Note the safety belt use.
Subaru of America today announced research on how central family pets have become to Americans’ holiday travel plans. Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips.* “Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips,” Subaru said in a release.
“Holidays are meant for spending time with family, including our pets, so it’s no surprise that as people take the time to visit loved ones near and far, pets are factored into the planning. We’ve always known that animals hold a special place in the hearts and homes of the Subaru community, and this research shows that same connection is shared by pet parents across the country,” said Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment Manager at Subaru of America.
According to the new survey, conducted by Talker Research among 2000 U.S. drivers and pet owners, about three in four (73%) said they are more likely to take a road trip than fly, specifically so they can bring their pet along. As the holidays approach, more than two-thirds (68%) said their pet will affect their travel plans this year, and nearly half (45%) have turned down travel opportunities that couldn’t accommodate their pet.*
Holiday Plans are Going to the Dogs Not the Airlines?
“Pets are increasingly calling the shots on where to celebrate,” Subaru said.
- Change of plans: More than one in four pet owners may change their plan because of their pet, whether that means hosting instead of traveling (10%), shortening or simplifying a trip to care for their pet (10%), or skipping certain gatherings if their pet can’t join (8%).
- Homeward bound: Among pet owners who have traveled with their animals, Gen Z and millennials are more likely to have brought their pet home for the holidays than Gen X and boomers (35% compared to 22%).
- Taking the long road: Nearly half (45%) start planning a pet-friendly long weekend at least three weeks in advance, and 24% start more than a month out.
Companionship and Comfort Are Priority For Drivers
- Passenger preference: When it comes to preferred driving partners, over half (51%) say they prefer traveling with a pet to traveling with a human.
- Room to roam: Plenty of room between pets, passengers, and luggage tops the list of features pet owners say matter when traveling with an animal (32%). [Try that on an airline – AutoCrat.]
- In the rearview: Good visibility to see their pet follows closely behind (29%), while 27% prioritize easy-to-clean seats and cargo areas.
- Packing up: More than one in four (26%) prioritize cargo space for crates, carriers, beds, or gear. Among hybrid and EV drivers, that climbs to 35%.
*About the Subaru Study
Talker Research surveyed 2000 adults ages 18+ who drive, own cats and/or dogs, and have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Subaru and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between 13 July and 17 July 2026. To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, see the Talker Research Process and Methodology page Here.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Annals of Marketing – Subaru on Travel and Pets
Note the safety belt use.
Subaru of America today announced research on how central family pets have become to Americans’ holiday travel plans. Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips.* “Subaru owners have long championed the pet community through the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, and new research shows that pet owners nationwide are increasingly prioritizing their animal companions when planning upcoming trips,” Subaru said in a release.
“Holidays are meant for spending time with family, including our pets, so it’s no surprise that as people take the time to visit loved ones near and far, pets are factored into the planning. We’ve always known that animals hold a special place in the hearts and homes of the Subaru community, and this research shows that same connection is shared by pet parents across the country,” said Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment Manager at Subaru of America.
According to the new survey, conducted by Talker Research among 2000 U.S. drivers and pet owners, about three in four (73%) said they are more likely to take a road trip than fly, specifically so they can bring their pet along. As the holidays approach, more than two-thirds (68%) said their pet will affect their travel plans this year, and nearly half (45%) have turned down travel opportunities that couldn’t accommodate their pet.*
Holiday Plans are Going to the Dogs Not the Airlines?
“Pets are increasingly calling the shots on where to celebrate,” Subaru said.
Companionship and Comfort Are Priority For Drivers
*About the Subaru Study
Talker Research surveyed 2000 adults ages 18+ who drive, own cats and/or dogs, and have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Subaru and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between 13 July and 17 July 2026. To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, see the Talker Research Process and Methodology page Here.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.