Pets increasingly influence American travel and consumer decisions

Recent studies from Subaru and PetScreening indicate that pets are significantly reshaping consumer behavior and lifestyle decisions in the United States. Regarding travel, 73% of pet owners are more likely to choose road trips over flying to ensure their animals can accompany them. Additionally, 68% of owners report that their pets will affect their holiday travel plans this year, with 45% having previously declined travel opportunities that could not accommodate their pets.

Beyond travel, pets are influencing major life decisions such as housing and employment. Approximately 69% of pet-owning renters stated that pet-related benefits shaped their most recent apartment search, and 85% expressed a willingness to pay for premium pet amenities like fenced yards or lost-pet services. In the workplace, 54% of pet owners say they would visit their office more frequently if pets were permitted, a figure that rises to 76% among employees aged 18 to 44.