August, the month symbolizing the great summer departures, is also the period when attention turns to domestic animals, with World Cat Day on August 8 and World Dog Day on August 26. In this context, the phenomenon of “pet travel” continues to expand strongly and tells of a change now consolidated in travelers’ habits: dogs and cats are regarded as true members of the family, increasingly included in the planning of trips and in the choice of destinations.
According to industry studies cited by Dogster, about 54% of owners plan to travel with their pet, while 58% declare they prefer their company over that of friends or family during holidays; 52% also consider the possibility of bringing their pet along already in the planning phase.
Hospitality is transforming: more and more pet-friendly properties
The growth of travel with animals in tow has had a direct impact on the hospitality sector, which is being called to respond to new and increasingly widespread needs.
According to data from the Schesir Respect My Nature Index, about 75% of hotels, from budget establishments to luxury resorts, have adopted pet-friendly policies.
Even the choice of transport reflects this evolution: the car remains the most used solution, cited by 64% of owners, thanks to the greater flexibility it provides in managing stops and travel times, as well as the possibility of keeping a more familiar environment for the animal.
The strong bond with one’s pets, in some cases, also leads to extreme behaviors: for example, 10% of travelers would have at least once hidden their dog to circumvent bans at certain facilities, while 3% would have attempted to mask it as a newborn to pass checks and allow boarding on an airplane.
Italy in the world’s top 10 for pet travel
In this scenario, Italy stands out among the most significant destinations: it ranks eighth in the world’s top 10 for international transfers of pets, according to Starwood’s “Global Pet Travel Data Report 2026.”
The analysis, based on 41,114 international transfers, highlights a clear predominance of dogs over cats: over 30,000 versus around 15,000.
Another element to consider is the growth of families traveling with more than one pet, with an average of 1.43 pets per household.
Preparation is the key to travel
According to Dr. Vittorio Saettone, veterinarian and Head of R&D&QA at Schesir, travel represents for dogs and cats a significant interruption of daily life, involving habits, environment, and routine. For this reason, preparation cannot be improvised.
For the cat, one of the fundamental aspects concerns getting the carrier accustomed, which should not be introduced only at departure. Leaving it at home in the weeks leading up to the trip, open and containing familiar objects, helps the cat perceive it as a safe space.
Also the management of feeding before the journey is important: a light meal or a short fast can reduce the risk of nausea, while water must always be available up to departure. In some cases, synthetic pheromones can also be helpful to reduce stress, to be applied in the carrier shortly before use.
During the journey it is essential to prevent the cat from leaving the carrier in unsafe environments, such as service areas or parking lots, where the risk of escape is high. Familiar objects like a blanket or a small travel litter box can also help reduce discomfort.
For the dog, especially in car travel, managing stops is crucial: a break about every two hours allows the animal to drink, move around, and reduce the tension built up during the trip.
Auto safety is equally important: the dog must never travel loose in the cabin, but must be secured with approved systems such as seat belts, carriers, or partition nets. Furthermore, it must never be left alone in a car, even for a few minutes, due to the risk of heat stroke.
Before departure it is necessary to check the health documentation, including microchip, health booklet, European Pet Passport, and up-to-date vaccinations. Finally, a travel kit with water, a bowl, a leash, and emergency supplies helps manage any unforeseen events.
