Pet Travel Blog | Starwood Pet Travel

Starwood Rewind: Pet Travel Statistics, Trends, and Insights from 2025

Written by Starwood Pet Travel | December 29, 2025

Every year tells a story — and 2025 was a big one for global pet travel.

From international relocations to cross-border reunions, thousands of pets traveled safely with their families this year. In this Starwood Rewind, we’re breaking down the international pet travel statistics, trends, and insights that defined 2025.

How Many Families Moved Their Pets in 2025?

In 2025, Starwood Pet Travel helped over 2,015 families move their pets internationally.

Each journey required careful coordination across airlines, countries, and veterinary regulations — all while keeping pets safe, comfortable, and supported every step of the way.

Total Pets Transported Worldwide

This year, we transported 2,062 pets across the globe.

Breakdown by Species:

  • 1,322 dogs

  • 740 cats

From short-nose breeds to long-haul flyers, every pet’s travel plan was tailored to their specific needs.

Top International Pet Travel Destinations

Pets traveled to 38 different countries in 2025, reflecting continued growth in global mobility for pet families.

Top 5 Pet Travel Destinations

  1. United Kingdom

  2. United States

  3. Australia

  4. New Zealand

  5. Spain

These destinations consistently rank high due to strong relocation demand, pet-friendly infrastructure, and established import frameworks.

Most Popular Dog and Cat Names

Some pet names clearly stood out in this year’s data.

  • 🐶 Most popular dog name: Charlie

  • 🐱 Most popular cat name: Bella

Classic, timeless, and universally loved — much like the pets themselves.

Most Popular Dog Breeds for International Travel

Dogs of all sizes traveled in 2025, but these breeds topped the list:

  1. Labrador Retriever

  2. Terriers

  3. Doodles

  4. Golden Retriever

  5. German Shepherd

These breeds are frequently seen in international relocations due to their adaptability, temperament, and strong family bonds.

Most Popular Cat Breeds for International Travel

Cats made up a significant portion of international pet moves this year.

Top breeds included:

  1. Domestic Shorthair

  2. Domestic Longhair

  3. Domestic Mediumhair

  4. Siamese

  5. Maine Coon

From independent explorers to social companions, cats continue to travel globally alongside their families.

What These Pet Travel Trends Tell Us

The 2025 data shows a continued rise in international pet relocation, driven by:

  • Global workforce mobility

  • International moves and long-term relocations

  • Families prioritizing pets as permanent members of the household

As travel writer Deborah Lloyd notes:

“Travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.”

Pet travel is no longer an exception — it’s an expectation.

Looking Ahead to Global Pet Travel in 2026

As we move into the next year, international pet travel continues to evolve. Regulations shift, destinations change, and demand grows — but one thing remains constant: pets go where their families go.

We’re proud of every journey completed in 2025 and look forward to helping even more pets travel safely and confidently in the years ahead.