93% of Indian travellers prioritise flexible road trips reflecting the rise of pet-inclusive travel
The “family” definition is officially expanding. Our furry friends are moving from the house to the suitcase, becoming an essential part of the travel squad. In 2025, global searches for pet-friendly accommodation on Booking.com soared to nearly 15 million* (APAC 2.3 M), making it one of the top 10 search filters on the platform. Meanwhile, consumer spending on pets reached roughly $157B by the end of that same year**. As the world celebrates International Pet Day on 11 April, Booking.com shares trends focusing on how Indian travellers are increasingly approaching travel plans that involve their pets in 2026.
The Rise of the “Pet-First” Mindset
According to Booking.com’s latest travel trends research, pets are no longer an afterthought but a primary factor in how Indian travellers plan and experience their journeys in 2026. This influence extends from the type of stay to how destinations are explored. The data shows that pet owners are open to both hotels (62%) and vacation rentals and apartments (61%), suggesting that pet-friendly policies are often the deciding factor, regardless of the accommodation type. Close to half of (47%) Indian travellers leave pets behind at their accommodation while on excursions, making availability of suitable amenities a critical factor in the booking decision
Shaping the Itinerary
Planning the perfect stay in 2026 for the furry family means checking both hotels and vacation rentals are pet friendly. Pets also influence itineraries: while traveling with their pets, 48% of pet parents took a nature hike to rural areas or parks and 59% went sight-seeing in pet-friendly city-centers or towns, And because every “good boy” deserves a vacation treat, 64% dined at dog-friendly patios, restaurants or breweries and an equal number sought our pet-friendly beach or swimming area.
When it comes to transportation, the data reflects a preference for ground travel with 93% of travellers favoring spontaneous, flexible road trips, suggesting that more pets will be joining their owners on the open road this year.
As pets continue to evolve from companions to playing a key part in the decision-making process, their influence now spans every aspect of the journey, from the destination and accommodation to the mode of transport.
Whether it’s influencing the destination, the accommodation, or how they get there, pets continue to be a key part of Indian travellers’ decision-making process. For even more insights into the trends driving travel this year, visit Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions.
