New research highlights a growing desire among holidaymakers to include their pets in their travel plans. The analysis of search engine data by Together Travel reveals a 28% increase in searches for pet-friendly holidays over the past four years.
In 2020, searches for pet holidays and related keywords averaged at 281,950 per month. Fast forward to today, and this figure has surged to 360,290 searches monthly. This upward trend is most notable in Wales, with a 55% increase in searches, followed closely by Scotland at 54%, England at 39%, and Northern Ireland at 17%.
Zak Ali of Together Travel shared his perspective on the findings: “Leaving your pet behind can often be the hardest part of going on holiday. With the rise in pet adoptions during the Covid pandemic and an increase in remote working, more people are experiencing the difficulty of being apart from their pets.”
He further provides valuable advice for those considering a pet-friendly holiday. Key considerations include checking the accommodation’s pet policy, the availability of pet amenities, and ensuring secure outdoor spaces. It’s also crucial to consider the property’s proximity to pet-friendly areas, the standard of cleanliness and hygiene, and flexibility in check-in and check-out times. Accessibility for pets with mobility issues is another important factor.
Ali emphasises: “By taking these factors into account, holidaymakers can find accommodation that doesn’t just accept pets but warmly welcomes them, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both pets and their owners.”
This shift towards including pets in holiday plans reflects a broader trend of pet owners wanting to share more experiences with their furry companions. As the UK embraces this new approach to travel, the holiday market is adapting to accommodate the needs of pet owners and their pets, ensuring everyone has a memorable and enjoyable holiday experience.
The research was conducted by analysing Google search data for pet holidays and 434 related keywords, such as “pet holidays near me” and “dog holidays in the UK.” This data was collected and compared across the years 2020 to 2023 to identify trends and patterns in pet-friendly holiday searches.
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