Our Home's Dog Enjoys More Than Me... Can't Resist Not Going to Summer Pet-cation! [Weekend Pets]

As the summer vacation season begins, more 'pet owners' are enjoying vacations with their pets. Instead of leaving pets with friends or at hotels during trips, the culture of traveling with pets under the perception of 'pets are family too' is spreading. In response, various industries such as hotels, airlines, festivals, and furniture are introducing exclusive services and products for 'Pet Family' (Pet+Family) to expand the market.

■ Traveling with Pets... Busy Catering to 'Pet-cationers'

According to the '2024 Pet Travel Status and Perception Survey' released by the Korea Tourism Organization on the 31st, 70.1% of people have traveled with their pets in the past year, an increase of 4.4 percentage points from two years ago. The rate of domestic accommodation travel also rose from 53.0% in 2022 to 60.4% in 2024, showing that traveling with pets is becoming a familiar summer vacation rather than a 'once-in-a-lifetime special event.' Airlines are also actively targeting the Pet Family. The number of pet transports by five domestic airlines (Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, T'way Air, Jeju Air, and Eastar Jet) increased from about 120,000 in 2022 to over 140,000 in 2023.

T'way Air was the first domestic airline to expand the allowable weight for pet transport to 9kg and issued exclusive boarding passes with pet names for emotional satisfaction. In addition, they are running a promotion for the first 1,000 customers using the 'T'pet' service on some routes, offering △pet-exclusive spa bath products △dental clean △shampoo △travel kits. The hotel industry is also launching 'Pet-cation' products. Banyan Group's lifestyle hotel brand 'Cassia Sokcho' operates a customized wellness package 'Pawfect Getaway' for travelers with pets. The package includes △1-night stay △premium pet food △brush and care products △pet bathrobe △to-go box breakfast, and pet-exclusive amenities such as stairs, cushions, anti-slip mats, utensils, and pee pads are provided in the room. The facilities are also well-equipped. In addition to pet stroller rental services, the 27th-floor 'Pet Friends Park' allows dogs to run freely, and a 'Pet Lounge' is available to temporarily leave pets during outings.

Local governments are also working to attract Pet Family. Boryeong City in Chungnam designated an 80m section in front of Daecheon Beach as a 'Pet-exclusive Beach (Pet Beach)' during this year's Mud Festival. On-site, pet information centers, snack exchange centers, and hygiene management staff are deployed to ensure a safe and special summer with pets. Imsil-gun in Jeollabuk-do opened a pet-friendly exclusive camping site 'Osoo's National Leisure Camping Site' in the Osoo Tourist Area on the 11th. This camping site, equipped with exclusive sites with fences, decks, and roofs, as well as pet walking trails, playgrounds, shower facilities, and caravan zones, provides a safe and comfortable environment for pets and owners to relax together. In particular, the 10m×9m spacious decks can accommodate large tents, making it perfect for family Pet Family.

■ Outdoor Product Demand Increases... Summer Exclusive Products 'Flying Off the Shelves'

With the increase in Pet-cationers, the demand for outdoor pet products has also increased significantly. According to Pet Friends, the insect repellent spray 'Marapiki Care Safe' saw a significant increase in sales from July, when summer began in earnest. Other popular summer items include △dog life jacket 'Dingdong Pet Swing Dog' △'Nature's Dog Ice Wing Neck Cooler' that lowers body temperature during walks.

Premium pet products for 'Home-cationers' spending vacations at home are also diverse. Simmons is attracting attention with its pet-exclusive mattress 'N32 Choco Mi.' This product, also available in domestic luxury hotels, has received △Korea Kennel Club Pet Safety Certification △Vegan Certification △Radon Safety Certification, ensuring both quality and safety. The 7-layer structure and waterproof cover consider hygiene and functionality, reducing the burden on pets' joints.

Products for summer heat are also popular. 'Moya Pet Soft Cool Cushion Cool Mat' is a summer-exclusive cushion that quickly absorbs and releases body heat, receiving a good response. 'Wood Hammock' creates a resort-like atmosphere at home with its good breathability and soft texture.

Sales of nutritional supplements for pet health are also on the rise in summer. According to Pet Friends, the 'Vet's Solution Cat Daily All-in-One,' which contains customized nutrition for cats, continues to see increased sales compared to the previous month.

During the same period, △'Mega Five Salmon' containing Omega 3, which helps with antioxidant and immune enhancement △'1A Grade Pet Milk Eye & Joint' made from domestic raw milk are also popular products.


clean@fnnews.com Lee Jeong-hwa Reporter