Subaru: Holiday Plans Are Going To The Dogs

If you find yourself making travel plans with your furry family member in mind, you're not alone. A new Subaru study finds that pets are reshaping the way Americans travel. According to the study, 73% of pet owners are more likely to drive instead of fly as they increasingly prioritize their four-legged family members. The study's release comes amid Subaru Loves Pet Month, which takes place every October.

According to the new survey, about three in four (73%) said they are more likely to take a road trip than fly, specifically so they can bring their pet along. As the holidays approach, more than two-thirds (68%) said their pet will affect their travel plans this year, and nearly half (45%) have turned down travel opportunities that couldn’t accommodate their pet.

 The survey was conducted by Talker Research among 2,000 U.S. drivers and pet owners.

Here's a look at more study data:

• Change of plans: More than one in four pet owners may change their plan because of their pet, whether that means hosting instead of traveling (10%), shortening or simplifying a trip to care for their pet (10%), or skipping certain gatherings if their pet can’t join (8%).
• Homeward bound: Among pet owners who have traveled with their animals, the study found that Gen Z and millennials are more likely to have brought their pet home for the holidays than Gen X and boomers (35% compared to 22%).
• Taking the long road: Nearly half (45%) start planning a pet-friendly long weekend at least three weeks in advance, and 24% start more than a month out.

When pets join their families on the road, the study indicates that companionship and comfort take priority for drivers.

• Passenger preference: When it comes to preferred driving partners, the study found that over half (51%) say they prefer traveling with a pet to traveling with a human.
• Room to roam: Plenty of room between pets, passengers, and luggage tops the list of features pet owners say matter when traveling with an animal (32%).
• In the rearview: Good visibility to see their pet follows closely behind (29%), while 27% prioritize easy-to-clean seats and cargo areas.
• Packing up: More than one in four (26%) prioritize cargo space for crates, carriers, beds, or gear. Among hybrid and EV drivers, that climbs to 35%, according to the study.

The study also found that younger generations are more likely to plan around their pets, bring them along, and consider more trips in the future.

• Road trip regulars: According to the study, 75% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials have taken their pet on a road trip in the past five years, compared with 58% of Gen X and 40% of baby boomers.
• Pet-first plans: Younger pet owners are also more likely to say they plan travel around their pet, with 42% of Gen Z and millennials doing so compared with 27% of Gen X and boomers.
• Ready to roll: Among pet owners who haven’t yet road-tripped with their pet, 74% of Gen Z and millennials would consider it, compared with 54% of Gen X and boomers.

Subaru Loves Pets Initiative

October marks Subaru Loves Pets month and the brand's annual National Make A Dog’s Day is coming up on October 22. Subaru has long championed pets across the country, with a special focus on helping shelter animals and underdogs find homes.

Subaru of America recently announced that through its Subaru Loves Pets Initiative, it along with its participating retailers, will provide nearly $3.2 million this year in direct financial assistance to local animal shelters through grants administered by the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).