New research released by TripIt from Concur, reveals the impact that furry companions have on travel plans. The research showed that the majority of people surveyed (77 percent) said their pets will influence their holiday travel plans. The survey also showed that pet owners are eager to hit the road, with 94 percent of respondents saying they planned to travel this holiday, but need more reliable pet sitters and easier ways to travel with their pets.
Seeing that pet-owning travelers are eager for a better way to balance their travel with the needs of their furry companions, the TripIt team brought in the experts at TripsWithPets.com—an online pet-friendly travel guide. Together, TripIt and TripsWithPets.com are showing travelers how they can plan the best possible holiday trip for themselves and their pets.
The survey showed:
Furry family members have made their “mark” on holiday travel
The TripIt survey asked respondents how their furry family members would influence their holiday travel plans—and found that:
- The majority (56 percent) of respondents said their pets will impact how long they traveled for this holiday.
- Nearly half (43 percent) of respondents said their pets will impact where they stay (their accommodations) this holiday.
- 29 percent of respondents said their pets will impact where they travel to this holiday.
TripsWithPets.com Founder and President Kim Salerno is not surprised by what the TripIt survey found. “Pet parents are always mindful of the comfort and well-being of their furry kids, so it makes sense that they would factor them into their travel plans,” she notes. “What they may not realize is just how many options there are when it comes to pet friendly hotels, amenities, travel methods and even restaurants.”
Pet parents crave an easier way to travel with their pets
According to the survey, many travelers would love to travel with their animals, but find the prospect challenging. A staggering 87 percent of respondents in TripIt’s survey said they wished it were easier to travel with their animals. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to make traveling with a pet simpler, while ensuring that pets, and their parents, have a holiday to remember.
Before taking pets on a holiday trip, TripsWithPets.com suggests asking these three questions:
- Should they stay or should they go? The health and well being of pets should be the primary concern. Not every pet makes a good travel companion. Pets who are sick, temperamental, anxious, or poorly socialized are probably best left at home. However, if pets are easygoing, great around people, and cope well with new places and situations—bring them along.
- Can I plan ahead for my pet? When traveling with pets, resist the temptation to jump into the car and go. Travelers must consider the needs of their pets and plan accordingly. If a road trip is on the itinerary, plan enough time for potty and exercise breaks. For those traveling by air, consider a direct route and try to avoid peak travel times.
- Do I have the necessary supplies? First aid kits, medicine, car safety devices and crates are all must-haves when traveling with pets. It is also important to have all the necessary paperwork on hand. Current health certificates are required by most airlines to fly with a pet, and many ask that it be issued 10-30 days before the flight.
Two-thirds of pet owners would travel more if they dad reliable pet care
Since traveling with a pet isn’t always an option, the TripIt survey asked respondents how they felt about pet care options and found that having someone they trusted available to care for their pet would greatly impact their willingness to take trips. Two-thirds (67 percent), of people surveyed said they have traveled more because they had someone to take care of their pet.
When asked who they trusted the most to care for their pet while they were away, the survey found that:
- 53 percent said they trusted their family members the most.
- 21 percent said they trusted their friends the most.
- 19 percent said they trusted vets, dog walkers and other professional animal care services.
“Family is always the best option for pet care, but it’s unfortunate that people don’t put more trust in professional pet care providers,” said Salerno. “Pets are treasured family members which can make it uneasy for some to leave them in a stranger’s care, but there are really great options available to travelers—they just have to know what to look for.”
For those looking for a reliable pet sitter, TripsWithPets.com suggests the following:
- Find a fellow pet lover: Don’t just rely on the neighbor down the street. Look for pet sitters that love pets the way you do, and they will treat them the way you would.
- Vet the person or establishment: Check the caregiver’s credentials and certifications. Even stop in on the provider unexpectedly so you can see how things go in your absence.
- Do a trial run: Invite the pet sitter for an in-home visit and watch how they interact with one another. If you think you have found a good fit, try leaving your pet with the provider for small amounts of time to test things out before taking a longer trip.
Survey methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by GutCheck on behalf of TripIt from September 8 to September 11, 2014; among a sample size of 400 travelers. Survey participants include adults, male and female, 18 and older. All participants are pet owners (defined as having a cat or dog) and have, within the past 12 months, flown on a commercial airline and stayed overnight for at least one business trip and one leisure trip.
