On that note, what changes does 2014 hold in terms of pets and pet travel? No one knows for sure, but here are a few of our educated guesses.
1. More people will move with their pets. The increasingly global nature of business means that more companies will be transferring teams and individuals to new locations, often thousands of miles away. Professional relocation services will be in greater and greater demand as these companies realize the importance of assisting valued employees and their families (which so often include pets).
2. People will increasingly view their furry friends as more than "just pets." If you haven't heard it yet, you'll probably run across the term "humanization" pretty soon, signaling that people are prepared to invest more time and money than every before in their precious companions. Here's a New York Times article discussing the increase of pampered pets.
3. Smaller dogs will be more common. According to market trends, people are leaning towards adopting smaller dogs into their lives these days. Easier for older folks to care for and often better suited for apartment life, small breeds are also easier to travel with. Don't be surprised if you start seeing more mini-pups in public spaces.
4. Airports will become more accommodating. Improved pet relief stations (like the one in San Diego), pet flight programs and pet hotels near the airport will continue to pop up as more service providers realize that yes, pets are really important to people and yes, pet friendly amenities are appreciated.
5. Health and technology spheres will continue to widen to include pets. Going along with the humanization trend, pet owners will include pets in their organic eating endeavors, their exercise routines and their technology-enhanced lifestyles. Even more than now, the distinction between what's good for us and what's good for our pets will increasingly fade.
What do you think the future holds for pets and pet travel? Share your ideas here in the comments and stick around with us for another exciting year!