Amy MariettaTop Reasons Pet Owners Are Choosing to Travel with Their Pets
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way that Americans plan vacations and getaways. It used to be that people would leave their beloved pets at home and hire a pet sitter or put them into some form of care, but this is no longer the case. In 2025, the majority of U.S. pet owners traveled with their pets, and this increasingly influences vacation choices, accommodations, and transport decisions. This reflects a deeper emotional and cultural change in how pets are perceived. Read on to find out more.
Pets Are Seen as Family & Emotional Support on the Road
Many pet owners see their animals as integral members of the family, which means that they do not want to leave them behind. Many travelers find that they worry about their pets when away from them, so they can avoid feelings of stress and guilt by bringing them along. On top of this, emotional support animals have become more prevalent in recent times and can provide valuable support to those who struggle with travel stress.
Growing Availability of Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The rise of pet travel has also led to an increase in pet-friendly accommodation. It used to be rare to find places that would allow pets, but now you will find many hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, parks, and other travel services are expanding pet-friendly options. This can make traveling with a pet easier than ever, but it is always important to research in advance to find suitable accommodations. With 75-78% of U.S. pet owners traveling with their pets each year, the majority only consider lodging that accommodates animals.
Flexible Transportation Options Supporting Pet Travel
Transportation options have also responded to the increase in pet-friendly demand in recent times. Many pet owners will plan road trips that make it easy and convenient to travel with a pet, but many airline carriers are also revising pet policies to accommodate cabin travel for small animals. For pet owners seeking maximum comfort and minimal stress for their animals, options such as private jets for dogs are increasingly being considered, particularly for long-distance travel or pets that are too large or sensitive to fly safely on commercial airlines.
Demographic & Lifestyle Trends Driving the Boom
Broader lifestyle shifts, such as the rise of remote work and retirement travel, have played a key part in driving the pet travel boom. Many older adults have more leisure time, leading to an increase in the frequency and priority of pet-inclusive vacations. Over half of pet owners plan trips with their pets each year, and travel frequency with pets is rising worldwide, so it is clear that this trend is here to stay.
These days, a vacation does not have to mean leaving your beloved pet at home. Many Americans now take their pets with them on holiday, which is made easier than ever with the increase in pet-friendly travel and accommodation.