New research from Hotels.com reveals that over a third (37%) of UK pet owners agree to increased feelings of stress about being separated from their pets post-COVID, resulting in searches for pet-friendly hotels increasing by 300% in the last year.

The research also reveals that nearly half (41%) of Brits have taken their pet on holiday instead of leaving them behind. Fear of missing them too much (45%), being a flirting wingman/woman (10%) and paranoia that the pet will get fear of missing out (FOMO) (9%) are just some of the reasons why people have opted for a creature companion on holiday. Nearly a fifth (19%) of owners fessed up that they thought pets were less stressful to travel with than people – harsh, but fair?

Although the research shows that 27% of owners want to take their pets to see the world, over a third (38%) of people admitted they wouldn’t travel with their pet as it would restrict where they could go. Similarly, the research found that 33% of Brits keep their adventurous animals at home because assume there would be no suitable accommodation, with 15% worrying it would be too expensive (15%).

On the back of this research, after recruiting sass ‘kween’ chihuahua, Dolly Pawton, as canine critic in 2019, the company has again enlisted her help to lead the recruitment hunt for the creature critics team. If you have a doggie diva, bad-ass bunny, fabulous feline or even a traveltastic toad, sign them up for a suite, suite time – plus you’ll of course go along for the ride with your pet friend.

The new creature critics will be responsible for reviewing pet-friendly hotels around the world, with the winning critics bagging 10 free nights at pet friendly hotels of their choosing. Pets of all species can apply to be a creature critic, as long as they meet three key criteria: have a taste for the #HotelLife, have bags of personality to keep up with the Kween and (most importantly) can fit in a hotel room.

Emma Tagg, senior global brand communications manager in Hotels.com brand said: “With lockdown making us clingier than ever, it’s no surprise that no-one wants to leave their pet pal behind. At Hotels.com we want to make sure each pet-friendly hotel is up to scratch, which is why we launched the pet friendly category within our Loved By Guests awards.”

The Loved by Guests Pet Friendly collection by Hotels.com includes an extensive selection of hotels specifically catered to pets, to fit every mini mascot and pet owner’s dreams.