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Americans are gearing up for summer travel. Whether their itineraries are final or they still have more to plan, intent to get away is resilient in the face of higher costs. For the 68% of self-reported ‘pet parents,’ there are a few extra hoops to jump through. People with pets have to consider arrangements for their animals before traveling – will they board them or leave them with friends? If they bring them, where will they stay?
Summer Travel Intent Trends Up Among Pet Owners, But Pet Care Plans Are Shifting
Consumer-declared data indicate a slight jump in the share of pet parents planning to travel this summer, compared to this time last year – 63% of pet owners tell CivicScience they will travel within the next three months, up from 61% in late May of 2025. As more pet parents prepare for summer travel, their care arrangements are shifting away from traditional habits.
CivicScience data shows a steady decrease in the percentage of pet owners planning to leave their pets with friends or family while traveling. In contrast, the share of pet owners choosing to travel with their animals has steadily risen from 17% in 2024 to more than one-quarter (26%) this year, a shift most notable between 2024 and 2025. The decision to board pets or hire a pet sitter also increased year over year, though both options remain lower than traveling with their animal friends or leaving them with loved ones. Notably, hiring a sitter grew the most of any care option over the last year, increasing by three percentage points.
Historically, boarding has not been a popular option for pet owners when traveling. The data show that cost, facility cleanliness, and staff experience are the top three considerations for pet owners when choosing a place to board their animals. Gen Z (aged 18-29) and Millennial (aged 30-44) pet owners are more likely to board their animals than the Gen Pop. Age continues to lend insight into how pet owners handle pets during vacations and travel. Traveling pet owners aged 65 and older are most likely to hire someone, closely followed by Gen Z. Millennials, meanwhile, align with Gen X (45-64) in their likelihood to bring pets along for the trip.
Ultimately, what someone wants out of a trip determines what their pets will be up to during their summer getaway. Boarding pets is most common among outdoor enthusiasts whose planned activities may be less suitable for animal companions, as well as among those who want to sightsee.
If the goal is to relax and unwind, they are more inclined to leave animals with a trusted friend or family member. If the primary purpose of the trip is quality time with loved ones, there is a 1-in-4 chance the pets are joining the fun.
Travel Costs for Pet Owners
For all summer travelers, cost is a huge concern this year. Nearly one-quarter of consumers say they have canceled spring or summer travel due to rising prices, and 36% are opting for shorter, less expensive trips for the same reason.
When asked about booking trip accommodations, pet owners who are leaving their pets behind while they travel say they are willing to consider less convenient or less comfortable options to stay within budget for the duration of their trip. Those planning to board their pets are notably the most likely to explore these options as they manage the cost of boarding their furry loved ones. However, the tone flips for pet owners traveling with their pets, nearly half of whom say they are ‘not at all’ likely to sacrifice comfort or convenience to save money.
Americans are working to keep summer travel on track this year, but not at the expense of their pets. While budget concerns are altering human itineraries, pet parents are maintaining a strict standard of care for their animals. Whether paying for premium boarding or bringing their companions along for the ride, travelers are proving that pet comfort is one area they refuse to compromise on.
