Pet Travel Services Market by Type (Dogs, Cats, and Others), Travel Type (Domestic and International), Application Type (Transportation and Relocation), Booking Type (Online & Phone Bookings and Offline Bookings), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Pet Travel Services Overview

Pet travel services refer to companies and organizations that offer various services and assistance to help pets travel safely and comfortably, typically across different geographical locations. These services cater to pet owners who need to relocate or travel with their pets, whether it's for vacations, relocations, business trips, or any other reason.

2 million domestic animals board commercial flights each year. Domesticated pets have been selectively bred and genetically adapted to live alongside humans, which include dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and hamsters. Dogs and cats are the most popular types of pets that are shipped. From the total amount of pets shipped via aeroplane each year 58% are dogs and 22% are cats.

Global Pet Travel Services Market Analysis

The global pet travel services market size was $xx million in xx and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of xx, by generating a revenue of $xx million by xx.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Pet Travel Services Market

The global pet travel services market faced unprecedented challenges because of the Covid-19 outbreak. With widespread travel restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures, the demand for pet travel services experienced a sharp decline. People were unable or reluctant to travel, which directly impacted the need for pet transportation and related services. Many airlines suspended or reduced their operations during the pandemic, leading to cancellations and disruptions in pet travel plans. This affected not only pet owners' ability to travel with their pets but also the business of pet travel services. Concerns about the safety of pets during travel, as well as the potential for virus transmission, led to hesitancy among pet owners to use pet travel services. The uncertainty surrounding the virus's effects on animals also played a role.

As travel restrictions ease and vaccination efforts progress, the travel industry is recovered. This led to a gradual resurgence in the demand for pet travel services as people resume their travel plans. The pandemic saw an increase in pet ownership as people sought companionship and comfort during periods of isolation. This might lead to an eventual increase in the demand for pet travel services as these new pet owners consider future travel plans.

Growing Number of Pets as a Family Member to Drive the Market Growth

A growing number of people consider pets as family members, leading to higher demand for services that facilitate safe and comfortable pet travel. People and families relocating internationally seek assistance to navigate complex pet travel regulations and logistics. As the travel industry expands, more people are traveling for leisure, work, or other reasons, driving the need for pet transportation and related services. Modern lifestyles often involve frequent travel, leading to demand for services that allow pets to accompany their owners. Businesses and accommodations becoming more pet-friendly encourage pet owners to take their pets along on trips. The desire to ensure pets' well-being during travel drives demand for services that prioritize pet safety and comfort.

Regulatory Concerns Associated with Pet Travel to Restrain Market Growth

Different countries have varying regulations and requirements for pet travel, including health certifications, vaccinations, and quarantine procedures. Navigating these complex regulations can be a significant challenge for pet travel services, particularly when coordinating international travel. The safety and well-being of pets during travel are often concerns for pet owners. Pet travel services involve various expenses, including transportation fees, health certifications, accommodation, and more. These costs can deter some pet owners from using these services, especially for long-distance or international travel. Not all airlines have pet-friendly policies or appropriate facilities for transporting pets. This limitation can restrict the options available for pet travel services, making it challenging to find suitable carriers and routes. The demand for pet travel services can be seasonal, with peak periods during holidays and vacation seasons. This can lead to capacity issues and challenges in managing the influx of requests.

Advancements in Pet Travel Services to Drive Excellent Opportunities

Developing and promoting stringent safety protocols during transit can attract pet owners who are concerned about their pets' safety. This includes ensuring well-ventilated travel conditions, secure carriers, and temperature control. Partnering with hotels, resorts, and accommodation services to offer pet-friendly options and amenities can attract pet owners who want to ensure a seamless experience for their pets during their stay. Developing innovative and comfortable pet carriers, travel crates, and accessories that comply with airline regulations can provide a competitive edge and enhance the travel experience for pets.

Global Pet Travel Services Share, by Type, 2022

The dogs sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Dogs are one of the most popular pets worldwide, with a large and diverse pet owner demographic. The sheer number of dog owners creates a significant demand for pet travel services tailored to dogs. Dogs come in various sizes, making them suitable for different modes of transportation. Smaller dogs can easily travel in carriers under airline seats, while larger dogs can travel in the cargo hold of planes or specially designed travel crates. Dogs require regular exercise and outdoor activities. This often translates to more opportunities for travel with dogs, as pet owners seek destinations and activities that are dog friendly. Many travel destinations are becoming more pet-friendly, offering accommodations, attractions, and services that cater to dogs and their owners. This drives the demand for specialized pet travel services.

Global Pet Travel Services Share, by Travel Type, 2022

The domestic sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Domestic flights often have simpler and more consistent regulations for pet travel compared to international flights. Different countries have varying and often stringent requirements for importing animals, including health certifications, vaccinations, and quarantine periods. These complex international regulations can discourage pet owners from traveling with their pets. Domestic flights usually have shorter durations than international flights. This can be more manageable for pets, especially for those that are not accustomed to long periods of confinement and travel stress. Pets are likely to be more comfortable when traveling within their home country due to familiar surroundings, familiar languages, and fewer cultural or environmental differences. International travel involves more complex logistics, such as customs clearance and possible layovers at unfamiliar airports. These factors can contribute to additional stress for both pets and pet owners during international journeys. International pet travel can be considerably more expensive due to the various fees associated with customs clearance, import permits, and additional health certifications. This cost factor can discourage pet owners from choosing international travel for their pets.

Global Pet Travel Services Share, by Application Type, 2022

The transportation sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Transportation services are needed more frequently than full-scale relocation services. People often require pet transportation for short trips, vacations, or visits to family and friends, while full relocation services are usually required less frequently, typically when people are moving to a new city or country. Pet transportation services cater to a broader customer base that includes pet owners who travel for leisure, business, or personal reasons. Transportation services are less disruptive to pet owners' routines and lives compared to full-scale relocation. Pet owners can often use transportation services without having to uproot their lives or make major changes, whereas relocation involves a more significant adjustment.

Global Pet Travel Services Share, by Booking Type, 2022

The online & phone bookings sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Online and phone bookings offer convenience to pet owners. They can research, compare, and book services from the comfort of their homes or while on the go, without the need to visit a physical location. Online platforms enable pet travel services to reach a global audience. Pet owners from different parts of the world can access and use these services without geographical limitations. Booking online or through phone calls streamlines the process. Pet owners can quickly make arrangements, provide the necessary information, and receive confirmation without time-consuming paperwork. Online platforms provide comprehensive information about services, pricing, regulations, and requirements. This transparency helps pet owners make informed decisions. Phone bookings allow for direct communication with customer service representatives, addressing any concerns or questions in real-time.

Global Pet Travel Services Market Share, by Region, 2022

The greatest market for pet travel services is in the North America region, which supplies a sizeable portion of the world's demand. North America has a significant number of pet owners, contributing to a larger market for pet travel services. The high pet ownership rate translates to more demand for services related to pet relocation and travel. For vacations, work, or other reasons, North Americans tend to travel more frequently. Pet owners searching for safe and convenient ways to travel with their pets creates a consistent demand for pet travel services. The region's economic prosperity allows pet owners to afford pet travel services. Higher disposable incomes make pet travel a viable option for many, supporting the growth of the market. Pets are often considered as family members in North American culture, leading to a stronger desire to include them in various life activities, including travel. North America has a well-developed pet-friendly infrastructure with pet-friendly accommodations, transport options, and attractions. This encourages pet owners to travel with their pets and boosts the demand for associated services.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Pet Travel Services Market

There are several major players functioning in the highly competitive global pet travel services market.  Leading market players are implementing tactics such as expanding their global network to provide comprehensive pet travel services and investing in modern technology to improve pet safety and tracking during travel.

Some of the leading pet travel services market players are Airpets International, Air Animal, Inc., Happy Tails Travel, Inc., Royal Paws, Blue Collar Pet Transport, Citizen Shipper, Starwood Pet Travel, World Care Pet Transport, LLC, PetRelocation, Inc., and Worldwide Animal Travel Ltd.