Pet-friendly travel: How SMEs can cater to the growing market of pet owners

The modern traveller is no longer just a backpacker, honeymooner, or family on holiday, they are also pet parents. From golden retrievers in first-class cabins to tabby cats at boutique resorts, the world of travel is experiencing a furry revolution. As the number of people choosing to travel with their pets skyrockets, the hospitality and tourism sector must evolve, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are uniquely positioned to ride this tail-wagging wave.

With pet ownership on the rise and people considering their pets as part of the family, a growing percentage actively seek pet-friendly travel options, and this is a booming market. In fact, the global pet care market is projected to exceed $350 billion by 2027, with pet travel making up a fast-growing slice. SMEs, with their agility, personalised service, and local touch, can tap into this goldmine by reimagining travel through the eyes of pet owners.

The rise of pet travel

The days of ‘no pets allowed’ signs turning away business are numbered. Airlines have expanded their pet policies, cities are offering pet-friendly public transport, and more destinations are becoming pet-positive. For pet parents, the decision to travel often hinges on whether their furry companion can come along. This cultural shift demands an industry response, especially from SMEs who can pivot faster and personalise experiences in meaningful ways.  

Tailoring accommodation for paws and people

The most obvious and crucial shift SMEs can make is in accommodations. Pet-friendly lodging does not have to mean a basic room with a ‘pets welcome’ sign. It means offering tailored amenities such as washable pet beds, bowls, treats, fenced-in play areas, and pet-specific room service menus.

Even simple touches like nearby walking trails, a welcome note for the pet, or doggy towels can turn a one-time visitor into a repeat customer. Importantly, SMEs should update their listings on travel platforms to highlight these pet perks because, for pet owners, those filters are the first stop.

Boutique hotels, homestays, and eco-lodges that go a step further, like offering pet spa treatments or yoga sessions for dogs and humans, can stand out in an increasingly competitive market. These personalised experiences are what SMEs excel at delivering.

Experiences that woof and wow

Pet-friendly experiences can be the differentiator that makes your destination truly unforgettable. SMEs can collaborate with local pet trainers, walkers, or pet photographers to offer add-on services. Organise pet-centric city tours, beach playdates, dog-and-owner hiking excursions, or “yappy hour” events where pet owners can socialise while their companions mingle.

Restaurants and cafes can create pet-friendly patios with designated menus, water stations, and shaded seating. Pet-friendly shopping experiences, groomers on-call, or even pet first-aid kits for active adventures show thoughtfulness and preparation, attributes that drive strong customer loyalty.

They are value-adds that cater to the emotional connection travellers have with their pets. In tourism, emotion drives engagement, and nothing is more emotional than people’s love for their animals.

Tech and booking made easy

SMEs should also embrace tech to make pet travel seamless. Use your website and social media to communicate your pet policies clearly, feature testimonials from pet travellers, and showcase visual content with happy pets enjoying your property or experience.

Integrate easy-to-navigate booking options for guests travelling with animals, and work with local directories and pet-friendly travel blogs to spread the word. SEO tags like “pet-friendly stays in [your city]” can help your business pop up in search results. The easier you make it for pet owners to find and book your services, the more likely they are to choose you.

Collaborate

The beauty of the pet travel market is that it thrives on collaboration. SMEs can band together to create pet-friendly travel routes or packages. Imagine a “Pet Getaway Trail” that includes a pet-welcoming resort, pet-friendly eateries, dog parks, and adventure excursions, all promoted under one campaign.

Teaming up with local vets, groomers, pet boutiques, and even pet-sitters creates an ecosystem where travelling with pets becomes joyful. Such partnerships build local networks, boost word-of-mouth referrals, and create repeat clientele, all while positioning your business as a community-minded and inclusive brand.

The pet travel market is the next frontier of tourism. And SMEs have the perfect combination of flexibility, creativity, and authenticity to dominate this space. Those who welcome the wagging tails today lead the travel pack tomorrow.

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