UK set to see biggest Christmas pet migration
The UK is set to see the biggest Christmas pet migration, new research reveals.
Research of 2,000 dog and cat owners commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen reveals that owners are preparing their pets for an average of 105 miles in travel, but 700,000 pets are set to travel as many as 600 miles.
The study shows that residents of Wolverhampton and London will be travelling the furthest, with an average of 160 and 130 miles, respectively. While Cambridge and Walsall residents are planning to travel 34 miles.
The poll shows owners and their pets will be travelling by plane (13%), trains (27%), and cars (85%).
In addition, the study reveals that owners typically carry two additional pieces of luggage to ensure they have the right food and home comforts for their pets and 35% said they often pack more stuff for their pet than they do themselves.
The research also reveals that 30% of pet parents have never done a long journey with their animal and for more than 4.6 million pets it will be their first Christmas away from home.
Keeping pets comfortable on the move is the biggest concern for pet parents (45%), followed by animals suffering with anxiety (41%), boredom (20%), and needing comfort breaks (20%).
However, the research also reveals that 64% of pet owners would rather stay at home with their animals this Christmas than leave their four-legged friends behind. Just under half of the pet parents polled (45%) have turned down Christmas events or stays where their pets were not invited.
Lily’s Kitchen has joined forces with Great Western Railway (GWR) to launch the Santa Paws Express – a specially designed train that will run across the GWR network throughout the festive season.
Samantha Crossley, Marketing Director at Lily’s Kitchen, said: “We’re seeing more and more people involve their pets in all aspects of their lives, from trips to the office to dinners out or weekend brunches and of course, Christmas. But we understand that longer journeys can feel really daunting for pets and pet parents alike.”
She added: “We want to ensure they can enjoy these festivities with all the family – pets included – which is why we’ve partnered with GWR and Rory the Vet to make the Christmas migration a stress-free experience.”
