According to a recent DogTrekker.com survey, traveling with dogs has become noticeably easier. Conducted in January 2013 as part of the broader State of the American Traveler Survey of 1,000 leisure travelers, this follow-up to a similar 2011 poll highlights improvements in resources and options for pet owners on the road.
Respondents said it is now simpler to find dog-friendly lodging, access guidance on pet safety, and discover activities that welcome dogs than it was two years earlier.
Concerns about locating suitable accommodations remain the top reason some dog owners avoid traveling with their pets, but that worry has decreased by 9.5 percent since 2011 as more hotels adopt genuinely pet-friendly practices. Brands frequently cited as consistently accommodating to dogs include Kimpton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Loews, and Joie de Vivre.
The survey also found that 47 percent of leisure travelers own dogs, and nearly 40 percent of those owners bring their dogs on leisure trips. Common frustrations reported by these travelers include high hotel pet fees, a limited selection of truly pet-friendly hotels, a lack of dog-friendly activities at some destinations, and unclear or inconsistent pet policies at hotels and attractions.
Overall, the trend toward more dog-friendly travel options is encouraging for pet owners planning trips. Improved transparency in hotel policies, clearer information about on-site and nearby pet amenities, and a growing number of hospitality brands embracing pets all contribute to making travel with dogs more accessible and enjoyable than in previous years.