According to a survey Ipsos published in 2024, nearly 7 in 10 French people (69%) consider their pet to be a full member of their family, while more than a third (36%) even see them as their child. As such, it is unthinkable for most of them to go on vacation without their dog or cat. This trend is also observed almost everywhere in Europe; it is even very marked in certain countries, notably in Scandinavia.
Traveling with your pet is becoming a new habit for French and Europeans
This development is not lost on players in the European tourism sector. Thus, more and more cities in the Old Continent are adapting and offering pet-friendly services. Some even make it a real argument of attractiveness.
The expression “pet-friendly” is now one of the most used filters on the platform. Booking.com. Furthermore, 37% of dog owners say they only choose destinations suitable for dogs, according to Agriaa company specializing in pet health insurance.
European destinations are increasing their pet-friendly initiatives
In France, the Côte d'Azur and mountain destinations are very popular with pet owners, where pets are welcomed with open arms in an increasing number of places. With more than 10,000 pet-friendly accommodations, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is at the top of the ranking of the most dog-friendly regions according to the 2026 Dog Travel Barometer published by DodoDog. Nationally, it indicates that more than 63,000 accommodations accept dogs. The PACA region is followed by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where more than 9,000 accommodations are accessible to little ones.
In the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdamanimals have access to many public transport options. They are also authorized in many cafes and shops. Hotels and houseboats accepting furry friends and offering various adapted services (dog-sitting, sleeping accommodations, etc.) are legion.
In Italy, more and more private beaches, such as the famous Bau Beach next to Romeare open to dogs, who can enjoy showers, shaded areas, water dispensers and play areas.
On the other side of the Adriatic, in Croatia, there are also pet-friendly destinations by the sea. Split, Dubrovnik or the island of Krk are part of it. On the program: boat excursions to the islands, walks on coastal paths, discovery of port villages on foot and ferry crossings made easier for travelers accompanied by their dog.
HAS Stockholmwelcoming animals is a real no-brainer. Dogs are welcome in many cafes, shops and hotels, but also sometimes in some offices and shopping centers in the Swedish capital. The city also has many green spaces where they can walk freely, such as Djurgarden Or Hagaparken. Ferries connecting the archipelago's islands also allow dogs, providing an easy and enjoyable way to explore Stockholm and its surroundings with his 4-legged friend.
Services that evolve to support the new expectations of owners
So, while traveling with a pet is gradually becoming a new norm, services dedicated to owners are also evolving to meet these growing expectations. Among the actors supporting this transformation is Agria Pet Insurance. Present in France with insurance for dogs and cats that can be adjusted according to the breed, the needs of the animal and the budget of each owner, Agria supports families throughout all stages of their companion's life, to enable them to take full advantage of these new forms of mobility, on vacation and in everyday life.