Holiday Plans are Going to the Dogs?

“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%.