New research from Motel 6 reveals that as Americans are hitting the roads, they will be doing so with their pets, as the majority (54%) of cat and dog owners noted they plan to travel with their pet in the next year.
The poll of 1,000 U.S. individuals found that nearly seven in 10 (68%) say their pet deserves a getaway this year, but only 8% of respondents prepare for a trip with their four-legged friend by researching pet-friendly travel websites.
More than one-third of those planning to travel with their pet within the next year (39%) say the next trip they plan to take is a road trip.
While three-quarters (75%) of individuals planning to travel with their pet in the next year love traveling with their pet, 44% say that the biggest hurdle is finding pet-friendly lodging accommodations. Nearly two in three (65%) individuals planning to travel with their pet in the next year believe pet-friendly hotels should not charge extra for a pet.
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Having traveled with a cat since the pandemic began, I am tell first hand that “pet friendly” is not equally friendly to cats. The majority of independent hotels and Inns which claim to be pet friendly are dogs only. This includes Airbnbs. A few reliable brands for cats include Home2Suites (by Hilton) and Residence Inn (by Marriott). I chose one bedrooms, not suites so that if housekeeping accidentally opens the door, there is a second door to prevent an escapee. I also have pre-printed, laminated signs that I place on the outer and inner doors. I do not stay on ground floors either. My cat loves the excitement of each new hotel room, and jumps right into the window to check out the squirrels and birds. She’s a great companion and I hope to see more chains opening their hearts to felines.