Pet ownership is on the rise, with 66% of U.S. households owning a pet in 2024. As a result, pet parents are rightly demanding a better world for their animal companions in which they are welcomed everywhere—in their communities, their places of work, and increasingly, on their travels.
Last year, pet travel was the subject of over 19 million Google searches in the U.S. alone, with 65% of pet parents saying they’re likely to travel with their pets in the next year. Traveling with our beloved pets can make trips more joy-filled, but it also comes with an extra layer of planning. From reading reviews to ensuring a hotel understands what it means to be pet-friendly, there’s a lot of research that needs to happen before hitting the “Book Now” button.
In fact, we know that many pet parents curb their travel aspirations because they’re concerned about the experience of bringing their pets along, but also don’t want to leave them behind. Many only take a vacation “once every few years” or less because of pets, while a third have actually altered travel plans because of difficulty traveling with them. I’ve experienced this myself when trying to see where I can take my dog Bella on a trip.
Rather than seeing pet travel as a hindrance, we need to rally more hospitality businesses to embrace pet parents. As competition grows, pet-friendly experiences can help hotels, restaurants, and even tour operators distinguish themselves from the pack.
The business benefits of being pet-friendly
We know that pet parents love to spoil their animal companions with birthday cakes, toys, and food—and this shows no signs of slowing. The global pet care market is expected to grow from $259.37 billion in 2024 to $427.75 billion by 2032. So, it comes as no surprise that they’d be willing to splash out on a hotel that goes the extra mile for their cat or dog with pet-friendly policies.
Many hotel chains across the globe have opened their doors to create a home away from home for travelers and their pets, with some hotels in the U.S. and Canada offering on-demand pet health, wellness, and behavioral support resources.
This kind of hospitality can go a long way toward building loyalty, which increases the possibility that guests will book again and share their experiences online. Pet-friendly getaways can also be an excellent tactic to increase occupancy out of season when both city and rural destinations can become more welcoming for tranquil walks and fresh-air adventures.
As supply gradually catches up with demand, we can also expect to see an uptick in customized adventures for people to enjoy with their pets, including walking tours, training weekends, eco breaks, spa days, and more.
Meeting pet parents on digital channels
Today’s pet parents are operating in a digital world and using technology to access the information they need at the swipe of a screen. It’s the same group who read every review of where they can take their pets. By enhancing the tools they already use, we can help take the work out of planning and refocus their energy on enjoying the experience.
AI, for example, is already shaping a new era of quick, seamless, and personalized experiences through 24-7 chatbots that connect people to nearby vet clinics, shops to buy food, and more. By listening to pet parents, we’ve collaborated with travel operators to use AI to create personalized travel itineraries—a vital tool in building digital pet-friendly communities and reaching the “always connected” pet parent of today.
The travel and pet industries have a responsibility to innovate and collaborate to set a new standard for pet-friendly travel. When you share your life with a four-legged friend, it’s natural to want to take them away with you. And for restaurants and hotels, there is a clear business imperative in opening your doors to support and celebrate the future of pet-friendly travel.
We must band together to ensure a better world for pets, making traveling with them as fun, accessible, and inclusive as possible, while also helping pets and travelers create lifelong memories. After all, that’s what being a pet parent is all about.
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