The global pet travel market is huge and growing quickly. Millions of people across the world travel with their pets. They are part of the family. You just would not consider leaving them behind.
I set up the Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets” in January and after 6 months, we already have well over 2,000 members, with a busy community of fellow pet owners helping each other. Over half of the group is US based, with other pet owners based in South Africa, Australia, Canada amongst other countries.
In the US,70% of US households own a pet. Of that figure, 78% of Americans travel with their pets every year. When you consider the US population is close to 340 million, that is a massive figure.
The changing trends in pet travel
Today there is far more choice when taking your pet away with you. A few years ago, it was not something you thought of. You would just get someone to look after your cat or dog if you were going on holiday.
All pet owners would agree that travelling abroad with a pet is stressful. Rules and regulations for pet travel change a lot, especially since lockdown, with the UK being one of the more complicated destinations; hence a busy Facebook group.
Travelling with your ‘furry friends’ mirrors that of humans. Pets can also travel by different means as well as ‘economy’ or ‘furrst class’, excuse the pun.
‘Economy’ I would classify as commercial flights in the hold. Still not cheap, but cheaper than the higher end of travel. Companies such as Starwood Travel and Across the Pond are established pet travel companies who I know and look after their clients.
If you are looking to pamper your pet more and ‘splash the cash’, then flying with a private jet charter company makes sense. I would recommend looking at K9 Jets , Bark Air as well as Avolar Pets . Some of them offer internal US flights as well as international, not just to the UK, also to Paris, Dubai and Lisbon as well as an increasing number of pet friendly destinations.
There are some interesting statistics
on pet travel. Airlines will have to adapt more as there is the demand. I even read on social media that Virgin Airlines allowing some pets into the cabin.
However, that is dependant on the destination. Sadly, the UK, despite being a pet friendly destination, does not allow any pets in the cabin. That is a strict and inflexible regulation.
Other interesting modes of pet travel
Cunard has played host to hundreds of thousands of guests during its 180 year history, and not all of them were the two-legged kind.
Dogs and cats continue to travel in style across the Atlantic on board Queen Mary 2 There are 24 kennels, lots of space to play and a dedicated owner’s lounge.
However, if this is your preferred mode of pet transport, book a year in advance and get on the waiting list for a kennel. That is not a joke. There is high demand!
UK Domestic pet travel
85% of UK pet owners would rather go on a UK staycation than go abroad without them. 67% of dog owners will plan their UK breaks around their dogs.
Pets are part of the family. They are your ‘fur-babies’ and you don’t leave home without them.
I hope this information is helpful. If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, feel free to join our informative Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets”, for more guidance and support.
Russell Hunt, is a leading UK pet friendly property specialist, advising clients on renting and buying properties in and around London as well as other parts of the UK
Have a look at Petsletsrelocation.com or click on this link for a no-obligation call
