- Pet parents in India increasingly treat dogs and cats as family and include them in travel plans
- Pet-friendly stays are rising, with 15 million global searches and 2.3 million from Asia-Pacific in 2025
- Travelers prefer spacious vacation rentals with pet amenities over traditional hotels for flexibility
In India, a growing number of pet parents consider their dogs and cats to be true members of the family, including them as companions in nearly every aspect of life, from daily routines to travel. While many travellers plan trips around personal preferences such as adventure, beaches, or relaxation, pet parents must also factor in their pets' needs when making travel decisions. As a result, pet-friendly destinations have become a top priority, with beaches, hill stations, and resorts that welcome animals gaining popularity. For instance, Goa is home to several pet-friendly villas, while Himachal Pradesh is known for its warm hospitality and trekking stays that cater to travellers with pets.
Rising Demand For Pet-Friendly Stays
According to Booking.com's latest travel trends research, searches for pet-friendly accommodations on the travel booking platform soared to nearly 15 million worldwide, with about 2.3 million searches from the Asia-Pacific region alone in 2025. This made pet-friendly stays one of the top 10 most popular search filters on the platform.
The research included 32,800 adults from 34 countries in January 2026. The respondents were adults who had taken a leisure trip with at least one overnight stay in the past year and plan to travel again in 2026. The results revealed that pets will continue to play a big role in shaping how Indian travellers plan their trips in 2026 as well.
Also Read: Pets Up To 10 Kg Now Allowed To Travel In Cabin On Air India Flights
Shift Towards Spacious And Flexible Accommodation
The report revealed that many travellers are choosing vacation rentals and apartments over traditional hotels, with 61 per cent preferring these flexible spaces. They are looking for spacious rooms for their four-legged companions.
In addition, amenities matter the most when booking a stay. Travellers look for pet-friendly facilities and services such as play areas and pet food options. Nearly half of Indian travellers, around 47 per cent, leave their pets behind at their accommodation while exploring nearby attractions.
Pets Influence Activities And Experiences
Pets also influence travel activities. About 48 per cent prefer to go on hikes or nature walks in rural areas, while 64 per cent plan for dog-friendly beaches or swimming spots, and 59 per cent explore pet-friendly towns and city centres. Around 64 per cent also prefer dining at dog-friendly patios, restaurants, or breweries.
Also Read: Flying With Pets From India? 7 Documents You Need To Carry
Road Trips Take The Lead
Furthermore, travel preferences are shifting in terms of how people get around, with 93 per cent of travellers preferring spontaneous and flexible road trips, compared to only 56 per cent who choose to fly.
Road trips allow pet parents to stop when needed, explore offbeat places, and keep their pets comfortable throughout the journey. As a result, more pets are expected to hit the open road in 2026, making road trips an important trend in pet-friendly travel.
