Seven in ten dog owners feel guilty about going on holiday without their pet

Seven in ten dog owners admit they feel guilty about going on holiday without their dog, according to new research released during Pet Anxiety Awareness Month.

The Holiday Desires Report from Away Resorts surveyed 3,000 nationally representative Brits to explore travel preferences. As part of the study, 1,280 dog owners shared their views on holidaying with their pets.

The findings suggest that ‘pet parent guilt’ is influencing decisions, with many owners reluctant to travel without their four-legged companions. This comes against a backdrop of reports that 80% of pets in the UK suffer from anxiety.

The emotional impact is reflected online. One Reddit user wrote: “He’s my best friend, and I just feel so sad to be separated from him for a week.”

The report found that 75% of pet-owning parents with children aged 0–12 feel guilty holidaying without their pet, underlining the extent to which dogs are considered part of the family.

Holiday preferences are also shifting. More than half of respondents, 52%, favour beach and coastal breaks, while 46% prefer UK destinations. This trend may make it easier for owners to take their dogs with them.

Over a third of Brits, 37%, said pet-friendly accommodation and destinations are an important consideration when booking a trip, reflecting demand for travel options that cater for dogs as well as people.

Hannah Evans, Holiday’s Marketing Manager at Away Resorts, said, “Choosing a holiday destination is a big decision, and increasingly that decision includes thinking about our pets. For many dog owners, the guilt of leaving them behind when travelling abroad can take the shine off a trip before it’s even begun. UK holidays can offer the best of both worlds, from beautiful beaches and stunning coastal locations to countryside escapes that are often just a few hours down the road.

“Not only do staycations remove the hassle and stress of airport travel, but they also make it far easier to bring your dogs along, meaning no difficult goodbyes and no worries about how they’re coping at home. Recently, we’re seeing families choose dog-friendly UK breaks so every member of the family, including their four-legged companions, can enjoy quality time together.”