Pets Are Steering Holiday Travel, and Many Owners Choose Driving Over Flying
Camden, N.J. – October 13, 2026 -- Nearly three in four U.S. pet owners (73%) say they are more likely to take a road trip than fly so their pet can come along, according to a new Subaru survey.
Talker Research polled 2,000 U.S. adults who drive and own cats or dogs, on behalf of Subaru of America. The survey ran online from July 13 to July 17, 2026. Pets are shaping the holiday season: 68% say their animal will affect their travel plans this year, and 45% have turned down travel opportunities that could not accommodate their pet.
More than one in four owners may change their holiday plans for a pet
Ten percent might host instead of traveling, another 10% might shorten or simplify a trip to care for their pet, and 8% might skip gatherings where the pet cannot join. Among owners who have traveled with their animals, 35% of Gen Z and millennials have brought a pet home for the holidays, compared with 22% of Gen X and boomers.