International pet-setters: More than one in four take their pets on foreign holidays

15 August 2025

  • Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance has found that more than one in four (26%) have taken their pets on a foreign holiday with their owners.
  • More than two in three (68%) of those who take their pets on holiday, will also have their pets join them on flights.
  • The majority (56%) of those who have taken their pet abroad say they have done so because they’re part of the family.
  • This comes as Co-op Insurance advises holidaymakers to ensure they have cover if they’re taking their pet away with them.

With summer holidays in full swing, research commissioned by Co-op Insurance has found that more than one in four pet owners (26%) take their pets with them on a foreign break.

The member-owned business’ research shows that younger pet owners are more likely to take their pets on a foreign holiday, with half (50%) of 25–34-year-olds surveyed admitting that they have done so, compared to just under one in ten (9%) over the age of 55.

Meanwhile, regionally, Londoners are the most inclined to have their pets join them on their travels abroad than other Brits, with almost half (47%) saying their furry friends have come along. In addition, men are more likely to have taken their pet on foreign holidays, with over a third (35%) having done so compared to one in six (17%) women.

Co-op Insurance’s findings also reveal that of those who bring their pets with them on holiday, more than two-thirds (68%) say that they’ve also taken their furry friend on flights, whilst four-fifths (81%) 25–34-year-olds have done so.

Over half (56%) of those who choose to take their pets abroad do so because they’re part of the family and feel it’s only right that they come along, whilst one in eight (12%) do so because pet boarding facilities are too expensive.

Meanwhile, a third (33%) bring their pets along because it ensures that they will stay active while on holiday, but almost one in three (31%) say they ‘couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them at home’ and would miss them too much.

However, since pet passports are no longer valid following Brexit, when taking pets to an EU country, it’s important that pet owners ensure that they have a valid animal health certificate that’s issued within 10 days of travel to the region destinations, additional vaccines, and anti-parasite medication. Otherwise, an export health certificate is necessary for travel to a non-EU nation. *

Co-op Insurance is also reminding pet-owners to ensure that they have the right policy in place that will cover any veterinary treatment while they are outside of the UK, should their pet require it.

When it comes to claims for pets requiring veterinary treatment overseas, most have been for treatment in France and Spain, while the average claim amounts to more than £530. ** However, those without pet insurance could face a significantly more expensive holiday, should their furry friend require treatment.

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Pet at Co-op Insurance said:

The summer holidays are upon us and it’s a time when many will be heading off to sunnier climes to enjoy a well-deserved break.

“However, our research reveals that it’s not just humans who are benefitting from a foreign break but also our furry friends, a great deal of whom are joining their families on holidays abroad.

“Despite the excitement, if you are taking your pet abroad, it’s important that you ensure you have the correct documentation and they have had the necessary vaccines.

"Having the right insurance policy in place is also crucial as it will provide you with peace of mind that, should your pet require any treatment, any vet bills will be covered.”

Co-op members get a 5% discount on Co-op Pet Insurance each year. Co-op members who adopt a pet from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre get an extra 2.5% discount in the first year. For more information visit:https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance

Notes to the editor

Research based on survey of 1205 pet owners commissioned by Co-op Insurance and conducted by Opinion Matters.

EHC for non-EU.

** Data from Insurance Factory Limited (Co-op Insurance’s Pet Partner).

A Co-op Insurance pet policy will cover you and your pet when travelling to certain other countries (outside the UK) for up to 30 days within each period of insurance. Countries include EU member state or countries included in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

What is covered?

  • Any costs in the event your pet requires veterinary treatment whilst temporarily in a European Member Country of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
  • Cover overseas is for a maximum period of 30 days on all policies.
  • Payment of any treatment must be made by you to the vet whilst you are outside of the UK. Upon your return home, you should contact us straight away and report the claim.
  • We will pay you any covered costs in sterling at the rate of exchange applicable at the date the bills were settled.
  • Unexpected quarantine costs and emergency expenses abroad e.g. if you had to extend your accommodation abroad until your pet can safely travel back to the UK if they were hospitalised.

What is not covered?

  • Any costs if you are unable to provide invoices/receipts showing the treatment given to your pet and the cost.
  • Any costs if your pet was treated outside of a European Member Country of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

About Co-op

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11 billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.