Paws on tour: pets shape Brits’ holiday plans but many hit by unexpected costs

For many owners, pets are part of holiday decision-making from the outset. More than six in ten (62%)^[1] UK cat and dog owners take their pet on holiday with them, with two in five choosing to stay with friends and family (41%) or in pet-friendly accomodation (40%) as a result).  

But while many owners plan their trips around their pets, unexpected events can cause financial and logistical challenges. Direct Line's study of 2,000 pet owners found that nearly three in ten (29%) have had a pet require veterinary treatment shortly before or during a holiday. Meanwhile, almost a quarter (23%) admit they do not feel prepared for unexpected pet-related costs or emergencies while they're away.

For those owners whose pets became unwell before or during a trip, the impact was significant. More than a third (34%) had to pay unexpected veterinary bills, while over a quarter (26%) were forced to arrange alternative pet care at short notice. A third of owners (33%) also spent part of their holiday worrying about their pet's health or wellbeing, highlighting the emotional toll these situations can have.

In some cases, the disruption even extended to travel plans themselves, with nearly one in five (17%) changing or delaying their holiday and over one in 10 (11%) cancelling their trip altogether.

Sherel, 34 from London, received an urgent call while on holiday after her dog, Gatsby, needed emergency veterinary treatement. She said: “We’d just got engaged on holiday when I received an urgent call from the friend looking after our dog, Gatsby. He’d eaten chewing gum, which is highly poisonous to dogs and can be fatal.

"A vet advised that Gatsby needed immediate treatment and monitoring. It was frightening because we were hundreds of miles away. Instead of celebrating our engagement, we were anxiously waiting for updates.

"Thankfully, Gatsby made a full recovery, but it really brought home how quickly a pet emergency can happen. While we were ultimately able to cover the cost of the treatment, it wasn't something we'd budgeted for, and it added extra financial pressure and worry.

The pet care challenge

Even when everything goes to plan, many pet owners surveyed face costs to ensure their pets are properly cared for while they were away.

More than a third (38%) leave their pet at home when they go on holiday, with those arranging paid-for care spending an average of £396.62 on pet care for a one-week holiday – equivalent to £56.66 per day.

The cost is even higher among younger pet owners, with those aged 25-34 spending an average of £84.96 per day on pet care while they’re away, closely followed by Gen Z, averaging £83.68 per day – almost 50% more than the national average.

Adam Burgin, Head of Pet Trading and Customer at Aviva, said: “Pets are a central part of the family, so it’s no surprise that they play a major role in how people plan their holidays. Whether it’s choosing a pet-friendly destination or arranging care while they’re away, many owners factor their pets into every stage of their trip.

“But our research also highlights the challenges that can arise when things don’t go to plan. From needing unexpected veterinary treatment shortly before a trip to emergencies while owners are away, pet-related incidents can cause significant stress, disruption and unforeseen costs.”

"Whether you're taking your pet on holiday or leaving them in someone else's care, it’s worth planning ahead in case the unexpected happens. Having the right cover in place can also provide peace of mind should your pet need veterinary care.”

ENDS

References:

^1. _{This research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 cat and dog owners with data collected between 16.03.2026-20.03.2026. Additional research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 pet owners with data collected between 13.07.2026 - 16.07.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. [↑]}

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About Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com