Determinants and Constraints of Tourism Mobility Among Dog Owners: The Case of Poland Cover Image

Determinanty i ograniczenia mobilności turystycznej właścicieli psów na przykładzie Polski
Determinants and Constraints of Tourism Mobility Among Dog Owners: The Case of Poland

Author(s): Paweł Krąż , Aleksandra Makola
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, Human Geography, Environmental Geography
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: companion animals; dog owners; domestic tourism; pet-friendly infrastructure; tourism mobility; travel constraints

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to examine how dog ownership influences the tourism mobility of Polish residents. The study presents the results of a survey conducted among 1.023 dog owners, supported by a review of relevant literature. The findings indicate that owning a dog significantly affects travel-related decisions–most owners strive to include their dogs in travel plans, but encountered barriers (e.g., restrictions in public transport or accommodation facilities) often force them to modify their itineraries. Respondents were found to prefer domestic and shorter trips with their dogs due to the organizational challenges related to traveling with a pet. At the same time, a strong emotional bond with the dog and the perception of it as a family member motivate owners to seek solutions that enable shared travel experiences. Although the tourism industry in Poland increasingly offers amenities for travelers with dogs, significant gaps remain, such as a shortage of pet-friendly establishments and the absence of standardized animal care services. The study’s conclusions highlight the need for further adaptation of tourism infrastructure and services to the needs of dog owners, as well as the necessity of continued research on this emerging phenomenon.

  • Issue Year: 2025
  • Issue No: 181
  • Page Range: 125-142
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish
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