Who let the dogs out?
Study finds Canadians plan to bring their dogs along for summer travel
Before travel restrictions set in, Rover.com surveyed 500 Canadian pet parents to find out how they are feeling about summer travel. The results show that before the pandemic, only 35% of dog owners planned to bring their pup along on their summer trip.
- 67% of dog owners had summer plans that they had to cancel due to the coronavirus
- 35% of dog owners planned to bring their pet with them
- 62% of pet parents are either considering or still plan to travel this summer, now that lockdown measures are easing.
- 67% of dog owners are planning travel by car or RV this summer
- Only 22% are planning to travel by air
- Now, 59% of pet parents plan to bring their dog with them on their summer trip
- Only 11% of pet parents would feel comfortable leaving their dog at a kennel/boarding business while they travel this summer
“After months of sheltering in place with our families and fur babies, it should come as no surprise that Canadians are finally looking to venture out on mini summer excursions – albeit socially-distanced ones. Now that air travel currently comes with some constraints during a pandemic, it only makes sense that road trips are gaining popularity. Car travel allows pet owners to be a little more spontaneous in their vacation plans, and many pets are only too happy to hop into the family car and come along for the ride,” Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for rover.com, tells Travel Courier. “Pet parents should keep in mind that not all of our animal companions enjoy being included on a summer getaway though. Some dogs and cats suffer from motion sickness or anxiety during car rides, which is important to take into consideration. Also, not all hotels and holiday rentals will accommodate pets, especially during COVID. Regardless of the destination, accommodations, or your pet’s comfort level with cars, always make sure your dog isn’t overheating, he or she is staying hydrated and you’re stopping frequently for pee breaks.”