Pampering Pets is a Growing Post-Pandemic Priority for Attractions
Americans’ love for their pets has never been stronger. The COVID-19 pandemic created a surge in adoptions, with an ASPCA poll estimating 1 in 5 households brought home a new furry friend over the past two years. And, for a whopping 95% of people, pets are considered members of the family.
When we consider this surge in pet ownership along with some of the travel trends we uncovered in PGAV’s Voice of the Visitor 2022, such as the demand for bigger and better experiences and a willingness to spend more on vacations and attractions, it makes sense that more and more people are planning to travel with their pets this year. A 2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association found 37% of Americans plan to travel with their pets this year, and the U.S. Department of Transportation reports transporting about 2 million animals annually.
Signs point to this trend growing, with Next Vacay reporting that searches for airline pet policies have increased by up to 1,750% over the past 12 months. Fido and Fluffy are even getting the fanciest travel treatment more frequently, with private jet operator, Vista Jet, reporting an 86% increase in bookings with pets over the past two years.
With growing demand and a survey by Tripswithpets.com finding that pet owners are likely to be more loyal to pet-friendly travel brands, it’s worth considering how your attraction can best accommodate those looking to vacation with their pets.
Moving from Pet-Friendly to Pet-Parent-Preferred
Many major theme park operators and hotel chains have caught on to the pet vacation trend, with providers offering amenities ranging from doggy day cares to pet concierge services to gourmet room service menus for dogs and cats. Boutique travel agencies have emerged to help fill the demand. And many attractions and venues that can’t support full-time pet accommodations are still getting in on the fun with dog friendly days (take your pet dog to get a hotdog at the ballpark).
Different types of attractions will have varying abilities to accommodate pets, of course, but it’s worth considering whether dedicated pet facilities or pet-friendly special events could add to your appeal. For example, local attractions with limited ability to directly accommodate pets could consider a partnership with a nearby kennel to offer discounted accommodations for those traveling with their pets, or perhaps offer a treat that travelers could take back to their furry companions.
Credit: Rock City in Lookout Mountain, GA welcomes leashed pets to walk the trails and dine at the restaurant. BringFido.com
Credit: Travel Cat
Pet-friendly events could provide a middle-ground approach for attractions that aren’t able to handle pets on a regular basis. You will need to set specific ground rules for such events (are leashes or proof of vaccinations required?), and certain special accommodations will need to be made (i.e., fresh water and fire hydrant or litter box facilities). But pet-friendly events have proven to be highly popular at a wide range of attractions and can be an attractive motivator which pet parents build their plans.
The American with Disabilities Act already requires most facilities to allow service animals, so many locations already have some structures in place. But regardless of the level of pet-friendliness that your attraction is willing and able to accommodate, it’s well worth making sure that your pet policies are clear and easy to find on websites and other channels. It’s a good idea to consider topics like emotional support animals when establishing these policies to help prevent the potential for controversy.
While the definition will vary by attraction, doing what you can to accommodate the growing number of people traveling with pets can help you to build fans of both the two-legged and four-legged varieties.
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