Summer Pet Travel Survey Reveals Top Vacation Spots and Preferences

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME - Approximately 65% of American households now have a pet, which is the highest level in recorded history. Approximately 78% of them are hitting the road and skies each year with their furry friends. This growing market has made itself known and the travel industry has responded as more and more destinations and accommodations across the U.S. cater to these traveling pets. To better understand the preferences and habits of this booming market, TRIPSwithPETS.com conducted an online survey of pet travelers and the results are in!

Not all pet friendly destinations are created equal and pet travelers are well aware of this. A whopping 72% percent of survey takers indicated that they actually research and compare pet friendly activities when deciding where to vacation! Pet-friendly beaches, pet-oriented resort amenities, hiking/outdoor adventures, and shops & restaurants that allow pets were among the most important vacation features.

This year’s top 10 pet vacation destination choices went to 1)Cape Cod, Massachusetts; 2)Lake Tahoe, California; 3)Bar Harbor, Maine; 4)New York, New York; 5)St. Pete Beach, Florida; 6)Key West, Florida; 7)Hilton Head, South Carolina; 8)San Francisco, California; 9)San Antonio, Texas; and 10)Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The online survey showed that dogs are still the most popular travel companions with 84% of people vacationing with their pooches, while cats are in a distant second at 10%. And when it comes to planning pet travel, 65% of respondents plan 2-3 months in advance.

Preferred mode of transportation - most pet travelers hit the open road. Fifty-nine percent of respondents travel with their pet by car, 33% will travel via RV, while airplane travel trails behind.

“When you consider the travel planning and considerations made for pets summer trips, there’s no doubt that people want their pets to enjoy the vacation as much as the rest of the family,” said Kim Salerno, President of TRIPSwithPETS.com. “It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved in exploring new destinations.”

TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online guide for pet travelers and their people - offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. Visit http://www.tripswithpets.com, to find a directory of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet recreational activities, airline pet policies, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources.