Italy ranks among top 10 globally for pet travel

Italy has emerged as a significant player in the global "pet travel" market, ranking eighth in the world for international pet transfers according to the "Global Pet Travel Data Report 2026" by Starwood. The trend reflects a growing shift in traveler habits, with pets increasingly treated as family members during vacation planning.

Industry data indicates that 54% of pet owners intend to travel with their animals, and 52% consider pet accessibility as a primary factor during the planning stages. This surge in demand has prompted changes in the hospitality sector, with approximately 75% of hotels now implementing pet-friendly policies. While automobiles remain the preferred mode of transport for 64% of owners due to flexibility, some travelers have reported attempting to bypass restrictions to bring pets into non-compliant facilities.

Global interest in traveling with cats specifically has seen a significant rise, with searches increasing by 650% compared to the previous year. Experts recommend careful preparation, such as acclimating cats to carriers and using calming pheromones, to mitigate travel stress.