Anyone who owns a dog will know that your furry family member enjoys getaways as much as humans.
Exploring new places is just as stimulating for them as it is for us, plus there is usually much more time to spend together, and more outside adventures, than when you're at home.
Booking.com recently commissioned research of more than 1000 people and found 78 per cent of Australian pet owners put their furry friends first when booking a holiday.
The research also found 40 per cent of Australians feel guilty leaving their pet behind when going on holiday, with millennials leading the trend: 93 per cent of Aussie millennials miss their pets throughout their break, and more than one in three said they miss their fur baby all day, every day.
And just to prove that a dog really is our best friend, nearly three quarters of Australian pet owners (70 per cent) said they would prefer to travel with their pet, rather than their partner or mate.
Some of the reasons include:
- Pets can be better companions as they don't complain (38 per cent) or argue (34 per cent).
- Women in particular (42 per cent) like the fact that their pet doesn't complain when on holiday, unlike a partner or friend.
- One in four (24 per cent) say they have more fun with their pet than they do with a partner of friend when on holiday.
- Leading the pack, dog owners (78 per cent) are more likely than cat owners (59 per cent) to love having their pet on holiday with them.
- 46% feel it's a nice change for the pet too. It forces holiday goers to go for walks and be more active (31 per cent) while others have noticed people are friendlier towards them (20 per cent).
- Additionally, Aussies believe pampering their pooch is key when booking a holiday with: 39 per cent seeking a plush bed for their pet, 33 per cent in search for pet food services, 27 per cent on the hunt for a pet club for necessary puppy play time.
Luke Wilson, area manager for Booking.com Australia said the research clearly shows there is an appetite amongst Australians to enjoy holiday experiences with their pets.
"That's why we have created a Pet Pawtal to assist pet owners in finding accommodation options.
"With more than 26 per cent of our 28 million listings around the world being pet friendly, travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a getaway with their furry friend," Mr Wilson said
The company is also looking for a Canine Travel Advisor, who will have a good knowledge of the best spaces, sun bathing spots and holiday hotspots.
You can nominate your dog to be Booking.com's world-first Canine Travel Advisor by visiting Booking.com/PetPawtal before 12 May.
The Canine Travel Advisor will also win a pet-friendly stay of their choice for themselves and their humans.
- Research was conducted by YouGovGalaxy in April 2019. Total sample size was 1028 adults.