Top holiday types for people who travel with their pets
As Britons begin preparing for summer holidays both at home and abroad, YouGov Profiles data sheds light on how pet ownership may influence their travel behaviours. The data also highlights the emotional and financial considerations pet owners face, and how these factors shape preferences when traveling with animals.
Dogs remain the UK’s most popular pet, owned by more than a quarter of the population (28%). Cats are close behind, with 23% of Britons reporting cat ownership, while 13% have other pets. Despite the high ownership rates, nearly half of the population (47%) express concern over the financial burden of caring for pets. That concern is not universal, 38% disagree, suggesting a clear divide in how pet-related costs are perceived.
When asked whether they take their pets everywhere they can, Britons appear evenly split. About 44% say they do, while 42% disagree. This suggests a roughly even divide between those who incorporate pets into their daily routines and those who likely make other arrangements for their animals.
However, among Britons who report taking their pets wherever possible, only 8% say they recently went on a holiday with their pets.
Nearly half of those who travelled with their pets recently went on a 4-7 nights trip (49%) and 23% went for 2-3 nights.
What types of holidays do travellers with pets like to take?
Among respondents whose most recent holiday companion was a pet, 43% say they typically go on camping or caravanning trips. This is more than three times the national average (13%). Similarly, countryside-focused breaks, such as those to lakes, mountains, or rural areas, are chosen by 41% of pet travellers, compared to 18% of the broader population.
That’s not to say that travellers with pets are not as likely to pick a relaxed holiday with sightseeing and other activities (46%) or beach holidays (37%).
City breaks, however, show a striking reversal: While 43% of the general population typically takes city holidays, among those whose most recent holiday included a pet, this drops to 28%.
Holidays that are harder to navigate with pets like cruises or escorted group tours are less common among those who bring animals. Only 5% of pet-accompanied travellers typically go on cruises, compared to 10% of the public. Similarly,1% of pet travellers opt for escorted group or coach tours, well below the 6% national figure.
Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education and region. Learn more about Profiles.
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