The Great Pet Travel Boom: Why Long Island Dog Owners Are Rethinking Their Vacation Plans in 2025

As we enter 2025, roughly 54% of cat and dog owners plan to travel with their pets in the next year, with 58% of survey respondents saying they’re planning to travel with their pets and actually prefer it over traveling with a friend or family member. This remarkable shift in travel behavior is transforming how pet owners approach their vacations, creating both exciting opportunities and new challenges for Long Island families.

The statistics tell a compelling story: 78% of pet parents travel with their pets each year, and more than half of all travelers base their travel plans on accommodating their pets, with millennials being the most likely to consider traveling with their pets. This trend reflects a deeper cultural shift where pets are increasingly viewed as family members rather than just animals left behind during vacations.

The Economic Impact of Pet Travel Decisions

The financial implications of this trend are significant. A 2024 American Pet Products Association insight report found that 55% of dog owners alter their travel plans to accommodate their pets, with 88% reporting traveling with their pets by car and 68% by plane. For Long Island pet owners, this means weighing the costs of pet-friendly accommodations, additional travel expenses, and the logistics of managing a pet in unfamiliar environments.

However, not every trip is suitable for four-legged companions. While it’s great to take your dog or cat with you while traveling, some pets aren’t suited for long trips in the car or flights. Pets that have illnesses, injuries, or nervous or aggressive temperaments or older pets may not be ideal for traveling. If your pet isn’t good with travel, it’s better to look into boarding or a pet sitter to ensure your pet is cared for while you’re away.

The Boarding Industry Responds to Growing Demand

This travel trend has created unprecedented growth in the pet boarding industry. The global pet boarding services market size was estimated at USD 8.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.28 billion in 2025, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.59% from 2025 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to the growing demand for travel and vacation services. As travel (both for leisure & business) becomes more frequent, owners increasingly seek reliable long-term boarding services.

For Long Island pet owners, this means more options than ever before. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to the Hamptons or a week-long vacation to Europe, quality Dog Boarding Long Island services are becoming more sophisticated and comprehensive to meet the growing demand.

What Modern Pet Owners Expect from Boarding Services

Today’s pet owners aren’t just looking for basic kenneling services. The rising cost of pet ownership is indicative of a larger cultural trend where pets are now seen as essential family members as opposed to mere pets. People are more likely to prioritize spending on their pets’ well-being as they become wealthier and more urbanized, which includes buying them upscale food, high-quality medical care, grooming, and accessories.

This shift in expectations has led to the development of luxury boarding facilities that offer amenities like:

• 24/7 supervision and monitoring systems
• Structured play and exercise programs
• Personalized care plans
• Real-time updates and photo sharing with owners
• Specialized services for anxious or senior pets

The Psychology Behind Pet Travel Anxiety

For many Long Island pet owners, the decision to travel with or without their pets creates significant emotional stress. Leaving a pet behind for a vacation can be hard. They’re family, after all. This emotional connection drives pet owners to seek the highest quality care possible when boarding becomes necessary.

Some pet owners go to extraordinary lengths to include their pets in travel plans. Ten percent of travelers have smuggled their dog into a hotel in luggage, even if the hotel wasn’t pet-friendly. Another 3% have tried to disguise their dog as a baby to board a plane. And another 7% have dressed their dogs as service animals to gain special access, even if they’re not a service animal. While these behaviors highlight the deep bond between pets and owners, they also underscore the importance of proper planning and professional boarding services.

Preparing Your Pet for Boarding Success

The key to successful boarding experiences lies in proper preparation and choosing the right facility. As Millennials continue to represent the largest share of pet owners in the U.S., we can expect to see this generation not only travel more but travel with their pets in 2025. Since traveling with pets isn’t always possible, expect to see growth in the dog boarding sector.

At K9 Mania Dog Training, we understand that we prioritize your dog’s needs above all else. Driven by our deep passion for dogs, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality care and service. From personalized training sessions to ongoing support, we go above and beyond to ensure your dog receives the attention and guidance they deserve.

The Future of Pet Travel and Boarding on Long Island

As we move through 2025, the pet travel trend shows no signs of slowing down. As the trend grows, more accommodation options are welcoming cats and dogs to make travel easier with pets. This creates both opportunities and challenges for Long Island pet owners who must navigate an increasingly complex landscape of travel options.

The boarding industry continues to evolve to meet these changing needs. The global pet boarding market is worth an estimated $20 billion a year, and this is expected to grow by more than 6% annually to reach $36 per annum by 2031. The US has the largest market share in the industry.

For Long Island families, this means access to increasingly sophisticated boarding options that can provide peace of mind during travel. Whether you’re planning a business trip to Manhattan or a family vacation to Disney World, professional boarding services ensure your pet receives the care, attention, and structure they need while you’re away.

The pet travel revolution of 2025 represents more than just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how we view our relationships with our pets. As this evolution continues, Long Island pet owners who invest in quality boarding services and proper preparation will find themselves better equipped to enjoy both adventures with their pets and worry-free vacations when traveling solo.