Taking the Kids and the Pets
More travelers are bringing pets along, prompting businesses to expand pet-friendly hotel and flight offerings.
The VIP was greeted effusively by the hotel staff and found special amenities and treats in her hotel room.
But at the newly renovated Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown, this VIP was our 12-pound rescue pup Loni, who found a dog bed, toy, dog biscuits, and even a welcome note in our room.
We were at the tail end of a nearly 3,000-mile road trip that took us from Denver to California and back, and we found dog-friendly accommodations, eateries, hiking trails, and more, everywhere we went.
It’s not surprising to me that pet owners are traveling more with their dogs (and cats) as more hotels and campgrounds (some complete with dog parks) welcome pets. In fact, the recent Kampgrounds of America annual report noted that more than half of campers choose to camp with their dogs, outpacing the number who choose to camp with family members.
Ragged Point. Courtesy of Eileen Ogintz
Airbnb’s latest Spring Trends report highlights a 40 percent increase in searches for trips with pets this spring by solo travelers. Compared to last spring, searches for trips with pets have risen by 30 percent, with solo travelers experiencing the most significant increase of more than 40 percent.
“Pets are increasingly accompanying travelers, from Gen Z to empty-nesters, prompting businesses to offer pet-inclusive hotel and flight experiences, as highlighted by the Allianz Partners Vacation Confident Index from 2024,” said Sekia Harris, Allianz Partners Social Media and Reputation Manager.
From 2023 to 2024, Hilton.com searches for pet-friendly hotel options doubled year-over-year, ranking among the top 10 most used search filter terms and is also the fourth highest in search-to-stay conversion.
No wonder Hilton welcomes pets and their humans at more than 5,000 pet-friendly properties globally, making it one of the most pet-friendly hospitality brands with unique amenities in the world.
While more pet owners travel with their pets on road trips, a growing number (68 percent of dog owners and 80 percent of cat owners) have flown with them, according to a 2024 report from the American Pet Products Association. Significantly, 22 percent of dog owners have taken them on three or more flights, up nine percent from just two years prior and despite fees.