Pets are no longer just companions on vacations; they are now a central part of the travel experience. Recent findings from Booking.com, released in anticipation of International Pet Day on April 11, reveal that Indian travelers are increasingly designing their holidays around their pets, influencing their accommodation choices and transportation methods.
This trend is evident on a global scale. In 2025, pet-friendly accommodation searches on Booking.com soared to nearly 15 million, with 2.3 million stemming from the Asia-Pacific region, making it one of the site’s top 10 filters. Concurrently, global consumer expenditure on pets approached approximately $157 billion by year-end, based on data referenced by Booking.com from Capital One Shopping.
In India, this shift signifies a distinct ‘pet-first’ mindset in travel planning. The Travel Trends 2026 report from Booking.com indicates that pets are now a major consideration, rather than an afterthought. Travelers are no longer deciding between hotels and rental properties based solely on format—62% express openness to hotels, while 61% are equally inclined towards vacation rentals or apartments—showing that pet-friendly policies often influence the ultimate choice.
Despite pets taking a prominent role, practical concerns still factor into decisions. Almost half (47%) of Indian travelers report leaving their pets behind at their accommodations while they go out, underscoring the need for facilities and services that can support pets in their absence.
Also Read | 11:11 Weekend | Kid-friendly destinations, travel alert and the art of functional eating
The presence of pets affects the entire travel itinerary as well. Data shows that 48% of Indian pet parents chose nature hikes in rural areas or parks while traveling with their pets, and 59% opted for sightseeing in pet-friendly city centers or towns. Dining and leisure preferences also reflect this trend, with 64% visiting dog-friendly patios, restaurants, or breweries, and the same percentage seeking out pet-friendly beaches or swimming destinations.
Travel patterns are evolving too. A remarkable 93% of Indian travelers surveyed indicated a preference for flexible road trips, a preference that Booking.com attributes to the convenience of traveling with pets and the adaptability such journeys provide.
Also Read: Travelling to Central Asia: You can now make payments using UPI
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
