Australians really do love their pets – so much so that one in three of us (30%) won’t go on holiday, according to research released today from house and pet sitting service TrustedHousesitters.
The study of 1,000 pet owners for TrustedHousesitters examined the lifestyle impacts that pets have on our travel habits. With 5.7 million households owning a pet in Australia (over 13 million people)[i], roughly 4 million people choose to stay at home rather than getting away, due to concerns around their pet’s wellbeing.
Of those that did go on holiday, the majority (69%) said they have felt guilty when leaving their pet behind to travel, while over one-third of Australian pet owners (36%) have turned down a weekend away, citing pet care difficult to arrange.
Additionally, 18% of respondents say they have regularly missed attending social engagements and 16% have left friends and family unvisited in favour of staying at home to ensure their pets are being cared for. Of those surveyed, 6% have even avoided going on dates, picking their pets over love.
“It’s a sad fact for pet owners that holidays can be such a hassle. One in 10 owners have even gone as far as to cancel a holiday,” explained Tim Lyons, TrustedHousesitters’ CEO.
“Pet sitting does rely on finding a sitter that you can trust, but there is no need to miss out on cultural and travel experiences just because you are a pet owner. On average, our members travel up to three times a year, which is more than most Australian pet owners as a result of having the peace of mind that comes with finding a sitter.”
Lyons continued, “TrustedHousesitters helps pet owners travel by connecting them with animal lovers who will look after pets in their own homes at no cost, with a network of owners and sitters in over 130 countries.”
When it comes to Australian pet owners who regularly take holidays, 29% opt for a trusted pet sitter versus putting their pet in a kennel or boarding house (21%), while 35% of pet owners will make arrangements for their furry friend to be cared for by friends or family. However, many pet owners are also conscious not to disrupt their pet’s routine.
Nearly one in four respondents said they would never travel overseas or even interstate without their pet.
“Australians may well prioritise their pets over visiting friends or dating, but it doesn’t mean they should forfeit a well-deserved holiday too. While it is hard not to worry about an animal that is essentially part of the family, TrustedHousesitters can help pet owners travel more frequently by connecting them with caring and trusted pet lovers who don’t charge a dollar,” added Lyons.
In a British study of veterinary experts conducted by TrustedHousesitters, 100% believed animals responded better to a new carer rather than a new environment as animals are particularly bonded to their home.
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