About 11 per cent Indians are now taking their pets on international holidays in 2025: Report

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Travel has evolved a lot over the last decade if not more, and that is simply because people now not only travel with their friends and family, but also take their pets along on their trips. Pets have become an important part of people's lives that's why pet travel is unsurprisingly on the rise.

Amid the ongoing rise, global travel app Skyscanner has found that pets are no longer just companions - they're family. For Indian travellers, this bond is reshaping travel choices, with 11 per cent now taking their pets on international holidays in 2025, up from just 4 per cent in 2024. It has led them to launch The Pawprint Guide to help pet friends find ideal destinations, but not without ranking the top 10 most pet-friendly cities in the world for 2025.

The trend is unmistakable. As pets join the ranks of global travellers, countries like Italy, Japan, and Australia are leading the way by easing restrictions and embracing a more pet-friendly culture. This shift is reflected in the growing infrastructure, with 31 per cent of hotels and accommodations listed on the app are now welcoming pets in 2025.

This shift is making it easier than ever for owners to share incredible travel experiences with their furry companions. The guide identifies inspiring destinations where pets aren't just allowed but welcomed, with New York, Nice, and Valencia topping the list.

"We created The Pawprint Guide because pets are fast becoming a new traveller demographic. As pets become an integral part of Indian families, cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai are leading the way in making pet comfort a real priority - especially as more families consider their needs when planning international travel," said Mohit Joshi, who is the app's travel expert. "Navigating pet-friendly international travel can be challenging, which is why our Pawprint Guide offers clear inspiration for destinations that truly welcome pet parents and their furry companions, giving them the confidence to explore the world together," he adds.

The top 10 pet-friendly destinations have been ranked based on the number of pet-friendly accommodation, outdoor spaces, walkability, public transport, travel regulations, and pet-friendly restaurants and cafes.

Top 10 cities to travel with your pet in 2025 (global ranking):
1. New York in the USA has the highest number of pet-friendly accommodation and dedicated dog runs
2. Nice in France has dog-friendly beaches and canine hospitality
3. Valencia in Spain is best for dedicated dog parks
4. Rovinj in Croatia has the most dog beaches and scenic hiking trails
5. Brighton in UK is the most walkable with pet-welcoming amenities
6. Ljubljana in Slovenia is best for scenic dog strolls and pet-friendly accommodation
7. Grosseto in Italy is best for dog walks and road trips
8. Graz in Austria has off-leash dog zones and green spaces
9. Toronto in Canada is best for pet friendly-transport and scenic waterfront walks
10. Frankfurt in Germany is best for pet-friendly indoor and outdoor venues and city strolls.