Pet ownership is increasingly influencing how people travel, and the tourism industry is beginning to respond. According to the Amadeus Travel Trends 2026 report, more travelers are choosing to bring their pets along on holidays, creating new opportunities across transportation, accommodation and travel services.
Amadeus identifies the so-called “Pawprint Economy” as the leading trend expected to shape global travel in 2026. As more destinations and service providers adapt to animal owners, pet-friendly travel is moving from a niche offering to a mainstream consideration.
Pet-Friendly Travel Continues to Gain Momentum
The report forecasts that demand for pet-inclusive travel will continue to grow as regulations evolve and new services are introduced. Amadeus notes that recent policy changes and pilot programs are helping to lower barriers that previously limited #pettravel.
In several markets, new rail and aviation rules are making it easier for owners to travel with animals. These developments are encouraging travel providers to rethink how they accommodate pets across different modes of transport.
Regulatory Changes Support Market Development
Regulatory adjustments are playing a key role in enabling pet travel. Amadeus highlights recent pilot programs that allow pets on high-speed rail routes, marking a significant shift in national transportation systems.
In aviation, updated rules have expanded in-cabin access for medium- and large-sized dogs, while pet documentation systems are being simplified to reduce administrative and financial burdens for owners.
Private aviation is also seeing growth in pet-focused services. Several charter operators now specialize in animal-friendly flights, and new long-haul in-cabin routes are scheduled to launch in the coming years, further broadening travel options for #petowners.
More Owners Traveling with Pets for the First Time
Citing research from Shape Insights, the Amadeus report notes that pet travel is no longer limited to experienced owners. In both the UK and the US, 27% of parents who traveled with their pets on major holidays in 2025 were doing so for the first time.
The survey, conducted among nearly 2,900 travelers, suggests that changing attitudes toward pets—and stronger emotional bonds—are encouraging owners to include animals in their travel plans rather than leaving them behind.
Stress and Trust Remain Key Barriers
Despite growing interest in pet-friendly travel, significant challenges remain. According to Amadeus, the primary concern among pet owners is the potential stress placed on animals during travel, cited by 42% of respondents.
Other barriers include doubts about whether destinations are truly pet-friendly and concerns about restrictions once travelers arrive. These factors continue to limit adoption, even as more services become available.
The report emphasizes that the Pawprint Economy is not only about improving travel logistics, but also about addressing emotional concerns for both pets and owners.
Technology Steps In to Support Pet Wellbeing
To ease separation anxiety and improve pet care, owners are increasingly turning to technology-driven solutions. Amadeus highlights innovations such as AI-powered feeders that recognize individual pets, monitor eating behavior, manage leftovers and self-sterilize using UV light.
Wearable technology is also gaining traction. AI-enabled collars can track biometric data, offer continuous access to veterinary telehealth and allow owners to monitor health conditions remotely while traveling.
These tools provide reassurance for owners and open new product and service opportunities for the wider travel and #petindustries.
What This Means for the Travel Industry
According to Amadeus, the rise of pet-inclusive travel represents more than a passing trend. It signals the emergence of a distinct customer segment that expects travel experiences to account for animal companions alongside human needs.
As loyalty programs, booking platforms and cabin services evolve, pets are becoming an increasingly visible consideration in travel design. For the industry, this shift presents both operational challenges and long-term growth potential.
Broader Travel Trends Beyond Pets
In addition to pet-related developments, the Amadeus Travel Trends 2026 report identifies several broader shifts shaping tourism. Travelers are showing stronger interest in AI-powered planning tools that offer personalized recommendations and destination discovery.
Demand for faster, more seamless travel is also rising, including nonstop long-haul routes and biometric systems that reduce friction at airports. Pop culture continues to influence destination popularity, while personalized bookings—such as room features and in-room services—are becoming more common as travelers pay for tailored experiences.
SourceL GlobalPETS