Traveling with your Dog | North County Ford

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. 

Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Health Checks. Bring your dog to the vet's for a check up before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up to date; shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.
• To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local, or bottled, water. Be sure to bring any medications he needs.

CRATES

• A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car, and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host's home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Look for these features when purchasing:
• Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.
• Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
• Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
• Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
• "Live Animal" label, arrows upright, with owner's name, address and phone number.
• Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.

IDENTIFICATION

• In the event that your dog gets away from you on your trip, you can increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified:
• Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with the dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots.
• Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip (see AKC Reunite).
• Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you.

TRAVELING BY CAR

• Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
• Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
• Keep the car well-ventilated. If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye injuries.
• Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.
• Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. Be sure to clean up after your dog.
• Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.
• Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer. See Summer Safety Tips for more information. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

LODGING

• Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or on your route allow dogs. Many do not, or have size or breed restrictions.
• If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property.
• Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
• Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
• Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him. Do not leave any mess behind.
• Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition.

Resource: http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/responsible-dog-ownership/travel-tips/

North County Ford - 450 West Vista Way, Vista

Finding honorable dealership helps in car buying process

Military memebers should research dealers before purchasing new, used cars

With so many auto dealers and so many young recruits with ready cash, car buying can be risky business in San Diego. That’s why experts emphasize that when researching a dealership, the buyer needs to focus on honesty and open communication. Finding a dealership that is established and knows the needs of the customer is key.

“Our military buyers have two main dream cars – the Ford F-150 and the redesigned Ford Mustang,” said Gerald Gonzalves, general sales manager of North County Ford. “Among military buyers, the Ford F-150 is a high seller because it’s rugged and the right size. But in the last few years, the Ford car segment has grown by leaps and bounds.”

The Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and the first-ever moving assembly line was introduced in 1913. That revolutionary machinery prompted Forbes magazine to name Ford as “the most important industrial company in the history of the United States.” The company went public in 1956.

Ford has made significant contributions to alternative fuel models in the last decades. The Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced in 2004. By October 2014, Ford had produced more plug-in electric vehicles, including Ford Focus Electric/Hybrid.

Today’s promising models are the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and now the Ford Fusion Energi. Since the company has made a commitment to boost fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions; sales have doubled in the last six years.

North County Ford is a family-owned dealership that is part of a family of auto brands. The parent company is the Crowley Car Company, owned by Jim Crowley. North County Ford is located just off Highway 78 in Vista.

“We pride ourselves on how we do business,” said Gonzalves. “We are driven by excellent customer service, using a simple and convenient sales process for the consumer purchasing a car. Our used vehicles are Ford certified and fairly priced at market value or under.”

Gonzalves finds that military buyers appreciate his company because they share a similar outlook – know who you are and what you stand for. His customers are direct, honest, respectful and loyal.

“I say ‘loyal’ because the dealership serves the same customers over and over again throughout the decades. These folks are passionate about their cars and passionate about the Ford brand,” he said. “They know North County Ford and the North County Ford employees will take care of their needs.”

North County Ford is into building relationships with honesty, transparency and integrity. They offer military programs that give rebates to service men and women up to $1,000 on select models. Most others offer $500.

“As the closest dealership to Camp Pendleton, which has more than 70,000 daytime residents, we appreciate what the military does for our country and we want to give them peace of mind. Military buyers can count on us and know they are in good hands in either purchasing a vehicle or servicing one. We take our customers seriously,” said Gonzalves, “because we want our customers for five, 10, 15 years. We want them for generations to come.” 

North County Ford 
Phone: (760) 945-9900
Address: 450 West Vista Way, Vista
Online: northcountyford.com 

Ford Brings Repreve to the 2015 F-150 | North County Ford Vista CA

Recycled Materials in 2015 F-150 Seats

What if we could redirect plastics from landfill and use them to create innovative materials, and then put them in the all-new Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck?​ We could make a big difference.

Since 2012, Ford Motor Company has worked with Unifi to bring environmentally responsible, high-performance repreve fiber to many Ford vehicles. Now, this innovative fiber is available in the in the all-new F-150. By substituting with this recycled material, Ford will divert more than five million plastic bottles from landfills this year. 

Ford is the only automaker to use repreve, made from 100 percent recycled materials including plastic bottles, in its vehicles. Ford is currently using repreve in five vehicles around the world, making it a truly global material, and it represents Ford's larger commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle as part of the company’s global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint.

“By using repreve in the all-new Ford F-150, we are reconfirming our commitment to using renewable and recyclable materials in our vehicles,” said Carol Kordich, lead designer, global sustainability materials strategy development. “We are always looking for ways to incorporate more innovative and sustainable materials into our vehicles.”