Whether it’s a dog in a bandana riding shotgun or a cat curled up in a sunbeam, more and more young Texans are staying home with their fur babies instead of hitting the road. And I can totally understand; I just got a puppy and as we approach that time of year where I take a summer vacation, I may have to turn it into a stay-cation just because I don’t know who I can leave this dog with!
New research shows that over half of pet parents now skip travel plans altogether, not because of budget or time, but because they don’t want to leave their pets behind! And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t canceled a trip after catching that sad face while packing a suitcase? Pet guilt is real, y’all!
From planning vacations around pet-friendly hotels to choosing road trips over flights, it’s clear: the new travel trend in Texas might just be staying home with your four-legged best friend.
Young Texans Are Skipping Travel to Stay Home With Their Pets
And it’s not just a few pet lovers here and there- this is a full-blown trend! A recent survey from TrustedHousesitters found that 56% of pet parents nationwide say they travel less since getting a pet, and the guilt is very real.
More than half of them plan entire vacations around pet-friendly accommodations, while 22% skip flying altogether just so they can bring their pets on the road. And when they do leave their pets behind? One in three spend a chunk of their vacation glued to their phones checking in with the sitter.
And yes, over half say their pet has given them the “don’t leave me” face while they’re packing- and it works. 52% said they felt too guilty to go. This is my cat’s exact face, while sitting in my duffel bag, as I was packing for Vegas one year!
Pet Guilt is Real: More Young Texans are Skipping vacations for their pets
A Texas-Sized Shift in Priorities
While Texas is known for its love of road trips- from Big Bend to the Hill Country to Gulf Coast getaways- it looks like a lot of younger folks are swapping their weekend bags for dog beds and Netflix snuggles.
READ MORE: Texas Lands Spot Among the Best States for Road Trips
The good news? You don’t have to travel far to relax. Whether it’s a hike with your dog at Franklin Mountains State Park, patio brunch at a pet-friendly café in Austin, or just a long nap on the couch in San Antonio, home can still feel like a vacation- especially when it comes with tail wags and purrs!
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