Subaru Finds Pets to Reshape 2026 Holiday Travels, Road Trip Plans

This week, Subaru released a report revealing just how central family pets are in holiday travel plans for Americans. The report found pet owners nationwide increasingly prioritize their animal companions when planning upcoming trips, so much so that 73 percent of U.S. drivers and pet owners surveyed said they’re more likely to bring their pet along.

“Holidays are meant for spending time with family, including our pets, so it’s no surprise that as people take the time to visit loved ones near and far, pets are factored into the planning,” said Christina Valente, Love Promise Community Commitment manager, Subaru of America, Inc. “We’ve always known that animals hold a special place in the hearts and homes of the Subaru community, and this research shows that same connection is shared by pet parents across the country.”

With the holidays approaching, more than two-thirds even said their pet will affect their travel plans this year, with nearly half of respondents having turned down past travel opportunities that couldn’t accommodate their pet.

Subaru also noted younger generations are more likely to plan around their pets, bring them along and consider additional trips in the future. In fact, 75 percent of Gen Z and 70 percent of millennials have brought their pet on a road trip in the past five years, compared to 58 percent of Gen X and 40 percent of baby boomers. And for those yet to take a road trip with a pet, 74 percent of Gen Z and millennials have said they would consider it.

So, when you and the family map out your upcoming fall, winter or holiday vacation and wish to bring your pet in tow, you may be more part of the greater shift than you’d think.

See the full report here.