Traveling with Pets: The Rise of Pet-Friendly Vacations

It often begins with a glance—a hopeful tilt of the head, a wagging tail, or the quiet purring of a cat nestled next to a suitcase. Anyone who has ever travelled with a pet knows this feeling. You’re packing for a trip, and your furry companion senses change. They watch your every move, perhaps not knowing where you’re going but already asking one silent question: Can I come with you?

For many years, the answer was no. Pets stayed behind, often with a sitter or in a boarding facility. But that narrative is changing rapidly. Today, more pet owners are rewriting the rules of travel. They’re saying yes—not just because they want to avoid the guilt of leaving a beloved animal behind, but because they genuinely believe that adventures are better shared.

Over the past decade, the concept of traveling with pets has evolved from an occasional indulgence to a full-blown movement. The reasons are both emotional and cultural, reflecting deeper shifts in how we view animals in our lives.

In the past, pets were often viewed as companions with limits. Today, they are integrated into our daily routines, our homes, and our hearts in ways that resemble familial bonds. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are redefining what family looks like. For many, a pet is the first major emotional commitment—a source of comfort, responsibility, and unconditional love.

Surveys show that more than 70% of pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family. With that mindset, leaving a dog or cat behind for a vacation feels a bit like leaving a child behind. It’s no surprise then that pet-inclusive travel is on the rise.

The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just change how we work and socialize—it transformed our relationships with our pets. During lockdowns, dogs and cats became more than pets. They were emotional lifelines, co-workers, and companions in solitude. We spent more time with them than ever before, and in doing so, we developed an even deeper connection.

When travel resumed, the idea of parting from those loyal companions felt unnatural. Many people chose road trips over flights simply because their dog could come along. It wasn’t just practical—it was emotionally essential.

There is a growing awareness of the mental health benefits of pet ownership. Pets lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and bring joy in moments of stress. That same calming presence is invaluable on vacation, especially when travel can be unpredictable.

Imagine arriving in a strange city, disoriented and jet-lagged. But then your dog curls up next to you on the bed, or your cat nestles into your suitcase like it’s a cozy cave. Suddenly, you're not alone. You’re grounded. You’re home, even miles away from it.

As travellers become more pet-centric, the travel industry has started adapting—sometimes slowly, sometimes enthusiastically. What was once a niche market is now a booming sector, and businesses that embrace it are seeing tangible rewards.

It’s no longer rare to find a hotel that accepts pets. But the new wave of pet-friendly hospitality goes far beyond tolerance—it’s about true welcome. Major hotel chains like Loews and Marriott are offering pet-specific perks: plush beds, water bowls, gourmet treats, and even dog-walking services.

At one boutique hotel in Portland, Oregon, dogs are greeted with their own check-in process. They get a name tag, a treat, and a “bark concierge” to offer recommendations for pet-friendly spots nearby. In the eyes of that hotel, the dog isn’t a guest’s sidekick—they are the guest.

These thoughtful touches don’t go unnoticed. Pet owners are loyal customers, and their satisfaction often translates into glowing reviews, repeat stays, and word-of-mouth endorsements. Hospitality experts have noticed that families traveling with pets tend to stay longer and spend more.

Air travel is also evolving. While many challenges still exist—particularly for large breeds or international flights—domestic airlines are becoming more accommodating. Carriers like JetBlue and Alaska Airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin with their owners for a reasonable fee.

Some luxury airlines and private charters have gone even further, offering “paw-senger” programs where pets ride alongside their humans in comfort. No cargo holds, no sedation—just an extension of the bond between traveller and companion.

Of course, flying with pets still requires planning, including health documentation, carrier regulations, and understanding airport rules. But the growing willingness of airlines to make space for pets signals a major cultural shift.


For many pet parents, nature is the ideal setting for a vacation with animals. Dogs can hike trails, splash in lakes, and explore campgrounds with unfiltered joy. Camping and glamping have both embraced this trend, with more campgrounds advertising dog parks, leash-free areas, and pet-friendly cabins.

Platforms like Hip camp and Glamping Hub allow users to filter for pet-friendly stays, and many listings go above and beyond—offering fenced yards, pet baths, or even agility courses.

One couple who travels full-time in a van with their two dogs shared this sentiment: “Every sunrise feels more magical when your dog is next to you, tongue out, tail wagging, living that moment with you.”

Pet-friendly restaurants and cafés are also on the rise. Outdoor patios in cities across the globe are adapting by offering dog water stations, free treats, and even dedicated pet menus. From New York to Tokyo, the experience of dining out with your dog has become both trendy and normalized.

Some upscale establishments now allow well-behaved pets indoors, particularly in pet-forward communities like Seattle, Amsterdam, and Berlin. And while cats are still less common in public places, a growing number of cat-friendly cafés are emerging for the more adventurous feline travellers.

The rise of pet-friendly vacations isn’t just a heart warming trend—it’s big business. In 2024, global spending on pet travel and related services surpassed $8.5 billion, and it’s projected to exceed $10 billion by 2026.

This market includes everything from pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants to travel gear like pet carriers, seat belts, portable water bowls, calming sprays, and even designer travel outfits.

Cities that embrace pet travellers benefit too. Asheville, North Carolina, for instance, has built an entire brand around being dog-friendly. Local businesses collaborate to create a welcoming environment, knowing that when the dog is happy, the human stays longer, spends more, and is more likely to return.

The most powerful part of traveling with pets is also the simplest: the emotional connection. Traveling can be stressful and overwhelming. But a pet brings familiarity, routine, and warmth.

When your dog curls up at your feet by the fire in a mountain cabin, or when your cat stretches across a sunny windowsill in a beachside rental, there’s a quiet, grounding presence that makes the world feel just right.

A single moment—watching your dog’s ears flap as they stick their head out of a car window on a coastal road—can become the memory you cherish most from the entire trip. It's not about the destination anymore. It's about the shared experience, the little joys, and the sense of completeness that only a beloved animal can bring.

Lena and Max, Chicago to Santa Fe: Lena, a freelance photographer, packed up her car and headed west with her senior Golden Retriever, Max. "It was Max’s bucket list trip," she said. "Everywhere we went, people welcomed him. We hiked red rocks, stargazed in Arizona, and napped under cottonwoods. He passed away a month later. That trip—those memories—are everything to me now."Jordan and Milo, backpacking Europe: Jordan, a digital nomad, brought her rescue cat Milo on a multi-country journey across Europe. With proper documentation and a calm demeanor, Milo adapted well. "He’d perch in my backpack as we walked through cities. People always stopped to ask about him. He made every place feel familiar."These stories reflect a shared truth: pets enhance our experiences in ways that photos or souvenirs never could.

Ready to travel with your pet? Here are a few essential tips to make it a success:

Do a trial run: Start with a weekend getaway to see how your pet adjusts.Visit the vet: Ensure vaccinations are current and get a travel health certificate if needed.Pack smart: Bring food, water, medications, grooming supplies, toys, and first-aid items.Research in advance: Check pet policies at your destination. Call ahead to confirm rules.Be respectful: Clean up after your pet and ensure they’re well-behaved around others.Consider your pet’s personality: Not all animals enjoy travel. If your pet is anxious or shy, start small and build comfort over time.As we look to the future, one thing is clear: pet-friendly travel isn’t going anywhere. It’s a reflection of a society that is becoming more empathetic, more emotionally intelligent, and more inclusive of the creatures we share our lives with.

Whether it’s a luxury resort that greets your dog by name or a quiet forest cabin where your cat watches birds from the window, the options are growing—and so are the opportunities for connection.

Because when we invite our pets along for the journey, we aren’t just exploring new places. We’re deepening our bond, creating shared stories, and discovering that the best part of the adventure might just be the soft thump of a tail against your leg as the sun sets in a place you’ve never been before.

So pack the leash, grab the treats, and make room in the backseat. Your next unforgettable trip is waiting—and this time, no one gets left behind.