The Growing Trend of Pet-Friendly Travel: Why More People Are Bringing Their Pets Along
Traveling with pets is becoming increasingly popular, with demand for pet-friendly travel options on the rise. According to Allianz Partners USA’s 2024 Annual Vacation Confidence Index, over 40% of U.S. travelers between the ages of 34 and 54 plan to bring their pets on their next trip, while 24% of travelers aged 55 and older will do the same. This trend is not just a U.S. phenomenon—the UK has also seen a significant increase in pet-friendly travel. For instance, Paws & Stay, a site dedicated to dog-friendly accommodations, has seen a 125% increase in bookings since 2023. Similarly, Haven, which operates 38 UK holiday parks, reported a 15% rise in demand for pet-friendly holidays during the same period. A 2024 study by the University of Surrey even predicts that the dog-friendly travel market could hit £40bn by 2030.
Why the Surge in Pet-Friendly Travel?
What’s behind this growing demand? One major factor is the pandemic. With more people working remotely, many have turned to adopting pets, and as a result, taking pets along on trips has become more common. In the UK alone, 38% of people have brought home a new pet since 2020, with 3.2 million households adopting pets in just the first year of the pandemic. Moreover, hiring pet sitters has become costly—often over £50 per night—and with increased demand, finding one has become more difficult. As a result, bringing pets along on trips has become a more budget-friendly and practical option for many.
How Hotels Are Adapting to the Pet-Friendly Trend
The hospitality industry has fully embraced the rise in pet travel. It’s now commonplace to see pets checking in at hotels. Take Kimpton Hotels, for example. They welcome almost any animal, as long as it fits in the elevator! Their pet-friendly perks include special dog menus, branded bowls, and guides to nearby pet-friendly spots.
In the UK, Devonshire Hotels go the extra mile by providing four-poster beds for dogs, making them feel right at home. Homewood Hotel in Somerset, near Bath, takes it a step further, offering an on-site dog creche where guests can leave their pets while they enjoy spa treatments. Many pet-friendly hotels are also adding agility courses and secure walking fields for dogs. For those opting for self-catering stays, properties are adding a valuable perk—fenced gardens. According to Paws & Stay, 70% of their 2024 bookings were for properties with these enclosed outdoor spaces, offering an added level of security and comfort for pet owners.
The Growing Popularity of Pet-Friendly Attractions
It’s not just hotels getting in on the pet-friendly action. Various attractions are now welcoming dogs. London’s Tower Bridge and the Cotswold Wildlife Park are two examples where pets can join the fun. Additionally, in November 2023, Cruise Tails launched the world’s first dog-friendly cruise, setting sail from Florida. The cruise accommodates 2,650 passengers, including 250 dogs, offering a unique blend of pet travel and luxury cruising.
Traveling by Air with Pets
Flying with pets can be tricky, especially in the UK, where only assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin, while other pets travel in the hold. In the U.S. and Europe, smaller pets can travel in a carrier under the seat, while larger pets are usually placed in the cargo hold. Additionally, there’s a need for extra paperwork and a health check before flying with pets.
Some companies are tackling these challenges with private charters for pets. For instance, Bark Air, a company that flies pets and their owners between cities like New York and London, offers a more luxurious travel experience for pets. Their service ensures that pets don’t travel in cargo holds or cramped spaces, but this convenience comes with a steep price—about $8,000 (£6,300) per person with a dog.
In Europe, train travel is a more affordable and pet-friendly option. In the UK, pets can travel free on trains, while many continental routes offer discounted fares for pets. For a small fee, you can even bring your pet into sleeper cabins, making longer trips, like those from London to Cornwall or Scotland, more enjoyable for both you and your furry companion.
Tips for Traveling with Pets
TV dog behaviorist Adem Fehmi recommends careful planning before embarking on a pet-friendly trip. He advises travelers to consider where their dog will sleep, as some accommodations may not allow pets on the bed. It’s also a good idea to bring familiar items like your dog’s bed, toys, and bowl to help them settle in and feel comfortable in new environments.
FAQs
1. Why is pet-friendly travel becoming so popular?
The rise in pet-friendly travel is largely due to the pandemic, with more people adopting pets while working remotely. It’s now easier and more practical to bring pets along on trips, as hiring pet sitters has become more expensive and difficult.
2. How are hotels adapting to this trend?
Many hotels, like Kimpton, welcome pets of all kinds and offer special perks such as pet menus, branded bowls, and guides to pet-friendly attractions. Some UK hotels like Devonshire Hotels provide four-poster beds for dogs, while others offer dog creches, agility courses, and fenced gardens.
3. Can I take my pet on a cruise?
Yes! Cruise Tails introduced the world’s first dog-friendly cruise, where pets are welcomed along with their owners. This cruise can accommodate 250 dogs alongside 2,650 passengers.
4. What’s the best way to fly with pets?
In the UK, only assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin, while other pets travel in the cargo hold. In the U.S. and Europe, smaller pets can travel in carriers under the seat, and larger pets are placed in the hold. Some services like Bark Air offer private charters for pets, but this comes at a high cost.
5. How can I travel with my pet on a train?
In the UK, pets travel for free on trains, and continental European trains offer discounted fares for pets. For a small fee, pets can also join you in sleeper cabins, making longer journeys more comfortable for both of you.
6. What should I bring when traveling with my pet?
It’s important to bring your pet’s familiar items, such as their bed, toys, and bowl, to help them feel comfortable in new surroundings. Researching pet policies at accommodations and attractions in advance will also ensure a smoother trip.
Conclusion
As more people look to bring their pets along on their travels, the demand for pet-friendly accommodations and services continues to rise. From hotels and cruises to airlines and train travel, the travel industry is adapting to the needs of pet owners. While flying with pets can be challenging, options like private charters and train travel offer more accessible solutions. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or boat, with a little planning and preparation, your furry friend can join in on the adventure.