Pets Away or Pets to Stay? A Traveler’s Guide to Planning Trips With Pets

For many travelers, pets are no longer viewed simply as animals at home. They are companions, emotional support, and an important part of the family. According to TGM Global Pet Care Report 2023, 59% of respondents worldwide said they perceive their pets as family members.

It is changing the way people plan travel. For pet owners, booking a trip is not only about choosing a destination, finding flights, or comparing hotel prices. Now it also involves a more personal question: Should I take my beloved furry friend along, or should I entrust them to a pet care facility?

There is no single right answer. Some pets enjoy travel and adapt well to new environments. Others feel safer and calmer when they stay in a familiar routine with professional care.

This guide explores both options: “Pets away”, for travelers who want to bring their pets with them, and “Pets to stay”, for those who choose boarding, pet hotels, sitters, or other pet care services.

Pet humanization is one of the strongest forces shaping modern pet ownership. When owners see pets as family members, travel decisions naturally become more complex. A pet owner may ask:

• Is the hotel truly pet-friendly?
• Can my pet handle a long journey?
• Are there pet-friendly transport options?
• Will my pet feel anxious in a new environment?
• Is there a reliable pet care facility near my home?
• What happens if my pet needs medical attention while I am away?

TGM’s travel insight also shows that 6% of respondents prioritize pet-friendly options when planning international trips. While this may seem like a smaller segment compared with price, destination, or accommodation factors, it represents a highly specific and emotionally driven traveler group. For these travelers, pet policies can directly affect whether they book, delay, change, or cancel a trip.

Bringing a pet on vacation can be rewarding. Owners have a chance to share experiences with their animals and avoid the emotional difficulty of separation. However, traveling with pets requires careful planning, especially when flights, accommodation rules, health documents, and unfamiliar environments are involved.

So how to prepare when choosing “Pets Away”?

1. Plan ahead before booking
Pet owners should research pet-friendly accommodation, transport options, and destination rules well in advance. Helpful tools may include pet-friendly hotel filters, pet travel blogs, airline pet policy pages, tourism websites, and online communities for traveling pet owners.

2. Check pet health before departure
Owners should make sure vaccinations are up to date and ask whether the pet is fit to travel. Depending on the destination or transport provider, a health certificate may be required. For international trips, some documents may need to be prepared weeks or months in advance.

3. Prepare essential travel items
Useful pet travel essentials include:

• Food and treats
• Water and portable bowls
• Leash, harness, or carrier
• Waste bags or litter supplies
• Bedding or blanket
• Favorite toys
• Medication
• Vaccination records
• Health certificate, if required
• Grooming items
• Pet identification details

4. Make sure pet identification is updated
Pets should wear a collar or tag with updated contact information. Microchip details should also be current. This is especially important in unfamiliar destinations where a lost pet may be harder to find.

5. Prepare an emergency plan
Owners should research veterinary clinics and emergency pet hospitals at the destination. It is also useful to keep digital copies of medical records, insurance information, and recent pet photos.
A good emergency plan can make a major difference if the pet becomes sick, injured, or lost while traveling.

For some pets, staying behind is the safer and more comfortable option. Professional care, boarding facilities, pet hotels, in-home sitters, or trusted family members can help maintain the pet’s routine while the owner is away. This option can be especially suitable when the trip involves long flights, strict destination rules, extreme weather, crowded itineraries, or activities where pets cannot participate.

So how to prepare when choosing “Pets to stay”?

1. Visit the facility in advance
Before the trip, owners should visit the boarding facility, pet hotel, or sitter’s location if possible. This helps confirm that the environment is clean, safe, and suitable for the pet’s needs.

2. Provide clear medication and care instructions
If the pet needs medication, supplements, special food, or specific handling, owners should provide written instructions. They should also pack enough medication for the full trip, plus extra in case of delays.

Instructions should include dosage, timing, storage, feeding requirements, allergies, behavior notes, and emergency contacts.

3. Stay in communication during the trip
Pet owners should agree on communication expectations before leaving. Some facilities provide daily updates, photos, or messages. This can help owners feel reassured and allow them to respond quickly if there are concerns.

4. Arrange a short trial stay
If possible, owners should arrange a short trial visit before a longer stay. This helps pets become familiar with the facility, staff, sounds, smells, and routines.

A trial stay can be especially helpful for anxious pets, young animals, or pets that have never been boarded before.

The more clearly a brand answers these questions, the easier it is for pet owners to book with confidence.

Travelers planning around pets often look for:

• Clear pet policies
• Transparent pet fees
• Pet-friendly filters
• Accommodation rules by pet size or breed
• Information about nearby parks or walking areas
• Emergency vet information
• Pet-safe room options
• Flexible cancellation policies
• Transport guidance
• Practical checklists before departure

Hotels and vacation rentals can attract pet-owning travelers by making pet policies more visible and specific.

Strong pet-friendly accommodation content should answer:

• What types of pets are allowed?
• Is there a weight limit?
• Are there breed restrictions?
• How many pets can stay in one room?
• Are pets allowed to be left alone?
• What are the fees or deposits?
• Are there outdoor areas nearby?
• Are bowls, beds, or pet amenities available?
• Is there a local vet or pet service nearby?

For pet owners, uncertainty creates friction. Clear rules can improve booking confidence and reduce customer service questions.

Airlines and transport companies can better support pet owners by simplifying pet travel information.

Useful content includes:

• Cabin pet rules
• Checked baggage or cargo rules
• Carrier size examples
• Pet weight limits
• Breed restrictions
• Health document requirements
• Seasonal restrictions
• Pet booking process
• Fees by route
• Tips for first-time pet travelers

Because pet travel policies can be confusing, transport providers that communicate clearly can build stronger trust with pet owners.

Pet care providers have an important role in supporting travelers who choose “Pets to Stay.”

To build trust, pet care brands should clearly communicate:

• Staff qualifications
• Daily routines
• Feeding and exercise schedules
• Safety measures
• Medical support
• Emergency procedures
• Photo or video update options
• Trial stay availability
• Cleanliness standards
• Reviews and testimonials

For pet owners, the decision to leave a pet behind is emotional. Brands that reduce anxiety and show professionalism can stand out in a competitive pet care market.

TGM Global Travel Survey 2023 explores how travelers plan, book, and experience travel across global markets. The study provides insight into traveler motivations, destination preferences, booking behavior, affordability concerns, accommodation choices, and emerging expectations shaping the tourism industry.

For brands in travel, hospitality, transport, destination marketing, pet care, and consumer services, TGM’s research helps turn traveler behavior into actionable market strategies.