The luxury pet industry is projected to reach $500 billion, with no signs of slowing down

Luxury Pet Pampering Package hotelMenu with dog-friendly roast dinner and £6,000 pet-friendly charter flights. Pet travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a change. This is “pawprint” economy”- and it is booming.

globally, pet Industry Estimated to reach US$500 billion (£375 billion) by 2030, pet travel services alone are expected to be valued at US$5.9 billion by 2034. UKwhere 60% of homes are domestic animal – including approximately 13.5 million dogs – This is a big market.

People Travel with your pet for leisure, business, relocation and expert care. And while some people also travel with horses, cats, birds or other small animals, it is dogs that dominate the growth in leisure travel. For those who choose to travel with their pets, the benefits are real for both parties: stronger bonds, shared experiences, and opportunities to build skills and confidence.

But there is a growing gap between what the industry is offering and what people and pets need. As this market continues to explode, it’s a good time to ask whether the travel industry is truly adapting or simply coming up with superficial offerings.

While humans and dogs have traveled together for millennia, today’s developments reflect something clearly modern: pets are now members of the family.

With 40% of people seeing their dog as their child and almost half calling them their best friend, dogs hold a central place in millions of UK homes.

During COVID restrictions, pet purchases increased globally. Nearly half of “pet parents” today are first-time visitors. Since the emergence of COVID, there has been a surge in the inclusion of pets in leisure life, from dog-friendly cafes to outdoor festivals, paddleboarding and vacations.

Even cost-of-living pressures have not dampened this enthusiasm. While 34% of people who own pets have changed their pet-related behavior due to financial pressures (for example, switching to a cheaper brand of pet food), pet travel continues to increase. UK pet households celebrate an average of two home holidays with their animals each year.

This is where disconnection emerges. While providers advertise “poseco” and pet spas, research has shown that people prefer practical care over “extras.”

Studies identify six key features people are looking for: service design (pet-friendly room arrangements, shared meals), activity support (walking guides, coaches), security, pet-loving staff, transparent policies with reasonable fees, and finally, amenities. This is a lower priority for travelers with pets, but is often what providers focus on. Importantly, green spaces enhance pet travel planning, promoting both human and animal well-being. After all, this is the main reason people choose to travel with pets.

love me, love my pet

Yet many people who own pets say they do not believe any accommodation is truly pet-friendly, indicating a lack of trust. Many properties advertise as “pet friendly” but have restrictions, charge surprise fees or do not go beyond simply allowing pets to stay.

Part of the problem seems to be everyone thinking the same way. The research identified three distinct segments of people traveling with dogs. There are people who are looking for basic, convenience-oriented accommodation. Those seeking a premium experience are willing to pay for luxury. And activity-loving travelers prefer outdoor adventures. A Chihuahua on a city break has different needs than a Labrador on a hiking trip, yet many providers offer generic packages that won’t make anyone happy.

The evidence from both researchers and the industry is clear: People will pay more to travel with their pets. For tourism providers, the opportunities are significant. For example, hotel pet fees in the UK can range from £15-40 per day or £20-75 per stay. Being seen as pet-friendly can increase repeat visits and brand loyalty to travel-related providers and dining outlets.

But there is one area where British travelers seem less enthusiastic. When it comes to traveling abroad, 54% are “very unlikely” to travel abroad with their pet (compared to 37% globally). Only 7% actually have plans to do so. This hesitation is likely driven by complex, expensive rules and regulations.

Eurostar bans pets on its trains and UK aviation regulations effectively ban pets in the cabin on inbound flights, with some airlines offering an outbound cabin option. Most pets have to fly as cargo in the hold, which often causes anxiety for their humans.

Brexit also ended the UK’s access to the EU’s pet passport system, which requires expensive animal health certificates for each visit. However, the 2025 UK-EU agreement will eventually lead to the reinstatement of pet passports.

The UK dog travel market is heavily skewed towards domestic holidays, with travelers largely preferring coastal retreats and rural escapes, prioritizing walks and eating out. This presents clear opportunities for domestic providers to capture demand and for travelers to choose more eco-friendly, sustainable destinations closer to home.

The travel industry in the UK and beyond faces a choice: continue to provide superficial “pet-friendly” experiences or actually reduce the stress for travelers and their pets.

Evidence shows that pet-focused amenities, assistance with activities and attentive service are more important than add-ons. Delivering this means providing transparent online information so travelers can confidently assess facilities and policies, designing spaces that truly welcome pets, and training staff to provide an informative service.

The appetite for pet travel is huge and if accommodation, travel and leisure providers are willing to prioritize genuine pet friendliness, the pawprint economy represents a huge business opportunity. After all, if the hospitality industry makes pets and their people happy, they’ll come back for more – all smiles and wagging tails.