Families planning fall camping, glamping, and RV trips are increasingly including pets in their travel plans, according to recent surveys. A PETS International report found that 72 percent of pet owners worldwide travel with their pets each year.
With autumn approaching and cooler temperatures setting in, campgrounds and resorts are preparing for heightened demand during fall and Halloween weekends.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, which operates more than 75 locations in the United States and Canada, is placing greater emphasis on pet-friendly accommodations and events.
The company has teamed up with camping expert, podcaster, and author Jeremy Puglisi to share guidance with families bringing pets on outdoor vacations.
“Nobody wants to leave their pets behind, and camping is a far better alternative to boarding them or staying in hotels or vacation homes,” Puglisi said, citing GoRVing data that shows 68 percent of RV owners bring pets along on trips, with most traveling with dogs.
Jellystone Park locations are known for fall and Halloween-themed weekends, which run through October and feature activities such as trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted houses, and campsite decorating.
Many events also incorporate pets, reflecting their growing role in family travel.
Trent Hershenson, vice president of Marketing, said many Jellystone Park locations have added amenities to support pet owners. “Fall and Halloween weekends are among the busiest of the year,” he said in a news release.
“With more families discovering camping and Jellystone Park, RV sites and pet-friendly accommodations often sell out.” Examples include fenced dog parks, cabins with attached “doggy dens,” and, at the Akron, Ohio location, a dog splash pad.
The emphasis on pet travel reflects a larger industry trend. For campground operators, pet-friendly amenities represent an opportunity to attract families who may otherwise choose alternative accommodations.
With hotels often charging higher pet fees, campgrounds can position themselves as more affordable, flexible options for travelers who want to include pets in their vacations.
For business owners, Puglisi’s advice offers a perspective on guest expectations. He recommends destinations that are close to home for first-time travelers, ensuring pets’ medical records and treatments are current, and preparing essentials such as insect repellents and first-aid kits.
During trips, he advises keeping pets leashed, monitoring their health daily, and accounting for rapid shifts in fall weather.
As demand continues to rise, campground operators and resort managers may find that investment in pet amenities, such as dog parks, splash pads, and pet-focused retail products, can enhance guest satisfaction and differentiate their properties in a competitive market.