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.
Planning starts early: 45% begin organizing a pet-friendly long weekend at least three weeks ahead, and 24% start more than a month out.
Over half of drivers prefer a pet to a human passenger
Fifty-one percent say they would rather travel with a pet than with a person. When it comes to vehicle features, the top priority is ample room between pets, passengers, and luggage (32%). Good visibility to see the pet follows at 29%, and easy-to-clean seats and cargo areas at 27%.
Cargo space for crates, carriers, beds, or gear matters to 26% of owners overall. Among hybrid and EV drivers, that figure rises to 35%.
Trevor Maki, National Product Training Manager at Subaru of America, recommends owners make sure they have the right accessories for both their vehicle and their pet so everyone stays safe and comfortable.
Gen Z and millennials lead the pet road-trip trend
In the past five years, 75% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials have taken a pet on a road trip, versus 58% of Gen X and 40% of baby boomers. Forty-two percent of Gen Z and millennials say they plan travel around their pet, compared with 27% of Gen X and boomers.
Among owners who have not yet road-tripped with their pet, 74% of Gen Z and millennials would consider it, compared with 54% of Gen X and boomers.
Subaru is marking Subaru Loves Pets month in October and National Make A Dog's Day on October 22, with a focus on helping shelter animals find homes.