Pet owners have revealed the best UK staycation spots to travel to with their furry friends – with Wales (21%) and Yorkshire (19%) topping the list.
A poll of 2,000 pet owners found that a whopping nine in ten plan their holidays around their animal – with three-quarters (74%) saying this has become the norm for them.
As a result, more than two in five (41%) avoid going abroad, as they are not sure if their pets could go with them.
The top reasons for travelling with pets include not liking the idea of a kennel or cattery (36%), and to keep their animals from getting lonely (28%).
And three in ten reckon their pets love getting away – while over a quarter (27%) would simply miss their furry friend too much if they took a trip without them.
In fact, one in five admit that part of the reason they got a pet was so they could take them on holidays with them.
Dogs emerged as the most popular pet to take away, but a third (34%) admit to taking their cat – while 6% had even taken their hamster or bird.
A spokesman for Original Cottages, which commissioned the research, said: “Anyone with a pet will tell you, they’re part of the family – and who would want to leave a family member behind when going on holiday?
“Pet owners are really considering how best to travel with their pets – and a staycation offers simplicity and ease, without compromising on the fun.”
Three in five (61%) pet-focussed holidaymakers said they knew when they got their pet it might alter the types of holidays they would be able to go on.
As a result, 70% of pet owners prefer to go on a “staycation” within the UK, if it means they can take their four-legged friend with them – and 35% revealed that doing so has led to them exploring “a lot more” than they would have otherwise.
With Christmas on the horizon, 29% said they will be travelling with their pets this festive season – with as many as one in five (20%) prioritising spending time with their furry friend over their family members this Yuletide.
To make a staycation with pets even more special, respondents are eager to visit places with dog walks nearby (30%), pet-friendly restaurants (28%), and those that offer pet beds (26%).
And when dreaming up a suitable holiday programme, dedicated pet activities (23%), a pet groom room (20%), and pets' club (20%) were top of the list.
A sandy beach (23%) and rolling countryside (18%) were deemed as the top types of places to visit when away on a trip.
Pet owners are also exploring the whole of the UK, with one in five (21%) visiting Wales, while 18% have been to the Lake District.
And one in ten has visited Sussex on the south coast, according to the research conducted via OnePoll.
The spokesman from Original Cottages which has pet-friendly cottages across England and Wales, added: “The great thing about the UK is our incredible range of places to explore with your pet.
“From soaring mountains to sandy beaches, rolling hillside, and lush forests, there’s never-ending places to discover.”
TOP 10 PLACES TO STAY WITH PETS...
- Wales
- Yorkshire
- Lake District
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Norfolk
- Scottish Borders
- Peak District and Derbyshire
- Cumbria
- Suffolk
