Pets Are Prompting People To Drive Instead Of Fly This Holiday Season
Family pets are no longer just staying behind with a sitter during the holidays—they are actively dictating how, when, and where Americans travel.
According to new survey data released by Subaru, nearly three in four U.S. drivers and pet owners (73 percent) say they are more likely to take a road trip instead of flying, specifically so their animal companions can come along for the ride.
The study, conducted by Talker Research among 2,000 U.S. adults who drive and own pets, underscores a growing shift in holiday travel habits. More than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) revealed that their pet will directly influence their upcoming travel plans, while 45 percent admitted they have turned down trips in the past simply because their pets weren't accommodated.
Pets Take the Driver’s Seat in Holiday Planning
The influence of animal companions extends well beyond choosing a route. More than a quarter of pet owners expect to alter their holiday traditions entirely for their animals—10 percent plan to host at home instead of hitting the road, 10 percent intend to shorten or simplify their itinerary, and 8 percent plan to skip family gatherings altogether if their pets are uninvited.
The trend is particularly strong among younger demographics:
- Younger Generations Lead the Pack: 75 percent of Gen Z and 70 percent of millennials have taken a road trip with a pet in the last five years, compared to 58 percent of Gen X and just 40 percent of baby boomers.
- Planning Ahead: 42 percent of Gen Z and millennial pet owners build entire travel itineraries around their animals, compared to 27 percent of older cohorts.
- Homeward Bound: 35 percent of younger pet owners have brought a pet back to their hometown for the holidays, compared to 22 percent of Gen X and boomer travelers.
What Drivers Want in a Pet-Friendly Vehicle
When hitting the interstate with pets, owners prioritize interior space and visibility over luxury. In fact, 51 percent of surveyed drivers admitted they actually prefer traveling with a pet over a human passenger.
Key vehicle features prioritized by pet parents include:
- Ample Cabin Room: 32 percent rank extra space between pets, passengers, and cargo as their top vehicle priority.
- Clear Sightlines: 29 percent prioritize rearview visibility so they can check on their pet while driving.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: 27 percent look for durable, stain-resistant seats and cargo mats.
- Cargo Capacity: 26 percent emphasize space for crates, beds, and pet gear—a figure that jumps to 35 percent among hybrid and EV drivers.
The findings arrive alongside the automaker's annual "Subaru Loves Pets" initiative held throughout October, which culminates in its seventh annual "National Make A Dog's Day" on October 22. The effort focuses on supporting animal shelters nationwide and helping hard-to-adopt "underdog" pets find permanent homes.
This article was written using AI and was then edited and optimized by our editorial team.
