The high cost of fuel is even impacting our furry friends. Travelers may be less likely to see Sparky hanging out the window of a car, as 20 percent of pet owners said they are less likely to travel with their pet(s) this summer because of the high cost of fuel. Eighty-five percent of pet owners said that when traveling with a pet, they typically travel by car.
Pet Predicament
Although many people like to travel with their pet(s), there are concerns. Twenty-five percent of pet owners cited animal stress as their biggest concern about traveling with a pet and 23 percent said the fact that no one can look after their pet while they are sightseeing/touring is their biggest concern.
Pooches and Planes
Forty-seven percent of people said it sometimes annoys them when they see people bringing pets on planes. The top reason (39 percent) those travelers said it is annoying is they believe it is cruel to subject an animal to a flight, 23 percent said pets are loud, and 18 percent cited pet allergies. Six percent of pet owners have obtained a pet passport.
In the Dog House
Forty-four percent of travelers think hotels should be more accommodating for pets, which is down four percent from last year. Among pet owners, 24 percent would most like to see hoteliers provide a pet-sitting service and 17 percent asked for separate housing/hotel kennel. Fifty-six percent of all travelers do not think there are any pet-friendly hotel chains.
Whisker Withdrawal
Thirty-two percent of pet owners take shorter vacations and 21 percent take fewer vacations, down from 25 percent last year, to limit the time they are away from their pet(s). Twelve percent of pet owners said their pet prevents them from going on vacation. Six percent of people indicated they would be interested in renting a pet while traveling.
Doggie Diggs
Paws pads are a priority when traveling with a pet, as 46 percent of pet owners said they will only stay at accommodations that are pet friendly. This attitude was especially strong among dog owners (58 percent.) Thirty-eight percent of respondents with a pet said they would pay more to stay somewhere that is pet friendly. For the second straight year, Best Western is the most pet-friendly hotel chain according to the
survey.
"For many people, a pet is a member of the family and leaving them home is not an option," said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. "As it's clear there is a demand for pet-friendly accommodations, look for more and more hotels to add pet amenities."
TripAdvisor's Top 10 Pet-Friendly Accommodations
1. Gazebo Inn Ogunquit, Ogunquit, Maine - Average nightly rate: $164
2. TierraLinda Bed and Breakfast, Galena, Illinois - Average nightly
rate: $135
3. The Sleepy Dog Guest House, Bisbee, Arizona - Average nightly rate:
$95
4. Spruce Moose Lodge and Cottages, North Conway, New Hampshire -
Average nightly rate: $124
5. Brittania and W.E. Mauger Estate Bed and Breakfast, Albuquerque, New
Mexico - Average nightly rate: $127
6. Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon, California -
Average nightly rate: $210
7. La Quinta Inn and Suites Madison American Center, Madison, Wisconsin
- Average nightly rate: $124
8. Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts - Average nightly rate: $316
9. Hotel Monaco, Denver, Colorado - Average nightly rate: $289
10. The Paw House Inn: West Rutland, Vermont - Average nightly rate: $225
Dr. Rosenberg is the owner, CEO & Chief of Staff at Veterinary Cancer Group.
Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades.
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