SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With Memorial Day kicking off the summer travel season, Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog lovers for hire, today released its annual summer travel report. The nationally representative survey of 1,000 U.S. pet owners uncovers surprising trends and shifts in travel preferences, specifically among millennials.
According to survey findings, pet owners on average are planning to take three overnight trips this summer─and more than a third (35%) are planning to travel as soon as this Memorial Day weekend. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation, pet parents are left with the major predicament: Who will watch their dogs while they’re away?
Highlights from the Rover.com 2015 Summer Travel Report
Searching for a Pet Sitter Can Feel Like a Treasure Hunt
- A majority (55%) of pet owners say that finding a great dog sitter is more difficult than finding a great babysitter.
- More than one third (39%) of pet owners admit to missing a trip because they couldn’t find a suitable sitter.
Fido is Greater than FOMO, Especially for Millennials
- 60% of millennials have not gone on a trip, and 62% have skipped an event (last minute trip, reunion, daytime outing with friends, after-hours work meeting, etc.) because they couldn’t find a dog sitter.
- As we head into wedding season, 13% of people say they’ve skipped nuptial-related activities, like a wedding, bachelor or bachelorette party, because they couldn’t find care for their dog.
Does Being Away From Your Dog Have You Singin’ the Blues? You’re Not Alone
- 40% of those with a significant other (including 50% of millennials), say it’s harder to leave their dog than their significant other for a week, and 37% admit to having cried at least once when leaving their dog for vacation.
- 80% would feel less guilty leaving their dog when they went on vacation if they felt more confident in their dog sitter.
“The mission of Rover is to help as many people as possible experience the love of a dog,” explains Rover CEO Aaron Easterly. “Having local, loving sitters a click away makes it possible for pet owners to enjoy summer vacations without worrying if their dog is getting the love they deserve. Rover sitters make sure your dog is having as much fun (or more) as you are.”
More than half (57%) of those surveyed said they’d likely give up an all-expenses paid vacation if they didn’t have a good sitter. But that begs the question, what makes a good sitter? According to the survey, the perfect dog sitter is one who sends frequent phone communication (53%), video chats and check-ins (31%), has positive third-party reviews and feedback (31%), and sends photos of their dog’s staycation (29%). Rover has now connected dog owners to more than 40,000 sitters in the United States. With 10,000 people joining each week, over a million nights have been booked through Rover and 95% of reviewed stays have received perfect five-star ratings. By connecting pet owners with the caregivers who meet their unique needs, owners can go on vacation knowing their pet is in good hands.
For more information and statistics, please reference Rover.com’s infographic here.
Survey Methodology
The Rover.com survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. adult dog owners between April 16 and April 23, 2015, using an email invitation and an online survey.
About Rover
Rover.com connects dog owners with a nationwide network of dog lovers for hire. Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a dog, Rover makes it easy for dog owners throughout the U.S. to reach sitters who offer in-home boarding, pet sitting, dog walking, and daycare. More than 92% of the population lives within a short drive of a sitter who has listed their services on Rover. Over a million nights have been booked through Rover and 95% of reviewed stays have received a perfect five-star rating. In addition to connecting pet owners with sitters, the Rover platform offers complimentary premium insurance for all services booked through Rover, access to 24/7 vet consultation, mobile apps, photo sharing, videos of stay highlights, and optional sitter background checks.
