More Aussies Are Choosing Pet-Friendly Holidays As Travel Trends Shift

Pet-friendly holidays are quickly becoming one of Australia’s strongest travel trends, with more people choosing to bring their four-legged companions along for the journey. As one of the most pet-loving nations—home to nearly 28 million pets—it’s no surprise that Aussies are rethinking traditional holidays and seeking destinations that welcome the whole family, furry members included.

Recent data from the RSPCA shows that almost 70 per cent of Australian households now own at least one pet. This growing pet population is influencing the way people travel, sparking a surge in demand for accommodation, attractions, and dining options that allow pets. Today, more travellers are unwilling to leave their dogs behind—and the numbers back it up.

According to TripAdvisor, Australians are increasingly planning their holidays around pet-friendly options. Searches for dog-friendly restaurants have risen by roughly 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, interest in accommodation labelled “pets allowed” has surged by 22 per cent in early 2025. This shift highlights a broader cultural movement: pets are no longer an afterthought but a central part of holiday planning.

TripAdvisor’s data also identified the top pet-friendly destinations across Australia. These include Rye in Victoria, Rainbow Beach in Queensland, Mudgee in New South Wales, Robe in South Australia, and Dunsborough in Western Australia. These regions are increasingly recognised for their welcoming attitudes toward pets, offering plenty of open spaces, dog-friendly beaches, and walking trails.

To support this national shift, TripAdvisor has partnered with pet food brand My Dog to launch a co-branded digital hub dedicated to pet-friendly travel. The platform provides a streamlined way for pet owners to discover dog-friendly attractions, restaurants, and accommodations across the country. With city guides, curated recommendations, and an AI-powered trip-builder tool, the hub aims to make planning a pet-inclusive holiday easier than ever.

TripAdvisor sales director Scott Wegener says the initiative comes at the perfect time, reflecting both demand and opportunity. “Almost 30 per cent of all accommodation listed on our site is classified as pet friendly,” he explained. “There are about 20,000 pet-friendly stays across Australia that travellers may not even know exist.”

Wegener noted that many people assume pet-friendly accommodation is limited to rural cabins or beachside retreats. However, he highlighted the growing number of inner-city apartments and even luxury hotels that now welcome pets. “The market is expanding, and the variety of pet-friendly properties is becoming more diverse,” he said. “More than half of Australian pet owners plan to travel with their pets in the next 12 months.”

For many families, travelling with pets isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Sydney local Stacey Pinchbeck, 37, knows the challenge all too well. Alongside her husband, newborn, and two golden retrievers—Dolly and Darcy—she often searches for holiday spots that can accommodate the unique needs of her family. With one dog aged five and the other just 18 months, finding a place that will accept two dogs can be difficult.

“I always want to take them with us,” she shared. “Not only would I miss them, but I feel guilty leaving them behind. I’m also not comfortable having a sitter or a stranger in my home.”

Pinchbeck says travelling with dogs feels much easier overseas. “My sister lives in LA, and it’s standard there—dogs go to restaurants, hotels, everywhere. We’re improving here in Australia, but it’s still tough to find accommodation that allows more than one dog, especially larger breeds.”

Location also matters for dog owners who want easy access to parks, trails, or beaches. Many popular coastal areas still restrict dogs in certain zones, making it harder for families to enjoy beachside holidays without compromise. For travellers like Stacey, the new digital hub is a welcome development. “This app will make travel so much easier. Being able to find dog-friendly places to stay and eat in one place is a huge help.”

With pet ownership continuing to rise and more Australians prioritising pet-friendly travel options, it’s clear the trend is here to stay. As businesses and destinations adapt, holidaying with pets is set to become a mainstream part of Australia’s travel landscape—allowing families to make memories together, paws and all.