Pet Travel Services Market to Grow at a CAGR of 5.4%, Reaching $1.3 Billion by 2031, with U.S. as the Largest Market

The pet travel services market is forecast to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of $1.3 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. According to Allied Market Research, the industry, which was valued at $782.41 million in 2021, is being driven by a combination of factors including rising pet ownership, particularly among millennials and Generation Z, and an increasing trend of “pet humanization” globally. As more people treat their pets as family members, the demand for specialized travel services for pets has soared.

Key Drivers of Growth

The pet travel services market is benefiting from several key trends, including:

1. Increased Disposable Income
   With more disposable income, pet owners are now willing to spend significantly on their pets, including on vacation experiences for their furry friends. The global rise in pet adoption—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people sought out companion animals—has further contributed to this demand.
2. Rising Adoption of Pets
   The number of pet-friendly travelers is steadily growing, contributing to the need for pet hotels, pet daycare services, and other travel amenities. A study from the American Pet Products Association reported that Americans alone spend approximately $50 billion per year on their pets, and 27% of U.S. pet owners even hire professional photographers for their pets during vacations.
3. Humanization of Pets
   Pets are no longer just animals; they’re treated as family members. This growing trend of pet humanization has led to an increase in pet travel services designed to meet the needs of pets on vacation. Many luxury hotels now offer pet-specific amenities such as pet minibars, walking services, and dedicated pet parks.
4. Social Media Influence
   The increasing influence of social media, where pet owners share their pet-friendly experiences and travel destinations, has also played a major role in promoting pet travel services. This visibility has encouraged pet owners to invest in travel services that cater to their pets’ comfort and well-being.

Market Segmentation

The market is segmented based on several criteria, including pet type, mode of transport, travel type, and region.

• By Pet Type:
  The dog segment currently holds the largest share of the market, accounting for 46.01% of the market in 2021. The increased demand for travel services catering to dogs has been driven by the high adoption rates of dogs in many parts of the world. The cat segment, while smaller, is also experiencing growth due to rising pet adoption trends, particularly in developed markets.
• By Mode of Transport:
  In 2021, the air transport segment led the market. Service providers such as Airpets International (formerly Airpets America) are offering temperature-controlled cargo and additional services like exercise, grooming, and custom crates to ensure the comfort and safety of pets during air travel. Ground transportation is also a key segment, with pet-specific transport services growing rapidly as well.
• By Travel Type:
  The international segment is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. As pet owners seek more opportunities to travel abroad with their pets, countries have increasingly introduced regulations to facilitate international pet travel. For example, in the European Union, special regulations exist for pet owners traveling across its 28 member states, and in North America, pet dogs are subject to specific health checks and certification requirements before traveling across borders.

Regional Insights

• North America:
  North America remains the largest market for pet travel services, with the United States projected to continue leading the market, reaching $424.3 million by 2031. The popularity of pet travel is highest in regions such as California, Florida, and New York, where pet-friendly accommodations and services are more abundant.
• Europe:
  The European market is also expanding rapidly, driven by high adoption rates of pets in countries such as the UK, Germany, and France. The pet travel services market in Europe is bolstered by pet-friendly regulations that facilitate easier travel across countries.
• Asia-Pacific:
  Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and India, where the pet population is increasing. These countries are becoming more receptive to the idea of pet travel, and demand for specialized services is expected to rise.
• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa):
  While the pet travel services market in this region is still developing, it is anticipated to grow as pet adoption rates rise and the demand for luxury travel services for pets increases. Countries such as Brazil and the UAE are expected to drive growth in this segment.

Leading Market Players

Several key players dominate the global pet travel services market, including:

• Air Animal, Inc.
• PetRelocation, Inc.
• Blue Collar Pet Transport
• Royal Paws
• Pet-Express
• PetSpot
• World Pet Travel
• Happy Tails Travel, Inc.

These companies are focusing on providing customized travel solutions for pets, including comfort-oriented transport, grooming, and hotel services. To expand their market presence, these companies are adopting various strategies such as partnerships, acquisitions, and service diversification.

Future Outlook

The global pet travel services market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing trend of pet adoption, the rising demand for luxury pet amenities, and the global shift towards pet humanization. As more people treat their pets as family, the need for travel services that cater to pets will continue to rise, creating lucrative opportunities for businesses in the pet travel sector.