Going to the dogs could prove a winning move.

TAIL-wagging passengers have been given priority by Nissan, with release of accessories that’ll be available in incoming versions of a couple of popular crossovers sold here. 

Designed for the Qashqai and X-Trail, both confirmed to NZ sale this year – plus the big lugger Patrol that no longer lists on Nissan NZ’s line-up but can be ordered via indent – the Nissan Dog Pack is a suite of new accessories designed to keep canine companions comfortable and safe in the car. 

Nissan owners are able to purchase the entire collection, or customise the offering to suit their needs. 

About that … at the moment, the collection has only been offered in overseas’ markets.

However, as it is now being promoted by Nissan Australia, which has New Zealand as part of its territory, chances seem high that the marque could be going to the dogs on this side of the Tasman, too.

The Dog Pack includes a rear protection tray or mat (depending on vehicle model), a reflective boot-lip protector, a four-piece dog travel set (including an easy-store bowl, a lead, a waste-bag holder and a sealable food bag), an over-seat cargo-area organiser and an all-terrain dog bed.

That costs between $NZ359 – for small to medium dogs - and $513, for large ones.

Nissan says a recent study in the UK’s Vet Record found dogs jumping in and out of higher-riding cars and SUVs led to “augmented levels of loading on anatomical structures”, and could lead to serious joint or bone injury.

To counter this, the pack can also include a ramp that, when extended, stretches 1.6 metres from the boot lip to the ground, making for an easy and stress-free entry and exit from your vehicle for your pet. When not in use, the ramp retracts to fit easily in the rear cargo area or under a seat.

How much for a dog pack with ramp? They say $499 and $513.

It doesn’t end there. The pack can also include a barrier that separates the rear cargo area from the cabin, “ensuring your furry friend doesn’t go on any in-car adventures while you’re on the move.”

Add this in and the hit climbs to $1270 to $1285. Remove the ramp (but why would you) and you save a couple of hundred.

Is it worth mentioning at this point that pet accessories are high profit centre items and also that the average caring dog owner will spend around $20k on their pooch over its lifetime?

The options are being sold through Nissan dealerships.