While the UK is known for being a nation of dog lovers, only 7% of UK travelers recently surveyed by Opodo, a leading online travel agent, would definitely travel with their pup. That could all change now that the UK has shifted its pet traveling policy to a more EU-style pet passport – including a free, lifelong document for pet travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
These changes will likely spark discussion and deliberation among travelers when deciding whether or not to bring their furry friends with them on their next trip. But how much traveler behaviors will change remains to be seen.
Current Views on Pet Travel
Opodo’s international poll of 9,000 travelers (2,000 from the UK) found that they have strong opinions on pet travel. More than a third of global travelers (37%) reported that they are “very unlikely” to take their pet on a plane, with only 15% stating they are “very likely” to do so.
Global travelers are just as divided on pet-friendly accommodations, with 37% saying they would feel comfortable staying in lodgings that welcome pets compared to just 7% who would feel uncomfortable staying there.
More differences emerged between age groups. Travelers over 65 tend to be the least enthusiastic about traveling with pets, with 65% stating it would be “very unlikely” for them to do so. Meanwhile, half of surveyed Gen Zers (ages 18–24) said they are either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to fly with their pet. This indicates that while pet travel isn’t particularly widespread at the moment, the younger generations could create a sizable shift in this behavior as they age.
Traveler and Industry Obstacles
For the global traveler, many deciding factors influence their decision whether or not to take their furry friend along on their trip. The top three are mode of transportation (42%), distance of travel (40%) and how comfortable the accommodation is for pets (36%).
International travel policies also influence the decision to bring pets on vacation. According to Opodo’s poll, the main obstacles to more pet-friendly air travel policies identified by the surveyed global travelers are passenger discomforts from noise and smell (48%), allergies (40%) and safety concerns (30%). These findings suggest that for pet travel to become more common, airlines and accommodation providers need to find a way to minimize disruption from pets while creating dedicated spaces and services that work for all travelers.
Whether it’s airlines exploring dedicated pet services, hotels considering specialized amenities or destinations showcasing their pet-friendly attractions, travel brands that implement a forward-looking pet strategy may find themselves connecting with a growing customer segment. As pet-friendly offerings become more common, brands who go above and beyond to create genuinely exceptional experiences may find themselves leading the pack.
