There was a time when planning a holiday meant choosing between mountains or beaches, luxury or budget, adventure or ease. Now, there is another question quietly leading the conversation- can my pet come
along?
Travel is evolving, and more people are now planning trips around places that accommodate their four-legged companions. From fluffy Labradors poking their heads out of car windows on Himalayan highways to pampered cats lounging in beachside villas in Goa, pets have moved from being occasional travel companions to influential members of the family whose needs now actively shape destinations, accommodations, and entire itineraries.
According to Booking.com’s latest travel trends data, nearly 15 million global searches in 2025 included the ‘pets allowed’ filter, placing it among the top preferences for travellers. In Asia-Pacific alone, this accounted for over 2.3 million searches.
Indian travellers are increasingly choosing flexibility over formality. A striking 93% now prioritise spontaneous, flexible road trips, allowing them to adjust plans around their pets’ comfort and energy levels. Only 56% are willing to fly with their pets, signalling a clear preference for the freedom and control that comes with self-driven journeys.
When it comes to where they stay, pet owners show a marked preference for space and homely comforts. Vacation rentals and apartments are favoured by 61% of Indian pet parents, offering the room to move, private gardens, and kitchen facilities that hotels often cannot match. The ability to leave pets behind comfortably while stepping out for a few hours remains important, with nearly half (47%) of travellers doing so during excursions.
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How Pets Are Rewriting Travel Itineraries?
Many travellers now opt for hiking trails, parks and open landscapes where pets can move freely. Over 64% traveler seek out dog-friendly beaches or swimming spots, offering both relaxation and play.
Pets are no longer just along for the ride — they are actively dictating the day’s agenda.The data reveals a clear pattern in how Indians travel with their furry companions:
64% seek out dog-friendly beaches or swimming spots
64% choose restaurants, patios, and breweries with pet-friendly outdoor seating
59% explore pet-welcoming towns and city centres for sightseeing
48% head to rural areas and parks for hiking and nature walks
As pet spending in India and globally continues to rise — reaching roughly $157 billion worldwide in 2025 — animals are being embraced more fully as emotional family members. For many young professionals and couples, including their pets in travel plans has become an expression of work-life balance and emotional wellbeing.
Tips for Travelling with Pets
Apart from researching pet-friendly accommodation beforehand, traveling with pets requires careful planning, including a pre-trip vet visit for health checks, up-to-date vaccinations, and securing necessary travel documentation. Essential tips include using safe, secure crates or seatbelts and packing familiar items (food, blankets).
Here are key tips for travelling with pets:
Schedule a Vet Visit: Before traveling, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and get a health certificate, which is often required for air travel.
Prioritize Safety in Transit: Use a secured crate, harness, or seat belt for car travel. For flights, choose direct flights, check airline pet policies early, and avoid having pets travel in cargo if possible.
Pack a Pet Essentials Kit: Bring familiar food, water, bowls, medications, toys, cleaning supplies (like stain remover), and a sturdy leash.
Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Call ahead to confirm pet policies, as some hotels have breed/size restrictions or restrictions on leaving pets alone in rooms.
