The global pet relocation market is now valued at approximately US$2.4 billion and projected to reach US$3.9 billion by 2030, reflecting a growing trend in international mobility: employees are increasingly unwilling to travel for long periods for work without their animals.
As employee mobility expands across domestic and international markets alike, pet-friendly accommodation is becoming a growing expectation rather than an exception within corporate relocation programmes.
“Relocation is no longer just about the employee,” said Lucie Nazir, Co-Founder and Managing Director of corporate housing provider RelocateU. “It includes families, routines, and very often animals that are considered part of the family unit. When clients ask us to accommodate pets, even two ponies, our responsibility is to make the transition safe, seamless, and sustainable, no matter how complex or unconventional.”
Industry data indicates the pet travel services sector is expanding at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.9%i, driven by increased pet ownership and global workforce mobility. While dogs and cats account for the majority of relocations, providers report rising demand for transporting birds, rabbits, reptiles and horses.
Mike Gays, Managing Director at Global Pet Relocation, which works alongside RelocateU to make pet moves happen, has seen this firsthand. “Pet ownership since COVID has increased hugely, and for us in the pet relocation industry it is a welcome boom,” he said. “Owners often travel more than once with their pets and we see repeat clients move every two to three years with the same pets.”
Top 10 most commonly relocated animals worldwide
Based on global pet‑shipping and international transport data:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Birds (parrots, cockatoos, macaws)
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Tortoises and turtles
- Lizards (geckos, bearded dragons)
- Fish (including koi carp)
- Ferrets
- Horses and ponies (including miniature horses)
For multinational employers, the implications are strategic. With an estimated 67% of North American households owning pets, and pet ownership also rising across other global markets, companies that integrate animal-inclusive accommodation into mobility programs position themselves to attract and retain top talent.
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