Pet ownership is on the rise, with 66% of US households will own a pet by 2024. As a result, pet owners are rightly demanding a better world for their animal companions in which they are welcome everywhere: in their communities, at work and, increasingly, when they travel.
Last year, traveling with pets was the subject of more than 19 million Google searches in the US alonewith 65% of pet owners They say they are likely to travel with their pets in the next year. Traveling with our beloved pets can make trips more enjoyable, but it also involves extra planning. From reading reviews to making sure the hotel understands what it means to be pet-friendly, there’s a lot of research that needs to be done before you hit the “Book Now” button.
In fact, we know that many pet owners limit their travel aspirations because they fear having to take their pets with them, but also don't want to leave them behind. Many only take vacations “once every few years” or less because of pets, while a third to have actually modified travel plans because of the difficulty of traveling with them. I myself had this experience when trying to see where I could take my dog Bella on a trip.
Rather than viewing pet travel as a barrier, we need to encourage more hotels to welcome pet owners. As competition heats up, pet-friendly experiences can help hotels, restaurants, and even tour operators stand out.
The Business Benefits of Being Animal-Friendly
We know that pet owners love to spoil their animal companions with birthday cakes, toys and food, and this shows no signs of slowing down. The global pet care market is expected to grow by $259.37 billion in 2024 to $427.75 billion in 2032So it's no surprise that they're willing to spend money on a hotel that goes the extra mile for their cat or dog with pet-friendly policies.
Many hotel chains Hotels around the world have opened their doors to create a home away from home for travelers and their pets, with some hotels in the United States and Canada offering on-demand pet health, wellness and behavioral support resources.
This type of hospitality can go a long way in building customer loyalty, making it more likely they’ll book again and share their experiences online. Pet-friendly getaways can also be a great tactic for increasing occupancy in the off-season, when urban and rural destinations can become more welcoming for leisurely strolls and outdoor adventures.
As supply gradually catches up with demand, we can also expect to see an increase in personalized adventures that people can enjoy with their pets, including walking tours, training weekends, eco breaks, spa days and more.
Meet pet owners on digital channels
Today’s pet owners live in a digital world, using technology to access the information they need with a swipe of a screen. This is the same group that reads every review of where they can take their pets. By improving the tools they already use, we can help them take the hassle out of planning and refocus their energy on enjoying the experience.
AI, for example, is already shaping a new era of fast, seamless, and personalized experiences through 24/7 chatbots that connect people to nearby veterinary clinics, stores to buy food, and more. Listening to pet owners, we’ve partnered with travel companies to use AI to create personalized travel itineraries—an essential tool for building pet-friendly digital communities and reaching today’s “always-on” pet parents.
The travel and pet industries have a responsibility to innovate and collaborate to set a new standard for pet-friendly travel. When you share your life with a furry friend, it’s natural to want to bring them along. And for restaurants and hotels, it’s imperative to open their doors to support and celebrate the future of pet-friendly travel.
We must come together to ensure a better world for pets, making travel with them as fun, accessible and inclusive as possible, while helping animals and travellers create lasting memories. After all, that’s what being a pet parent is all about.
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