Many New Zealanders are planning to take their pets with them on holiday this summer, while others are relying on family members or commercial services.

More than 1800 people have been polled on their summer plans in the latest PD Insurance Human-Pet Bond Survey.

The results - released to the Herald and Newstalk ZB - show Kiwis are divided between five key options for their pets.

People travelling with their pets

Almost a third of respondents - 30.2% - plan to travel with their pets this summer.

The SPCA said people should carefully consider how to travel with their pets, including containing them with carry cages, crates, properly fitted dog harnesses, keeping windows up or just slightly open, putting them in the back seat rather than the front, and talking to vets about how to make journeys comfortable.

“If possible, try to get your pet used to being transported before any long trips to reduce stress. This can be done through gentle and patient training of the animal in the vehicle, making sure their experience is positive. Introduce them to short trips first. Build up to longer trips slowly and only when your pet is ready and coping well,” it noted.

“Stop frequently during longer trips to allow your dog to exercise and go to the toilet. When leaving the car with your dog, they should always have a collar, ID tag, registration, and leash on.”

Short-term accommodation platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach provide listings for pet-friendly accommodation.

“Even if a listing says pets are allowed, always contact the host to confirm, tell them about the pets you plan to bring, and find out if restrictions apply. For instance, pets may not be allowed on beds or sofas,” Airbnb’s website states.

“When you book a pet-friendly rental, look for outdoor space (whether that’s a nearby park or a private yard), to give your pup their much-needed time in nature. What’s available will vary according to destination and type of accommodation,” Bookabach’s website notes.

People leaving pets with family or friends

Almost one in five respondents - 18.4% - will be leaving their pets with family or friends.

The SPCA said it was important to remember a pet needs more than just food and water to meet their welfare needs, and arrangements need to be made in advance.

“If your pets can’t go with you, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons when deciding where they will stay, and with whom.”

People leaving pets with kennels, catteries, pet resorts and pet sitters

About one in six respondents - 16.6% - plan to leave their pets with kennels, catteries, pet resorts and pet sitters.

The SPCA recommended people ask their vet for recommendations, and Consumer NZ advised facilities need to be clean, have adequate lighting and ventilation, and have separate areas for animals requiring isolation because of health or behavioural problems. 

“Like any business in New Zealand, catteries and kennels are required to comply with the Consumer Guarantees Act. This includes using reasonable care and skill in the provision of their services,” a Consumer NZ spokesperson said.

“Catteries and kennels must also meet other requirements set out in the Animal Welfare Act - basic things like providing adequate food and exercise, all the way through to ensuring trained staff onsite can assess animal health and behavioural issues.”

People opting not to travel

More than a fifth of respondents - 22.8% of respondents - are not travelling with their pet this summer.

Almost one in 10 - 9.5% - are not travelling specifically because of their pet.

Stats NZ data suggests Kiwis are having fewer “staycations” than they have in previous decades, with spending on domestic travel having risen steadily.

People keeping their pet alone with someone feeding them and checking up on them

About one in 14 respondents - 7.1% - plan to leave their pet alone at home with someone feeding them and checking up on them.

SPCA Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan has previously said it is neither safe nor responsible to leave your pet on their own for an extended period as they can easily become distressed or anxious.

“Taking care of a pet isn’t just about making sure they have the basic necessities of food, water and shelter, it’s also vital that their mental welfare is met, and this simply cannot be done if they are left on their own all day and night.

“Dogs and cats, in particular, can experience distress and anxiety if their families leave them alone for long periods of time.”

Michael Sergel is Newstalk ZB’s business reporter, covering the daily life of business and the business of daily life. He’s been covering business, politics, local government and consumer affairs for over a decade.