Study reveals how pet owners plan trips around their pets

Fifty-one percent agree that traveling with a pet is better than traveling with a human. And when a long weekend is on the horizon, 45% say they start planning their pet-friendly trip at least three weeks in advance.

Younger generations are leading the pack on hitting the road with their pets — 70% of millennials and 75% of Gen Z have brought their pet on a road trip in the last five years compared to Gen X (58%) and baby boomers (40%).

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Subaru, the survey found that nearly half (47%) of respondents feel guilty leaving their pet behind when they travel.

Another half (47%) said they worry about their pet’s wellbeing the entire time they are gone, with one in four (27%) saying they find it hard to fully enjoy a trip knowing their pet is at home without them.

Seven in ten pet owners said leaving their pet behind also affects how long they are willing to be away. Thirty-one percent said they limit trips to a day or two and 37% said they can be away for just a few days, but feel uneasy beyond that.

"As a dog mom to two pups, I know firsthand that pets are family, so it's no surprise people prioritize them when they hit the road,” said Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment Manager at Subaru of America, Inc. “Like 47% of surveyed pet owners, I worry about my dogs' well-being when I'm traveling, and that's exactly why we do what we do. We partner with the ASPCA® and local organizations to help pets find loving families who will bring them along on life's adventures, and we've developed initiatives like National Make A Dog's Day to celebrate pets while supporting older dogs and dogs with disabilities.”

For those who do bring their pets along when traveling, peace of mind is the driving factor.

Respondents cited feeling better knowing their pet is with them rather than at home (51%) as the top reason to bring them along. Other top factors were the love of seeing their pets experience new places (43%) and quality bonding time (39%).

When asked to recall their favorite road trip with their pet(s), memories ranged from scenic coastal drives to simple outings close to home. One respondent recalled, "Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with my dog, windows down, stopping at every little beach to let him run in the sand. Best trip ever."

Another shared, "My favorite car trip memory with my pets was a road trip to a nearby lake. My dog enjoyed sticking his head out the window for fresh air and my cat was very relaxed in her carrier. Seeing them both enjoy the journey made the trip truly unforgettable."

While it’s worth it for most pet owners, bringing a pet on the road comes with a unique set of challenges. Finding pet-friendly hotels or accommodations tops the list of challenges (41%), followed by planning stops around pets’ needs (36%) and managing pet anxiety or restlessness in the car (28%).

Twenty-two percent of pet owners said they would drive as far as needed and distance isn’t a barrier if it meant their pet could come along. Nearly half (45%) would drive more than four hours to keep their pet co-pilot in the passenger seat.

“A pet-friendly road trip starts before you leave the driveway, making sure that your vehicle is as safe and prepared as possible to accommodate companions,” said Trevor Maki, National Product Training Manager at Subaru. “The vehicle features that matter most - plenty of room, good visibility, easy-to-clean seats, and cargo space - all contribute to a positive road trip experience. Think about how you're using the space to stay comfortable and safe, so everyone, including your pet, can enjoy the ride.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 adults 18+ who drive and own Pets(Cats/Dogs) who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Subaru and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 13 - July 17, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.