Gone are the days when business travel meant leaving furry family members behind. Today, pets are stepping into the role of “work trip companions”—and the data shows this trend is growing fast, driven by younger professionals, frequent travelers, and even C-suite leaders.
A recent survey from TravelPerk, a Spain-based travel management company, sheds light on just how widespread this shift has become: 1 in 10 employees globally now bring their pets along for business trips. This isn’t a niche habit, either—certain groups are embracing it far more than others.
Younger workers, for instance, are leading the charge. Among employees aged 25 and under, 21% have traveled with a pet for work—more than double the overall average. Frequent travelers are close behind: 22% of those who take weekly business trips include their pets in their plans, likely because regular travel makes extended separations from furry companions harder to manage. Even executives are on board: 16% of C-suite leaders report bringing pets on work trips, compared to 11% of non-executive travelers—a notable gap that highlights how senior leaders may have more flexibility to prioritize pet companionship.
Regionally, the U.S. stands out as the most pet-friendly for business travel: 15% of American employees have brought pets on work trips. Europe follows, with Germany at 10%, the UK at 8%, and Spain (TravelPerk’s home base) at 7%.
Crucially, airlines are adapting to meet this demand — making pet-friendly business travel more accessible than ever. Major global carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines now offer dedicated pet-friendly services in business class, from secure carriers to in-cabin accommodations (where allowed by regulations). This shift from “#pettravel as an afterthought” to “pet travel as a standard option” is a key enabler for owners looking to bring their companions along.
For context on how this trend fits into broader pet travel habits, consider data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA): While business travel is a newer frontier, 74% of U.S. dog owners already travel with their pets by air for leisure—a 68% increase from 2023. This leisure travel familiarity likely makes owners more comfortable extending #petcompanionship to work trips, too.
TravelPerk’s survey, conducted by market research firm OnePoll between March 12–19, 2025, surveyed 4,000 adults across the UK, U.S., Germany, and Spain who regularly travel for business—ensuring results reflect real-world habits of active business travelers.
What does this mean for brands? For #petproduct makers, it’s an opportunity to create work-trip-ready gear: think compact, airline-approved carriers, travel-friendly feeding bowls, or lightweight, durable harnesses. For travel and hospitality companies, it’s a chance to stand out with pet-friendly amenities—like in-hotel #petbeds or nearby #dogparks for post-meeting walks.
At its core, this trend is about one simple truth: Pets are no longer just “pets”—they’re family. And as more workers refuse to leave family behind for work, pets will keep claiming their spot as the ultimate “plus-one” on business trips.
For brands, this means an opportunity to create gear that solves real pain points:
- Compliance with airline rules
- Space for both work and pet items
- Comfort for pets during long trips
Our pet travel bags are built to address—and we’re ready to partner with retailers or brands looking to tap into this growing market. Whether you’re seeking OEM/ODM customization (to match your brand’s aesthetic) or want to stock our ready-to-sell designs, we can tailor solutions to fit your audience’s needs.
*Data sources:
- TravelPerk Business Pet Travel Survey (2025)
- American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2025 Pet Travel Report
- GlobalPET