As temperatures cool, pet-loving families are increasingly seeking outdoor activities and getaways that accommodate their furry friends. Consequently, the lodging industry is seeing a significant boost in demand for pet-friendly options.

Increasing Pet Travel and Accommodation Experiences

• Increase in Pet Travel Experience: From 53% in 2022 to 60.4% in 2023, the number of pet owners taking their pets on trips grew.
• Accommodation Preferences: Pensions stole the show with 49.1%, followed by hotels (20.8%), camping/glamping (16.2%), and condo/resorts (15.8%).
• Growth in Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Between 2022 and 2023, the number of domestic accommodations allowing pets increased by 25.8%, from 3,860 to 4,856.

The surge in pet-friendly accommodations reflects the growing trend of pet parents treating their pets as integral family members, opting to share experiences and travel together.

New Initiatives Catering to Pet Lovers

To establish themselves as pet-friendly destinations, accommodations are introducing specialized programs. For instance, Sono International offers a ‘Sonopet’ complex cultural space with dedicated benefits, including a 2-hour pet boarding ticket and free admission for two people. Kensington Resort is set to launch a pet yoga program next month, led by a professional instructor who will guide both pets and their guardians through stretching exercises that promote psychological stability and strengthen bonds. Additionally, Pet Hotel Kinox offers a dog fitness program that focuses on healing and recovery, as well as pet parenting counseling.

Did you know? The pet rearing population is estimated to have surpassed 15 million in South Korea, around 30% of the total population, with a market size projected to reach $15.2 billion by 2032.

The Industry’s Take on Growing Demand

“As more people look for spaces to share with their dogs, demand for pet-friendly accommodations is surging.”

An industry professional weighs in on the growing trend, highlighting the industry’s response to the increasing number of pet owners seeking accommodations that cater to their furry companions.