Pets are influencing housing searches, workplace expectations, purchasing decisions, and travel choices. Drawing on two complementary surveys, the study explores how pet ownership is changing the places people choose, the experiences they value, and what they are willing to pay for.
5,393
Responses across two complementary surveys*
Q1–Q2 2026
Research conducted during the first half of 2026*
1,000 U.S. Adults
Surveyed by Veridata Insights**
Pet ownership affects more than what happens at home. The findings reveal that people consider their pets when choosing housing, evaluating workplace benefits, deciding where to spend, and planning how they travel.
Across each area, a consistent pattern emerges: people value organizations and experiences that recognize pets as part of the household. For housing providers, hosts, and employers, pet inclusivity represents an opportunity to create clearer policies, more relevant benefits, and stronger customer relationships.
Explore the findings by topic, from where people choose to live and work to how they spend, travel, and engage with pet-friendly businesses.
How pet-friendly housing, amenities, and responsible policies influence renter decisions.
Explore housing findings
How pet ownership affects wellbeing, loyalty, and financial decisions.
Explore spending findings
How pets influence accommodations, transportation, and travel spending.
Explore travel findings
Renters want welcoming communities, but pet friendliness alone is not enough. They also value visible benefits, documented animals, and policies that establish clear expectations for everyone.
What This Means for Housing Providers
Pet-friendly features can directly influence where renters choose to live and what they are willing to pay. Renters also show strong support for responsible screening practices, including vaccination records and behavior history.
For many employees, recognizing pets as part of the household matters beyond the home. Pet-friendly policies and benefits can influence how workers view their workplace and whether they choose to spend time in the office.
A Generational Shift Is Underway
Interest is particularly strong among younger pet owners. Employers evaluating office attendance, culture, and employee benefits should consider how pet ownership affects the expectations of today’s workforce.
Pets play a meaningful role in their owners’ emotional and social lives. That connection also affects financial decisions and how consumers respond to businesses that accommodate their pets.
Pet Inclusivity Can Build Consumer Loyalty
For many consumers, pet-friendly experiences are not simply a convenience. They can influence purchasing choices, brand affinity, and willingness to spend more.
Pet owners are already evaluating accommodations and destinations through a pet-inclusive lens. When the right experience is available, many are willing to change their plans or pay more.
Pet-Welcoming Travel Offers Pricing and Loyalty Opportunities
Clear pet policies, relevant amenities, and a genuinely welcoming experience can affect where pet owners book, what type of accommodation they choose, and how much they are willing to pay.
PetScreening helps housing providers manage household pets and assistance-animal accommodation requests, apply policies consistently, and build more pet-inclusive communities.
*The 2026 Pet Influence Report draws on two complementary surveys conducted in Q1–Q2 2026. The first gathered 4,393 responses from pet owners and non-pet owners, with an emphasis on understanding the experiences of pet-owning renters.
**The second survey was conducted by Veridata Insights among 1,000 U.S. adults age 18 and older. Together, the findings provide a broad view of how pets influence consumer expectations, economic choices and everyday experiences.
