Some people are seeing the world with new travel companions: Their pets. According to a report from the American Pet Products Association, in the last year more pet owners than ever — roughly nine in 10 — took their furry friends along on the family vacation.¹

Pet travel is emerging as a major industry, projected to more than double in value to some $4.6 billion by 2032.² An estimated two in three U.S. households (66%) have pets today, and 97% of pet owners consider their pets to be a part of their family — so it’s not all that surprising that pets are joining loved ones going on holiday.³

Planes, trains, and automobiles

People taking trips traditionally might board their fur babies at a kennel or with friends or hire a sitter. But in the past year, a majority of dog (88%) and cat (90%) owners have brought along their pets on road trips, and 68% of dog and 80% of cat owners have taken their furry pals on planes.⁴

While several commercial airlines welcome little creatures in animal carriers, traveling with precious cargo can come at a cost: Pet-friendly U.S. carriers charge a fee for pets flying in the cabin, which typically ranges from $100-$150, depending on the airline.⁵

Bark Air, a new “pet-first” public charter designed for dogs, allows pups to roam freely in the cabin, with no size or breed restrictions, and offers perks like toys, treats, and scented towels for flight-time canine comfort.⁶ Ticket prices could have some yapping though, with domestic fares of around $6,000 and international ones hitting $8,000 per furry passenger and their human parent.⁷

Read more: Can you claim pets on taxes? The truth on the IRS "pet tax credit"

Pampered pooches and more

Rover and Fluffy aren’t just along for the ride. With over half of dog owners (55%) and more than one in three cat owners (36%) tailoring their travel to suit their pets, other sectors in hospitality are taking notice too.⁸

Some major hotel chains like IHG and Hilton are expanding their offerings to be more pet-friendly, and courting clients by promoting destinations that would help make for an enjoyable pet stay.⁹ Other hotels are rolling out pet amenities from plush four-legged robes and gourmet meals to spa treatments and walking services — and for some animal lovers, these may be as important as a pool or a spa when choosing vacation lodging.¹⁰

The famed Plaza Hotel in New York City offers pup packages from $100-$175 that include custom robes, a dog bed, dog macarons, and Evian water, and for a $750 fee, the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston will help couples getting married engage their dogs in the wedding festivities through spa sessions, flower collars, and photo sessions.¹¹

Cruises are on the itinerary too. Later this year, up to 250 dogs can “em-bark” with their owners on a six-night themed journey from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel, Mexico.¹² For a cool $7,000, one pup and two humans can enjoy a balcony room and activities like dog shows, trainings, costume contests, and parades where pups can put their best paw forward.

Read more: The pros and cons of pet insurance

Indulging Fido can pay off

While some price tags for cuddly travelers may be no vacation for human parents, the investment may pay off in other ways over the long term: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans (39%) associate pet ownership with good money habits, and almost as many (36%) say having a pet motivates them to reach their money goals.