Vietnam, 9 April 2026: In 2025, global searches for pet-friendly accommodation on Booking.com soared to nearly 15 million* (APAC 2.3 M), making it one of the top 10 search filters on the platform. Meanwhile, consumer spending on pets reached roughly $157B by the end of that same year**. As the world celebrates International Pet Day on 11 April, Booking.com shares trends focusing on how Vietnamese travellers are increasingly integrating their pets into their 2026 travel itineraries.
The Rise of the “Pet-First” Mindset
According to Booking.com’s latest research, pets are no longer an afterthought but a primary factor in how Vietnamese travelers plan and experience their journeys. This influence extends from the type of stay to how destinations are explored. The data reveals that 60% of Vietnamese pet owners prefer vacation rentals and apartments, highlighting a preference for more space and flexibility these accommodations offer. 17% of Vietnamese travelers also look at pet policies before booking deciding where to stay. Furthermore, with 1 in 4 (25%) Vietnamese travelers leaving their pets at their accommodation during excursions, making availability of suitable amenities a critical factor in the booking decision.
Shaping the Itinerary
Pets also influence the “where” and “what” of travel. While traveling with their companions, Vietnamese travelers are prioritizing pet-inclusive activities: 58% went on hiking/nature walks in rural areas or parks, 50% visited a dog-friendly beach or swimming area, 60% went sightseeing in pet-friendly towns and city centers and 55% dine at dog-friendly patios, restaurants or breweries.
When it comes to transportation, the data reflects a preference for ground travel with 93% of travelers favoring spontaneous, flexible road trips, suggesting that more pets will be joining their owners on the open road this year. In addition, while 43% are willing to fly with their pets, 12% of Vietnamese travelers admit they feel stressed about the flying experience.***
As pets continue to evolve from companions to playing a key part in the decision-making process, their influence now spans every aspect of the journey, from the destination and accommodation to the mode of transport.
Whether it’s by land or by air, Booking.com remains committed to taking the friction out of travel for the entire family. For even more insights into the trends driving travel this year, visit Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions.
Methodology
*Searches for accommodation on Booking.com between January 6 through December 31, 2025, with the ‘pets allowed’ filter applied
**Pet Spending Statistics, https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/pet-spending-statistics/
***Travel Trends 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised 32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.
Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
About Booking.com:
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.
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Source: Vietnam Insider