Pet travel is no longer a niche—it’s a mainstream phenomenon.
Today, 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year, and nearly 2 million animals fly on commercial airlines in the U.S. alone.
From airlines accommodating pets to hotels offering special amenities, the industry is evolving rapidly to meet demand.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the most recent pet travel statistics and trends for 2025.
What Are the Top Pet Travel Statistics in 2025?
- 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.
- 53% of global pet owners want to take their pets on vacation.
- Nearly 2 million pets fly on commercial airlines in the U.S. annually.
- Around 6% of U.S. pets board a plane each year.
- The pet travel services market is forecast to grow at a 9.69% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.
How Fast Is Pet Travel Growing?
Pet travel has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. With rising pet ownership worldwide, more households are factoring in their pets when planning holidays.
- The demand for pet-friendly hotels, resorts, and rentals continues to rise, driven by more than half of global pet owners.
- Vacation rentals are increasingly pet-friendly, acknowledging the fact that 78% of Americans travel with their pets.
- Luxury and mid-scale hotels are adapting, with around 75% now allowing pets.
- In the UK, about 26% of pet owners have taken their animals abroad on holiday, and among younger adults aged 24–34, nearly 50% bring pets along.
- The percentage of families traveling with pets has grown to 37% today, compared to just 19% a decade ago.
How Do Pets Travel by Air and Car?
- In the U.S. alone, nearly 2 million pets board commercial flights annually.
- About 6% of all U.S. pets travel by plane each year.
- Car travel is common: 56% of dog owners report driving with their pets on trips.
- Nearly 6 in 10 owners take their dog on monthly car rides.
- Around 64% of pet owners prefer car travel with their pets, while only about 33% choose planes.
- Remarkably, 58% of people prefer traveling with their pet over a family member or friend.
Pet Travel by Mode of Transport:
| Mode of Transport | Share of Pet Owners | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 64% | Most common, often short trips |
| Plane | 33% | Includes domestic & international flights |
| Prefer pets over friends/family as travel companion | 58% | Shows humanization trend |
How Big Is the Pet Travel Market?
The global pet travel market is experiencing rapid expansion:
- Valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of around 8.9%.
- Another estimate puts the market at USD 2.04 billion in 2024, growing to USD 3.31 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 10.1%.
- In the UK, the dog-friendly travel sector alone is expected to be worth nearly £40 billion by 2030.
Global Pet Travel Market Growth:
| Year | Market Size (USD Billion) | CAGR |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.4 | — |
| 2025 | 2.25 (alt. estimate) | ~10% |
| 2029 | 3.31 | ~10.1% |
| 2030 | 3.9 | 8.9% |
Search data also reflects the growing interest: the keyword “pet travel” is searched around 19 million times per year in the U.S.
What Are the Safety Concerns of Pet Travel?
Traveling with pets introduces safety considerations:
- An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a 50 mph car crash can become a dangerous projectile.
- Surveys suggest most pet owners lack proper restraints for car travel, despite rising awareness.
This indicates a need for increased adoption of pet safety products such as harnesses, crates, and travel carriers.
How Does Pet Travel Differ Across Regions?
- In the U.S., pet travel is a mainstream practice, with more than three-quarters of pet owners including their animals in vacations.
- Europe sees growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations, particularly in tourism-heavy regions.
- In emerging markets, pet travel is on the rise as disposable income and pet ownership increase.
Pet Travel by Region:
| Region | Key Statistic |
|---|---|
| United States | 78% of pet owners travel with pets; ~2M pets fly annually |
| United Kingdom | 26% of owners take pets abroad; ~50% among ages 24–34 |
| Europe | 75% of hotels now pet-friendly |
| Global | 53% of pet owners want to travel with pets |
What Does the Future of Pet Travel Look Like?
The pet travel industry is set for sustained growth through 2030, driven by:
- Increasing global pet ownership.
- Expanding pet-inclusive travel policies in airlines and hotels.
- Strong consumer demand for travel services that treat pets as family.
With remarkable growth ahead, the industry is expected to innovate in areas such as pet insurance, pet-centric travel packages, and specialized services like dog-friendly airlines.
Luxury offerings are already emerging. In the U.S. and Europe, companies such as Bark Air and K9 Jets provide private flights for pets, with tickets costing nearly $9,000 per route. K9 Jets even sold $500,000 worth of tickets in a single evening.
Luxury Pet Travel Services:
| Service | Offering | Price Range | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark Air | Private flights for dogs | ~$9,000 | Premium luxury |
| K9 Jets | Pet-inclusive private jets | ~$8,900 | Sold $500,000 in tickets in one night |
FAQ About Pet Travel
How many pets fly each year in the U.S.?
Nearly 2 million pets board commercial flights annually in the U.S.
What percentage of pet owners travel with their pets?
Around 78% of American pet owners and 53% of global pet owners travel with their pets.
Is car travel safer than air travel for pets?
Car travel is more common, but safety risks exist if pets are not properly restrained.
Do most hotels allow pets?
Yes, around 75% of hotels across different categories (luxury, mid-scale, economy) now allow pets.
How fast is the pet travel industry growing?
The sector is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8–10% through 2030, reaching nearly USD 4 billion globally.
What about luxury pet travel services?
Specialized services like Bark Air and K9 Jets offer premium private flights for pets, showing that luxury travel for animals is a growing niche.
Why do people travel with pets?
Because pets are considered family, many owners prefer bringing them along for companionship, comfort, and reducing separation anxiety.
Is Poland pet-friendly?
Yes, Poland is increasingly pet-friendly, with many hotels, cafés, and public spaces allowing dogs, especially in larger cities.
Why are pets not allowed on planes?
Restrictions often stem from safety, space limitations, health regulations, and concerns for animal welfare during flights.
Do dogs miss us when we travel?
Yes, studies suggest dogs experience separation anxiety and recognize their owner’s absence, often showing excitement when reunited.
Why do nomads travel with their animals?
Nomads bring pets to maintain companionship, provide security, and preserve routines while on the move.
How often do airlines lose pets?
While rare, incidents do occur. In the U.S., the Department of Transportation reported fewer than 20 lost pets per year across millions of animal transports.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
Most airlines do not allow dogs to sit on laps. Pets must remain in approved carriers under the seat in front of you.
Does Emirates allow pets in cabins?
No, Emirates does not allow pets in the passenger cabin except for falcons on certain routes and certified service animals.
How safe is flying for dogs?
Flying is generally safe if guidelines are followed, but risks include stress, temperature fluctuations, and mishandling in cargo holds.
How do pets go to the bathroom on long flights?
For cabin travel, pee pads or special pet diapers can be used. In cargo, pets must rely on absorbent materials in their carriers.
How do pets pee on long flights?
Most owners use absorbent pads inside carriers to manage bathroom needs during long flights.
What to do if a cat poops on a plane?
Calmly clean the mess with wipes, bags, and absorbent pads—airlines usually recommend bringing a small cleaning kit when traveling with cats.
Should dogs wear diapers on planes?
For long flights, diapers or belly bands can help prevent accidents and keep the pet more comfortable.
Are dogs safe in the hold of a plane?
Airlines have specialized pressurized, climate-controlled cargo holds, but risks exist, and pet owners often prefer in-cabin travel when possible.
Does Lufthansa allow pets in cabin?
Yes, Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats in the cabin if they meet size and weight requirements.
What happens to pets on long flights?
Pets usually rest in their carriers. Owners are advised to ensure pets are hydrated and comfortable before the flight.
Can I buy my dog a seat on a plane?
No, airlines generally do not allow purchasing a seat for pets. They must travel in carriers under the seat or in the cargo hold.
Is it hard to fly with pets?
It can be challenging due to paperwork, airline restrictions, and pet stress, but with preparation, many owners manage it successfully.
Conclusion
Pet travel is no longer a niche—it’s a mainstream trend shaping the hospitality, airline, and transport industries. With more than half of global pet owners eager to include their pets in vacations, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.
As travel companies adapt to this demand, we can expect even more remarkable innovations in making journeys safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for pets and their humans alike.
Sources
- Condor Ferries — 50+ Pet Travel Statistics 2025
- Dogster — 12 Interesting Pet Travel Statistics & Trends (2025)
- GlobalVetLink — Pet Travel Trends (July 2025)
- The Times — Holidaymakers with pet separation anxiety simply pack the pooch
- Grand View Research — Pet Travel Services Market Report
- The Business Research Company — Pet Travel Services: Global Market Report
- CDC — CDC Updates Dog Importation Regulation (Aug 1, 2024)
- CDC — Bringing a Dog into the U.S.
- U.S. DOT — Air Travel Consumer Reports (Animal Incidents)
- Emirates — Service animals & special assistance
- Lufthansa — Travelling with animals (in-cabin rules)
- The Times — Pets flying by private jet
- Vogue — What it’s like to fly Bark Air
- Kurgo / AAA — AAA/Kurgo Dog Travel Statistics
- National Geographic — Everything to know about travelling with dogs & cats
- WIRED — Dogs on planes & new rabies rules
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