Nine in 10 pet owners plan their holiday around their beloved animals, research has revealed.
A study of 2,000 animal owners, who travel, found this has become the norm for almost three quarters (74 per cent) when booking a trip.
It also emerged 28 per cent of those who go away with their pet do so to prevent their furry friend getting lonely.
While 36 per cent don’t like the idea of kennels or a cattery, 27 per cent would miss them too much and 30 per cent reckon their pets love getting away.
A fifth of those who consider their animal in all holiday decisions say part the reason they got a pet was so they could go away together.
Dogs emerged as the most popular pet to take away, but a third (34 per cent) admit to taking their cat, while six per cent had even taken their hamster or bird.
A spokesperson for Original Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “Anyone with a pet will tell you – they’re part of the family.
“And who would want to leave a family member behind when going on holiday?
“Pet owners are really considering how best to travel with their pets, and a staycation offers simplicity and ease without compromising on the fun.”
More than four in 10 (41 per cent) of pet-focussed holidaymakers have avoided taking trips abroad because they didn’t know if their animal could come with them.
For 61 per cent, they knew when they got their pet it might alter the types of holiday they would be able to go on.
As a result, 70 per cent of pet owners prefer to go on a ‘staycation’ within the UK, if it means they can take their four-legged friend with them, and, 35 per cent revealed doing so has led to them exploring ‘a lot more’ than they would have otherwise.
With Christmas on the horizon, 29 per cent said they will be travelling with their pets this festive season with as many as one in five (20 per cent) prioritising spending time with their furry friend over their family members this Yuletide.
To make a staycation with pets even more special, respondents are eager to visit places with dog walks nearby (30 per cent), pet friendly restaurants (28 per cent) and those that offer pet bed’s (26 per cent).
When dreaming up a suitable holiday programme, dedicated pet activities (23 per cent) pet groom room (20 per cent) and pets club (20 per cent) were top of the list.
A sandy beach (23 per cent) and rolling countryside (18 per cent) were deemed as the top types of places to visit when away on a trip.
Pet owners are also exploring the whole of the UK with one in five (21 per cent) visiting Wales, while 19 per cent have been to Yorkshire and 18 per cent the Lake District.
While one in 10 has visited Sussex on the south coast, according to the research conducted via OnePoll.
A spokesperson from Original Cottages, which has pet friendly accomodation across England and Wales, added: “The great thing about the UK is our incredible range of places to explore with your pet.
“From soaring mountains to sandy beaches, rolling hillside and lush forests, there’s never-ending places to discover.”
TOP 10 PLACES TO STAY WITH PETS
1. Wales
2. Yorkshire
3. Lake District
4. Cornwall
5. Devon
6. Norfolk
7. Scottish Borders
8. Peak District and Derbyshire
9. Cumbria
10. Suffolk
