Willingness to Travel With Pets: A U.S. Consumer Perspective

The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand U.S. pet-owners’ perception of traveling with pets as well as to gain insights into their willingness to take pets on leisure trips. Regression analysis revealed that motivators and emotional attachment influenced willingness to travel with pets while perceived constraints and satisfaction with existing pet-related hospitality and tourism services did not significantly predict travel-with-pets intentions. Further inquiry indicated that although household income affects willingness to travel with pets, all predictors equally appeal to pet owners regardless of their socio-demographic characteristics, suggesting that these factors are of universal concern to pet owners. Given the insights from this research, industry practitioners could cater to needs and desires of tourists with pets, linking industry practices with consumer preferences, and thus achieving higher customer satisfaction and retention.