For many Americans their dog isn’t just a pet, he or she is part of the family. Because of that, many people factor in their dog when they’re looking to purchase a used car.

While the owner of a Great Dane might decide to purchase a Ford Expedition over a Honda Civic to give the animal more room on car rides, more often used car buyers opt to buy after-market accessories to make their trips with their furry friend easier and safer.

One product that MSN auto suggests is a car seat for the owners of tiny dogs. The seats let the little guys see what’s happening outside the window while at the same time keeping them safe. Some of the more advanced models even have heaters to keep your pooch warm.

Other suggested products from the news provider help keep your dog in his seat and out of your lap which the site notes is unsafe for both the dog and the driver. A ban on lap dogs while driving has also been proposed in a number of states in recent years.

The number of pet- and family-friendly features in used cars grows every year with vehicles being produced now which have everything from entertainment systems to back-up cameras.

Find New York Used Cars with New Jersey State Auto.