One in five Belgians take pet on holiday with them

• 19% of Belgian bookers with Belvilla cannot do without a pet on holiday.  
• Belvilla offers numerous holiday homes where pets are welcome, all over Europe. 

Zurich, 4 October 2022. On World Pet Day, so today, we like to give our fuzzy four-legged friends an extra treat. Belvilla, specialist in the online rental of holiday homes, investigated, in the context of World Animal Day, to what extent their guests take their pets on holiday with them and whether a trend can be seen over the years. And what turns out? Going on holiday with pets is indeed on the rise. 

Holidays … that’s quality time with the whole family. And that includes our faithful four-legged friends, according to almost one in five Belgians. Because 19 per cent of our compatriots take their pets on holiday, according to Belvilla’s booking figures. An increase, because in 2021 and 2020 it was 17 per cent each time. 

European trend
This trend is not only felt in our country, but also in the rest of Europe. In 2020, all European owners together brought 29,226 pets to their Belvilla. Last year, that number rose to 34,068. And although 2022 is not over yet, the counter already stands at 36,208 travelling four-legged friends.  

Although some differences are noticeable between nationalities. For instance, almost one in five Dutch and Germans take Spike or Simba to their Belvilla. While the French are noticeably less attached to their barking or meowing companion. In only 8 per cent of all French bookings, pets also pack their travel bags. 

Where to go
Even holiday home owners are more hospitable in some countries than others. In Belgium, 55 per cent of landlords open their Belvilla to pets. As such, we score just slightly better than the European average of 54 per cent. And we squeeze in between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (50 per cent) and the Netherlands (60 per cent).  

Swedes and Hungarians are not so fond of dogs and cats. While 70 per cent of Italians do open their doors to companion animals. In doing so, they crown themselves king of the animal kingdom. Although Italy is followed closely by the Czech Republic (69 per cent), France (67 per cent) and Poland (66 per cent).  

Book a pet-friendly Belvilla holiday home
Are you planning a wonderful holiday with all your family members, including your dog or cat? Thanks to the filters on the Belvilla website, you will get an extensive overview of all pet-friendly accommodations at home and abroad. We have already selected three top addresses where you will experience a carefree family holiday in your own country. 

• Gîte Tony in Vielsalm
  Among the green forests of the Ardennes, this handsome villa welcomes up to eight guests; children and adults. In a gigantic, enclosed garden, your dog and kids can romp around happily. Meanwhile, you can easily keep an eye on them from a sunny veranda. There is no shortage of activities nearby. You are a stone’s throw from Durbuy, La Roche, Plopsa Coo and the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. And then there are the rolling meadows around the chalet … Good for hours of walking fun! 

• Holiday home Au Beau Séjour in Marchin
  A former doctor’s house today houses a stately holiday villa. Au Beau Séjour spoils big and small with a spacious, enclosed garden and a heated outdoor pool. A sun-drenched terrace, a fitness room and relaxation areas for table football, billiards and table tennis mean you don’t have to leave the house at all. Already Marchin and its spacious surroundings certainly pay off. Countless footpaths take you through the woods and the charming city of Durbuy is within easy reach by car. The ideal environment for those with an active dog. 

• Holiday home Filly in Houffalize
  If you like a dose of luxury, holiday home Filly is the place to be. This modern, fully equipped villa has everything you need: a warm, covered terrace, a jacuzzi overlooking the garden, a relaxing infrared cabin and a games room with air hockey and a football table. Just about every room in the house overlooks the manicured garden. In this green, fully fenced oasis, you can let your four-legged friends take an enthusiastic spurt with confidence.