9 Korral, on March 14th & March 15th. The event hours are 10 am to 5 pm.It’s hard to find a dog owner that doesn’t take their pet along in the car. An American Automobile Association (AAA) survey found an estimated 84% of dog owners drove with their pets in the car. Unfortunately, the survey also found that more than 30,000 accidents are caused annually by unrestrained pets in front seats. Recognizing the importance of this issue, Toyota is hosting the ultimate pet travel experience to help owners fully prepare themselves and their pets to ride securely and comfortably.At each event, local certified pet trainers will provide valuable tips and advice on making the most of traveling with your pets during 30-minute seminars, held at the top of each hour. Key topics to be highlighted in the seminar include:Automobile safety equipment for pets with specialized demos.Preparation for accidents and how to protect pets in the accident aftermath.Training your dog to enjoy both short and long car rides and ways to make them feel secure and comfortable.Prevention tips against pet theft, eye and ear injuries and accidental poisoning.Designed for those with active lifestyles that often involve pets, the versatile five-passenger Venza offers a full line-up of canine friendly aftermarket pet products through Toyota dealers. At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to test drive the Venza with their pets, and experience firsthand the variety of safety features and accessories tailored to provide comfort and style for pet passengers.“More than 29 million Americans have traveled with their pets within the past three years,” says Bob Zeinstra, national product marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., “and dog owners frequently consider their pet’s comfort when buying a car. Our goal is to inform these on-the-go pet owners that Venza is a great choice when it comes to creature comfort and pet travel safety options.”A variety of dog treats and free giveaways will be distributed throughout the day, including a customized computer and phone screensaver featuring your own pet. After its debut in Los Angeles, the Venza “Dog Park Days” will be held at dog parks in both Phoenix and Denver in March.The Venza, which went on sale last month, offers more than a dozen pet-friendly creature comforts, the most ever available through Toyota dealerships. Venza’s large cargo capacity and rear hatch allow for easy entrance and loading of pets. Available products include: a rear hatch pet ramp for easy loading and unloading, a leash tether for securing pets in the vehicle, a pet booster seat with harness, a first/second row or cargo area pet barrier, pet seatbelt buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses. Waterproof and removable hammock-style seat covers are also available to fit Venza’s bench and bucket seats. Venza, which combines the best features of a car and SUV, is also the first Toyota passenger car to offer Star Safety as standard equipment for all models.