Survey Insights: Pets and Travel
Key Findings:
- Pet Owners and Travel: Nearly 45% of American pet owners have turned down travel opportunities that can’t accommodate their pets. This highlights the growing trend of incorporating pets into travel plans.
- Preference for Road Trips: A significant 73% of pet owners prefer road trips over flying to bring their pets along. Among respondents, 51% believe traveling with a pet is more enjoyable than with other humans.
Planning Ahead:
- Advance Preparation: Almost half (45%) of pet owners begin planning their pet-friendly trips at least three weeks ahead of a long weekend.
- Generational Trends: Younger generations, particularly millennials (70%) and Gen Z (75%), are more likely to include pets in their travel plans, compared to Gen X (58%) and baby boomers (40%).
Concerns of Leaving Pets Behind:
- A significant number of pet owners (47%) report feeling guilty about leaving their pets while they travel, with the same percentage expressing worries about their pets’ wellbeing during their absence.
Trip Duration Limitations:
- 70% of pet owners feel that their pets influence the duration of their trips; 31% limit their travels to only a day or two.
Quotes and Perspectives:
Christina Valente from Subaru expressed concern for pets left behind, emphasizing their significance in family life. Subaru aims to support pet welfare through partnerships with organizations like the ASPCA.
Challenges of Traveling with Pets:
- Common obstacles include finding pet-friendly accommodations (41%), planning for pets’ needs during stops (36%), and dealing with pet anxiety in the vehicle (28%).
Additional Insights:
- Many pet owners are willing to travel considerable distances just to include their pets, with nearly half willing to drive more than four hours.
Conclusion:
Pets are increasingly seen as family members, influencing travel decisions significantly. The findings underscore the importance of accommodating pets in travel planning, and the emotional ties that pet owners have with their furry companions.
Research Methodology
This survey involved 2,000 adults aged 18 and over who own pets and drive. Conducted online by Talker Research for Subaru, it was administered between July 13-17, 2026. For detailed methodologies and additional insights, further documentation is available through Talker Research.
