The global pet relocation industry is now valued at approximately $2.4 billion and is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2030, driven by rising international mobility and changing employee expectations.

As global companies expand cross-border assignments, pet-friendly relocation services are becoming a core part of corporate mobility programmes rather than a niche offering.

Employees are increasingly unwilling to relocate internationally without their pets, forcing employers to rethink traditional relocation benefits.

Corporate relocation is shifting toward family- and pet-inclusive mobility

Modern corporate relocation services now extend beyond housing and logistics. Companies are increasingly required to support the entire household, including animals considered part of the family unit.

RelocateU, a global corporate housing provider, reports a significant rise in demand for pet-friendly accommodation as part of employee relocation packages.

This reflects a wider shift in global mobility strategies, where relocation is no longer employee-only, but household-based.

Rising demand for international pet relocation services

While dogs and cats remain the most commonly relocated animals, international pet relocation services are expanding to include:

• Birds (parrots, macaws, cockatoos)
• Rabbits and guinea pigs
• Reptiles such as lizards and tortoises
• Fish, including koi carp
• Ferrets
• Horses and ponies

The industry has even seen complex requests involving multiple large animals, highlighting how corporate mobility is adapting to increasingly diverse employee needs.

Pet ownership is driving global mobility trends

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, pet ownership has increased significantly worldwide, contributing to higher demand for international pet travel and relocation support.

The pet travel sector is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.9%, supported by:

• Increased global workforce mobility
• Higher pet ownership rates
• More frequent international assignments
• Greater employee expectations for relocation support

According to industry providers, employees are also relocating with the same pets multiple times during their careers, reinforcing long-term demand for pet relocation services.

Corporate mobility is becoming a talent retention strategy

With approximately 67% of U.S. households owning pets, companies that do not include pets in relocation policies risk losing access to top global talent.

Offering pet-inclusive relocation benefits is increasingly viewed as a competitive advantage in:

• Talent acquisition
• Employee retention
• International assignment acceptance rates
• Corporate mobility satisfaction

Employers are now integrating pet relocation into broader global mobility programmes to meet modern workforce expectations.

Why pet-friendly housing is now essential in corporate relocation

Demand for pet-friendly corporate housing has increased across major global hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai, and Beijing.

RelocateU highlights that relocation is now a full household experience, not just a logistical exercise.

According to industry leadership:

Relocation is no longer just about the employee. It includes families, routines, and animals considered part of the family unit. The goal is to make transitions safe, seamless, and sustainable regardless of complexity.

Most commonly relocated pets worldwide

Based on global pet transport data, the most frequently relocated animals are:

1. Dogs
2. Cats
3. Birds (parrots, cockatoos, macaws)
4. Rabbits
5. Guinea pigs
6. Tortoises and turtles
7. Lizards (geckos, bearded dragons)
8. Fish (including koi carp)
9. Ferrets
10. Horses and ponies

Future outlook: pet relocation as a standard mobility benefit

The pet relocation industry is expected to continue rapid growth as global mobility expands and employee expectations evolve.

Companies that integrate pet relocation services, pet-friendly housing, and family-inclusive corporate relocation policies are better positioned to attract and retain international talent.

Pet relocation is no longer a luxury service—it is becoming a standard component of modern global mobility programmes.