Pet Travel Services Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats, Others), By Travel Type ( Domestic, International), By Booking Type (Online, Offline ), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The global pet travel services market was valued at USD 1.89 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.66 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The global pet travel services market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising trend of pet humanization, increasing disposable incomes, and the growing number of households that consider pets as integral family members, thereby fueling demand for safe and convenient pet transportation solutions. The surge in international relocations, tourism, and migration has created a pressing need for specialized services that ensure pets’ comfort, safety, and regulatory compliance during travel, particularly as airlines, railways, and logistics companies enhance their pet-friendly offerings.

Additionally, rapid urbanization and evolving lifestyles have contributed to the demand for premium pet services, with owners increasingly seeking customized travel solutions such as luxury kennels, climate-controlled cabins, health monitoring, and insurance packages during transit. Technological advancements, including GPS tracking, mobile booking applications, and AI-enabled travel management platforms, are enhancing transparency and customer convenience, boosting confidence in service providers. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and stringent documentation requirements for cross-border movement are leading to increased reliance on professional pet travel agencies that specialize in handling veterinary certificates, quarantine clearances, and compliance with international standards. Rising pet adoption rates, particularly in emerging economies, and the growing influence of social media culture where pets feature prominently in lifestyle narratives are also positively impacting market expansion. The increasing collaboration between airlines, logistics players, and pet service companies is resulting in integrated offerings that cater to a broad spectrum of customer needs, from economy to premium travel. Moreover, the market is benefiting from the rising penetration of online booking platforms, which provide better accessibility, price comparisons, and tailored packages, thereby broadening customer reach.

Sustainability is also becoming a notable trend, with eco-friendly carriers and travel accessories gaining traction as environmentally conscious pet owners seek greener solutions. Despite challenges such as high service costs, varying regulatory environments across countries, and stress associated with long-distance travel for pets, the market outlook remains optimistic with continuous innovations in service models, expansion into untapped geographies, and rising investment from global and regional players. As pet ownership grows across demographics and owners increasingly prioritize their pets’ well-being during mobility, the global pet travel services market is set to witness sustained growth, evolving from a niche service segment into a mainstream component of the broader travel and logistics ecosystem.

Market Drivers

Rising Pet Humanization and Growing Pet Ownership Across the Globe

One of the most significant drivers for the global pet travel services market is the increasing humanization of pets coupled with a steady rise in pet ownership. In many households worldwide, pets are no longer regarded merely as animals but as family members who require the same level of comfort, safety, and well-being as humans.  According to a report by HealthforAnimals, pet ownership is surging in emerging markets. In China, pet ownership grew by 113% between 2014 and 2019, and experts predict that by 2024, China will have the largest pet population worldwide. Similarly, in South Korea, ownership rose from 5 million to 7.5 million between 2014 and 2018. This emotional shift has encouraged owners to extend their care into every aspect of their pets’ lives, including travel. Pet owners are increasingly reluctant to leave their pets behind when relocating domestically or internationally, traveling for leisure, or moving for work. This growing demand for seamless travel experiences has created opportunities for specialized pet travel services that prioritize animal safety, health, and comfort throughout the journey. Moreover, rising disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies, are enabling households to allocate more resources to premium pet services, from luxury kennels and personalized crates to veterinary care and insurance during transit. The pet adoption trend is also accelerating, with millions of new pet owners emerging annually, especially among younger generations and urban dwellers who value companionship. With urbanization and smaller family units becoming more common, pets are increasingly filling emotional and social roles for their owners, which amplifies the desire to ensure their inclusion in travel plans. This emotional attachment, combined with economic capacity and adoption growth, forms a strong foundation for the expansion of the pet travel services market globally.

Increasing International Relocation, Tourism, and Migration

Globalization, rising cross-border mobility, and expanding tourism are another powerful set of forces driving the pet travel services market. Global tourism nearly rebounded in 2024, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals, reaching 99% of pre-pandemic levels. As businesses expand internationally and people relocate for employment, education, or lifestyle purposes, the movement of pets across countries has become a necessity. Unlike domestic travel, international pet relocation involves far more complex requirements, including regulatory compliance, vaccinations, veterinary certifications, and quarantine protocols. This has significantly boosted the demand for professional travel agencies and logistics providers that specialize in navigating these challenges on behalf of pet owners. Additionally, the boom in global tourism has fueled a preference for pet-inclusive vacations, as owners increasingly seek to bring their pets along rather than leaving them in kennels or with caretakers. Airlines, railways, and hospitality players are recognizing this trend and launching pet-friendly initiatives, ranging from in-cabin travel options to specialized pet lounges and hotels that accommodate pets. International migration patterns, particularly from regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, further emphasize the need for structured, safe, and convenient pet relocation services that can handle varying rules and restrictions across borders. In fact, the emotional importance of keeping pets close during relocation is often one of the key concerns for families moving abroad, making professional travel services indispensable. As global mobility continues to increase due to education, work opportunities, lifestyle aspirations, and tourism, the pet travel services market is positioned to grow significantly by fulfilling this rising demand for safe, compliant, and stress-free pet movement worldwide.

Technological Advancements and Service Innovations Enhancing Customer Experience

The adoption of technology and continuous innovation in service models is a critical driver that is reshaping the pet travel services market. Digital transformation has made it easier for pet owners to plan, book, and monitor their pets’ journeys through online platforms and mobile applications. Online booking portals offer greater accessibility and transparency, enabling users to compare services, access detailed packages, and ensure compliance with travel regulations from the comfort of their homes. Innovations such as GPS-enabled collars, live video streaming during transit, and real-time health monitoring systems are enhancing trust and peace of mind for pet owners, making them more likely to opt for professional travel services. Furthermore, companies are increasingly investing in AI-driven platforms to optimize travel routes, manage documentation, and provide personalized recommendations based on the type of pet and travel destination. Service innovations are also evident in the introduction of climate-controlled cabins, luxury transport options, pet-friendly lounges at airports, and insurance packages that guarantee safety and care during unexpected disruptions. The integration of sustainability into pet travel—such as eco-friendly carriers and biodegradable travel accessories—caters to the environmentally conscious customer base, further differentiating services in a competitive market. By leveraging technology, pet travel providers are not only improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction but also building credibility in an industry where trust and transparency are paramount. This technological evolution ensures the market remains relevant to modern consumer expectations, offering both convenience and reliability, thereby driving greater adoption of professional pet travel services worldwide.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

High Costs and Limited Affordability for Many Pet Owners

One of the most pressing challenges in the pet travel services market is the high cost associated with transporting pets safely and in compliance with regulations. Unlike standard travel, pet relocation requires a range of specialized services, including veterinary checks, health certifications, customized carriers, insurance, climate-controlled transport facilities, and sometimes mandatory quarantine. For international journeys, costs can escalate dramatically due to flight ticket surcharges for pets, additional airline handling fees, and extensive documentation requirements. These expenses can run into thousands of dollars for a single trip, which makes such services inaccessible for a large segment of pet owners, particularly in developing economies where disposable incomes remain lower. Even within advanced markets, the decision to invest heavily in pet travel can pose financial strain on families who may already be managing the high costs of relocation or travel. Moreover, the lack of standardized pricing across service providers often leaves customers uncertain about actual costs, creating hesitancy in adopting professional services. While premium customers may opt for luxury pet travel offerings, the broader market is constrained by affordability barriers. This price sensitivity restricts growth potential, as a significant share of pet owners may choose alternatives such as leaving pets behind with caretakers, boarding facilities, or friends instead of paying for specialized travel arrangements. Addressing the challenge of affordability, while maintaining safety and compliance standards, remains one of the biggest hurdles for the long-term expansion of the global pet travel services market.

Complex and Varying Regulatory Frameworks Across Countries

Another major challenge for the pet travel services market lies in the highly fragmented and often stringent regulatory landscape governing the transportation of animals across borders. Different countries enforce varying rules regarding vaccinations, microchipping, health certifications, and quarantine durations, creating a maze of compliance requirements that can overwhelm pet owners and service providers alike. For example, some nations demand months-long quarantine periods, while others prohibit the entry of certain breeds altogether. These inconsistencies not only complicate planning but also introduce delays and additional costs, as service providers must carefully tailor solutions to meet the unique requirements of each destination. Airline policies add another layer of complexity, with varying rules about whether pets can travel in-cabin, as checked baggage, or as cargo, depending on the animal’s size, weight, and breed. Inconsistent enforcement and frequent policy changes further intensify the challenge, as pet travel agencies must stay updated in real time to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. The consequence of non-compliance can be severe, including denied boarding, prolonged quarantines, or even refusal of entry for pets, which can cause emotional distress for owners and reputational damage for service providers. This regulatory variability makes scalability difficult for global players and creates operational inefficiencies that smaller providers struggle to overcome. While professional agencies thrive on their ability to navigate these regulations, the fragmented framework remains a significant barrier that slows market growth and deters many pet owners from undertaking international travel with their pets.

Stress, Safety, and Ethical Concerns in Pet Travel

The issue of pet welfare during travel presents a significant challenge for the market, as concerns over stress, safety, and ethics continue to weigh heavily on both owners and regulators. Unlike human travelers, pets often face stressful conditions such as separation from their owners, confined spaces, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to loud noises during flights or long-distance travel. Reports of mishandling, injuries, or even fatalities during pet transport—though relatively rare—have gained high visibility through media coverage, undermining consumer trust in service providers and airlines. Certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic dogs and cats, face heightened risks during air travel due to respiratory complications, which has led many airlines to ban them entirely from cargo holds. These restrictions, while intended to ensure animal safety, limit service providers’ ability to cater to all breeds and customer needs. Ethical debates around whether pets should be subjected to long-distance travel at all have also gained traction, with some animal welfare groups advocating for stricter controls and alternatives such as local pet care services or virtual companionship solutions. For owners, the emotional stress of being uncertain about their pet’s condition during transit often leads to hesitation in choosing professional travel services. While innovations like GPS tracking, real-time updates, and climate-controlled cabins are helping mitigate these concerns, the fundamental challenge of ensuring pets’ psychological and physical well-being remains unresolved. Service providers must continuously invest in safety protocols, employee training, and transparent communication to build trust, but the perception of risk will remain a strong barrier for market adoption unless industry-wide standards for pet welfare are more firmly established.

Key Market Trends

Growing Integration of Luxury and Premium Services in Pet Travel

A major trend transforming the pet travel services market is the rapid rise of luxury and premium offerings that cater to affluent pet owners seeking comfort, exclusivity, and personalized care for their animals. Beyond simply ensuring the safe transport of pets, service providers are now investing in high-end travel solutions that mirror human luxury travel experiences. These include private jet charters designed for pets and their owners, luxury boarding kennels equipped with climate-controlled suites, spa treatments, customized meals, and even in-flight pet nannies to provide continuous care throughout the journey. Some specialized agencies also arrange concierge-style services such as door-to-door pickup, expedited documentation handling, and premium health monitoring to minimize stress for both pets and owners. This trend is particularly strong in developed regions such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, where rising disposable incomes and cultural attitudes toward pets as family members fuel demand for indulgent services. Social media also plays a significant role in amplifying this trend, as owners increasingly share images and videos of their pets enjoying luxury travel experiences, reinforcing the desirability of such services. Luxury pet travel is no longer viewed as a niche; rather, it is evolving into a mainstream premium segment, with growing competition among airlines, hospitality chains, and dedicated service providers to differentiate themselves through superior quality and exclusivity. As consumer expectations rise, luxury offerings are becoming a critical tool for providers to capture high-value customers and strengthen brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

Expansion of Pet-Friendly Infrastructure Across Travel and Hospitality Industries

Another defining trend in the pet travel services market is the steady expansion of pet-friendly infrastructure across airlines, airports, hotels, and transport hubs worldwide. Recognizing the rising number of travelers unwilling to leave their pets behind, airlines are increasingly introducing in-cabin travel options for smaller pets, specialized cargo holds for larger animals, and designated check-in counters for streamlined processing. Airports in key hubs such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia are investing in pet relief areas, grooming zones, and lounges specifically designed to enhance pets’ comfort during transit. Similarly, hotels and resorts are adapting to this growing demand by offering pet-friendly rooms, dedicated play zones, and curated pet amenities such as beds, toys, and menus. Ride-sharing platforms and local transport services are also beginning to adapt by including options for pet-inclusive travel, ensuring smoother last-mile connectivity. This infrastructural expansion reflects the shift toward a more inclusive travel ecosystem that accommodates pets as essential members of the traveling party rather than afterthoughts. Importantly, such improvements are not limited to developed markets; emerging economies with growing middle classes are also beginning to adopt pet-friendly standards, particularly in urban tourism hotspots. The expansion of pet-inclusive infrastructure creates a positive feedback loop, where better facilities encourage more pet owners to travel with their animals, thereby further fueling demand for professional pet travel services. This trend not only strengthens customer satisfaction but also pushes industry stakeholders to continuously innovate and collaborate in creating an end-to-end travel experience that integrates pets seamlessly.

Increasing Digitalization and Adoption of Smart Technologies

The digital transformation of the pet travel services market represents a crucial trend reshaping the customer journey and operational efficiency. Online booking platforms and mobile apps are increasingly becoming the norm, allowing pet owners to easily search, compare, and purchase travel packages tailored to their pets’ needs. These platforms provide transparency in pricing, real-time regulatory updates, and simplified documentation processes, which significantly enhance customer confidence. Beyond bookings, the integration of smart technologies such as GPS-enabled collars, wearable health trackers, and live video monitoring during transit has revolutionized the way owners engage with travel services. Real-time updates on pets’ location, behavior, and health status not only alleviate owner anxiety but also ensure accountability on the part of service providers. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied to personalize travel recommendations, predict regulatory requirements based on destination, and optimize routes to minimize stress and travel time for pets. Blockchain solutions are also being explored to ensure secure handling of pet medical histories, vaccination records, and regulatory documentation across borders. For service providers, digitalization enhances operational efficiency by enabling better fleet management, dynamic pricing models, and streamlined communication between veterinarians, airlines, and owners. In addition, social media platforms play a pivotal role in marketing, with customer testimonials and visual storytelling of pets’ travel journeys serving as powerful promotional tools. This wave of digitalization and smart tech adoption is not only elevating service quality but also expanding the market’s reach to younger, tech-savvy pet owners who prefer seamless, digital-first solutions.

Segmental Insights

Pet Type Insights

Dogs form the largest share of the pet travel services market and are the primary driver of demand across both domestic and international travel. Globally, dogs are the most commonly owned pets, and owners are particularly attached to ensuring their comfort and safety while traveling. Dogs are often regarded as integral companions for both daily life and leisure activities, which makes their inclusion in travel plans more common compared to other pets. The market for dog travel services includes specialized airline options, custom crates, insurance packages, and premium in-flight care. Dogs are also more likely to accompany their owners on vacations, relocations, and adventure trips, which boosts their contribution to the overall market. Service providers have increasingly developed dog-specific travel solutions, such as climate-controlled kennels, luxury cabins, and specialized grooming during transit. The regulatory framework is also relatively better structured for dogs, with most countries allowing entry provided vaccination and certification norms are met. This predictability adds to the convenience of offering travel services for dogs. Consequently, dogs represent not only the leading pet type segment but also the most commercially lucrative focus area for providers worldwide.

Travel Type Insights

Domestic travel dominated the market, as it is more frequent, cost-effective, and accessible compared to international travel. Many owners prefer traveling with their pets on vacations, weekend getaways, or within-country relocations, which contributes significantly to demand. Domestic travel is often less complex, requiring fewer regulatory checks and documentation compared to international movement. Airlines, trains, and even ride-hailing services in several countries have increasingly introduced pet-friendly policies, making domestic pet travel more convenient and affordable. This accessibility drives widespread adoption across income groups, not just affluent households. Moreover, domestic travel services are expanding into value-added offerings such as last-mile connectivity, pet-inclusive hotel bookings, and regional veterinary support. The simplicity and affordability of domestic movement make it the leading travel type in the global market, with a broad consumer base spanning both developed and emerging economies.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

North America was the leading regional market for pet travel services, primarily driven by high pet ownership rates, strong disposable incomes, and a deeply ingrained culture of pet humanization. The United States, in particular, accounts for a significant share due to its robust infrastructure of pet-friendly airlines, hotels, and domestic transport systems that make traveling with pets more convenient. Pet adoption rates are among the highest in the world, with a majority of households owning at least one pet, thereby ensuring consistent demand for travel solutions. Regulatory systems in North America are also relatively well-defined, making compliance manageable for professional service providers and boosting trust among consumers. Moreover, the presence of established players offering premium services such as luxury in-flight cabins, door-to-door relocation, and insurance packages further cements North America’s dominance. The region benefits from high awareness levels and widespread use of digital platforms, which drive online bookings for both domestic and international travel.

Recent Developments

• In 2025, Bark (formerly BarkBox) launched Bark Air, a luxury airline exclusively for dogs and their owners. The service offers lavish amenities like bone broth “champagne,” customized meals, dog passports, concierge planning, and in-flight care. Flights operate from private airports to international destinations such as London and Madrid.
• Starting in 2025, the new Spirit of Tasmania IV and V ships will feature 18 pet-friendly cabins each, complete with secure, climate-controlled kennels that only owners can unlock and CCTV surveillance. Pets can be visited during the voyage, with outdoor areas provided for exercise and relief. This marks a significant expansion of pet-inclusive ferry travel in Australia.
• Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, unveiled its first-ever dog-friendly cruise scheduled for November 2025. The cruise aboard the Islander will host up to 250 dogs and their owners, featuring “Pet Butlers,” costume contests, grooming, massages, and dedicated relief stations.

Key Market Players

• Pet Travel, Inc.
• Pet Express Animal Transport
• World Care Pet Transport, LLC
• AirPets Relocation Services Private Limited
• PETport
• PetRelocation, Inc.
• Starwood Animal Transport
• Happy Tails Travel, Inc.
• Blue Collar Pet Transport
• Worldwide Animal Travel Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Pet Travel Services market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·          Pet Travel Services Market, By Pet Type:

o   Dogs

o   Cats

o   Others

·         Pet Travel Services Market, By Travel Type:

o   Domestic

o   International

·         Pet Travel Services Market, By Booking Type:

o   Online

o   Offline 

·         Pet Travel Services Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global Pet Travel Services market.

Available Customizations:

Global Pet Travel Services market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

·         Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Pet Travel Services Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]