Pet travelers reshape the travel and transport industries

Pet ownership is increasingly shaping travel decisions, influencing everything from destination choice and lodging to transportation. U.S. cruise operator Fabled Voyages has announced a “Pets on Board” program designed to remove a key obstacle to long-term travel by effectively creating a home at sea for pets.

Fabled Voyages launches “Pets on Board”

Madison Miller, founder and chief executive of Fabled Voyages, said the company aims to respect the bond between owners and their pets while maintaining comfort, safety and harmony onboard.

Depending on size, behavior and health requirements, each luxury apartment may house up to two pets—cats or dogs. The ship FV Horizon, which can accommodate up to 2,400 guests, will include outdoor walking areas and pet-friendly zones.

Pricing and booking timeline

Bookings began on March 30. Passengers will pay a non-refundable one-time fee of $1,000 (865.40 euros) for ship preparations. There is also a monthly pet fee of $130 (86.55 euros), which covers grooming, dedicated pet areas and long-term pet lodging.

Private jet demand rises as pet travel options tighten

Amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, many wealthy families in the UAE are reportedly unwilling to separate from their pets. Instead of relying on limited commercial flight availability, some affluent travelers have turned to private jets to keep pets close throughout the journey.

Jacqueline Luebke, co-founder of Jetcircle, said demand surged as the conflict began. She noted that under normal conditions, a private jet seat from the UAE to Europe with a pet costs about €7,000, but last month the price rose to as much as €20,000 due to high demand and limited aircraft.

Gwenda Phillips, describing a relocation from Singapore to Hong Kong in March last year, said she spent more than $30,000 on a private flight for herself, her sister-in-law and four cats.

Cabin pet travel expands in niche airline services

Some airlines are positioning pet-friendly cabin travel as a niche offering. On SingaPaw Air flights, animals are allowed to move freely in the cabin, sit beside their owners, and are served meals like other passengers.

Jamie Wong, founder of SingaPaw Air, said the airline operates in a niche segment with no direct regional rivals, though similar services have emerged in the United States, Europe and Australia.

Lesley Ann Chai, executive director of Air 7 Asia (which supplies most of the aircraft for SingaPaw Air), said that among ten recently booked flights, one or two carried pets. Of Air 7 Asia’s seven aircraft, three are dedicated to pet-on-board flights.

Asia data show pet ownership and “petcation” growth

In Korea, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reports that 28.6% of households own pets. To capture the trend, travel firms have launched “petcation” packages, including private sleeping quarters, dedicated facilities and pet-sitting photo services. A five-day, three-night tour to Da Nang (Vietnam) for pet travelers sold out quickly and has a waitlist.

China expands rail pet transport and adds station facilities

In China, a pet restroom inside Guangzhou South Railway Station has drawn online attention. The facility includes a sink, cat litter, changing mats and synthetic grass.

China also announced an upgrade to pet transport on its high-speed rail network, expanding coverage to 121 stations and 228 trains, according to Xinhua. The service had been piloting previously and has been well received since 8 April 2025 through 8 April 2026, with more than 15,000 pets transported safely.

Vietnam: pet policies increasingly influence bookings

In Vietnam, Booking.com data indicate pets are no longer a peripheral factor but a key criterion in how travelers plan trips and evaluate experiences. The data show that 60% of pet owners prefer stays such as villas or serviced apartments, reflecting demand for space and flexibility. In addition, 17% of Vietnamese travelers consider pet policies before booking.

The data also show that one in four travelers (25%) leave pets in their accommodations while sightseeing, highlighting the growing importance of pet-friendly amenities in booking decisions.

Preferred activities and transport choices

Travel with pets influences preferred activities: 58% opt for hiking or nature walks, 50% visit beaches or dog-friendly swimming areas, and 60% explore cities and regions that allow pets.

Road trips dominate transportation preferences, with 93% of travelers favoring flexible, spontaneous itineraries—meaning more pets will accompany owners on these routes. While 43% are willing to fly with pets, 12% of Vietnamese travelers say the experience is tiring.