London, Aug 31, 2008 – TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual travelling with pets survey of more than 1,600 travellers. Among people that own pets, 61 percent have travelled with a pet and 17 percent said the number one reason they travel with their pet(s) is they enjoy spending their holiday with them. Sixty-five percent of survey respondents own a pet.  

In the Dog House
Forty-four percent of travellers think hotels should be more accommodating for pets, which is down four percent from last year. Among pet owners, 24 percent would most like to see hoteliers provide a pet-sitting service and 17 percent asked for separate housing/hotel kennel. Fifty-six percent of all travellers do not think there are any pet-friendly hotel chains. 

Doggie Diggs
Paws pads are a priority when travelling with a pet, as 46 percent of pet owners said they will only stay at accommodations that are pet friendly. This attitude was especially strong among dog owners (58 percent.) Thirty-eight percent of respondents with a pet said they would pay more to stay somewhere that is pet friendly. For the second straight year, Best Western is the most pet-friendly hotel chain according to the survey. 

Pets and Petrol
The high cost of fuel is even impacting our furry friends. Travellers may be less likely to see Rover hanging out the window of a car, as 20 percent of pet owners said they are less likely to travel with their pet(s) because of the high cost of fuel. Eighty-five percent of pet owners said that when travelling with a pet, they typically travel by car. 

Pet Predicament
Although many people like to travel with their pet(s), there are concerns. Twenty-five percent of pet owners cited animal stress as their biggest concern about travelling with a pet and 23 percent said the fact that no one can look after their pet while they are sightseeing/touring is their biggest concern. 

Whisker Withdrawal
Thirty-two percent of pet owners take shorter vacations and 21 percent take fewer vacations, down from 25 percent last year, to limit the time they are away from their pet(s). Twelve percent of pet owners said their pet prevents them from going on vacation. Six percent of people indicated they would be interested in renting a pet while travelling. 

Pets and Passports
Six percent of pet owners taking part in the survey said they have obtained a pet passport. 

“For many people, a pet is a member of the family and leaving them home is not an option,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “As it’s clear there is a demand for pet-friendly accommodations, look for more and more hotels to add pet amenities.” 

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Pet-Friendly UK Accommodations

1. Stone House Hotel, Hawes. North Yorkshire, England

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The level of acceptance and tolerance of dogs was nothing short of amazing, and yet the hotel does not sacrifice standards...”

2.  Millbrook Cottages, Umberleigh, Devon, England

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Perfect for dog - Perfect for us – TOTAL RELAXATION & ROMANCE”

3. Can-y-Bae, Llandudno, NorthWales, Wales

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Great people and extremely dog friendly..  The hotel was immaculate, providing a friendly & homely environment to both families and their pet dogs. The hotel is ideally situated at the centre of Llandudno's promenade, which was great for taking our dog for a morning stroll before tucking in to the fabulous full cooked breakfast at the hotel.”

4. Elvey Farm, Pluckley, Kent, England
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The best part - we took our 4 month old puppy with us and he loved it too!”
5. Long Shadows B&B, Lock Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Our host and his dog made us very welcome.”
6. Trigony House Hotel, Dumfries, Scotland
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We took our dog and 'dog friendly' does not do it justice! Dog loving seems more accurate, a welcome note from the resident dog, toilet bags and treats were left in the room.”
7. Tomich Hotel, Beauly, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
 
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “My daughters loved the fact that people stay here with their dogs.”
8. Craig-y-Nos Castle, Brecon Beacos National Park, Wales
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “This is a Hotel which welcomes dogs with open arms and provides amenities for them as well as the humans which accompany them”.
9. Ferintosh Guest House, Dumfries, Scotland

As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We loved the "wee dram" - plus mutt chews & biccies in our room; a lovely touch we shan't forget.”

10. Kilcamb Lodge Hotel, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “We brought along both our dogs and they too were made more than welcome, which was a great surprise from such an elegant hotel.”

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