Pet Owners Favor Road Trips Over Flying
A Subaru-commissioned survey of 2,000 U.S. drivers and pet owners finds pets are shaping holiday travel decisions.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Pets — General
Live Poll
Would you choose a road trip over flying so your pet can come along?
A survey commissioned by Subaru of America and conducted by Talker Research found that 73% of pet owners are more likely to take a road trip than fly so they can bring their pet. The results were published November 5, 2026.
Why it matters
Respondents say holidays are meant for spending time with family, including pets, which leads many owners to factor pets into travel planning. For U.S. households, the findings suggest pets are becoming a central consideration in choosing how and where to travel.
The Talker Research online survey of 2,000 U.S. drivers and pet owners, conducted July 13-17, 2026, found 73% of owners would rather road trip than fly with their pet. It did not measure whether these stated preferences led to actual trips.
The players
Subaru of America
Subaru of America is the U.S. arm of the Japanese automaker Subaru, which commissioned the survey and markets vehicles with an emphasis on road travel and outdoor activity.
Talker Research
Talker Research is a market research firm that conducted the online survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who drive and own cats or dogs.
The details
Forty-five percent of respondents said they have turned down travel opportunities that could not accommodate their pet, while 10% host gatherings instead of traveling and 8% skip certain gatherings if their pet cannot attend. Gen Z and millennial owners who traveled with animals were more likely to bring them home for the holidays, at 35% compared with 22% of Gen X and baby boomers.
Timeline
July 13-17, 2026: Talker Research conducted the online survey among U.S. pet owners and drivers.
November 5, 2026: Subaru published the survey results.
Holiday season 2026: 68% of respondents said pets will affect their travel plans.
Industry Context
Pet-inclusive travel has been tracked in national pet-industry surveys such as those compiled by the American Pet Products Association, which document rising household spending on pets. This Subaru-commissioned study adds holiday travel to that body of data.
Owners weighing holiday travel may find that road trips are easier to plan around a pet than air travel, since 45% of respondents have already passed on trips that could not accommodate their animal. Booking lodging and transport that allows pets in advance may reduce the chance of having to decline a trip.
The takeaway
If a pet is part of your travel plans, consider whether a road trip with room for your animal, your luggage and your passengers would fit your holiday better than flying. Checking pet policies early can prevent last-minute changes.
Further reading
For more on how pets shape everyday choices, explore Pets — General coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
Live Poll
Would you choose a road trip over flying so your pet can come along?
