Pets are now calling the shots on your travel plans. Recent study reveals that pets are slowly becoming an integral part of travel plans where travellers are choosing more pet-friendly vacations
The definition of “family” is evolving, with pets increasingly becoming an integral part of travel plans rather than just home companions.
More travellers are now choosing to bring their furry friends along, turning them into essential members of the travel experience.
Per research, in 2025, global searches for pet-friendly accommodation on Booking.com reached nearly 15 million (with 2.3 million in APAC), placing it among the platform’s top 10 search filters.
At the same time, global consumer spending on pets rose to approximately $157 billion by the end of the year.
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Here’s how this is becoming an emerging trend, showing how Indian travellers in 2026 are increasingly prioritising pets in their travel decisions.
The rise of the ‘pet-first’ mindset
According to Booking.com’s latest travel research, pets are no longer an afterthought but a central factor in how many Indian travellers plan their journeys in 2026.
The data shows that pet owners are almost equally open to hotels (62%) and holiday rentals or apartments (61%), indicating that pet-friendly policies often determine the final booking choice regardless of property type.
Nearly half (47%) of respondents also reported leaving pets at their accommodation during excursions, making on-site amenities an important consideration.
Shaping travel itineraries
Pet-friendly travel is also shaping how holidays are spent.
In 2026, nearly half of pet owners (48%) took nature hikes in rural areas or parks, while 59% explored pet-friendly city centres or towns.
Dining habits are also influenced, with 64% visiting dog-friendly restaurants, patios, or breweries, and a similar proportion seeking out pet-friendly beaches or swimming spots.
Transport preferences further reflect this shift, with 93% of travellers favouring flexible road trips, suggesting that more pets are likely to accompany their owners on journeys this year.
A growing influence on travel decisions
As pets continue to transition from companions to active participants in travel planning, their influence now extends across every stage of the journey, from destination selection and accommodation to transport choices.
Ultimately, pets are becoming a key factor in how Indian travellers design their trips, shaping not just where they go, but how they experience travel itself.
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First Published:
April 14, 2026, 11:42 IST
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