‘We would never leave them’: DINKWADs — child-free millennials with money to burn and pets to spoil — are driving a new trend in luxury travel

These child-free millennial couples may have more disposable income, leaving them free to pamper their four-legged “fur children.” Others might not be able to afford the high cost of raising human children, opting instead to baby their pets.

The travel industry has taken note, offering bespoke experiences that include pets, so that no family member gets left out when you’re booking that dream vacation.

Fewer children, more pets

Americans are having fewer children, with birthrates falling more than 20% within the last two decades. According to a report from NPR, although experts haven’t found a consensus on why this is, some believe it’s related to economic factors.

Meanwhile, in 2025, 53% of Americans owned pets, according to an American Pet Products Association report, which also found that “significantly more Gen Z and millennials reported that the economy did not affect their pet ownership,” despite ongoing economic pressure. The report found that expenditures in the pet industry were $158 billion in 2025, and expected to hit $165 billion for 2026.

Charlie Dice, a 38-year-old writer and DINKWAD from Erie, Penn., told Bloomberg that she would change her travel plans if she couldn’t bring her two Bernese mountain dogs along for the ride.

“We look for facilities that cater to dogs,” she told Bloomberg. “If our dogs can’t go, we would never leave them behind in a kennel.”

Dice’s two dogs are part of the family; the reason she has two is because, “like with kids, we think it’s good to have a sibling.”

When pet travel includes private jets and Michelin star treats

She’s taken her dogs on trips within the U.S. and to Europe, flying with commercial carriers. She told Bloomberg she has looked into private-jet booking services such as VistaJet and Wheels Up, which allow pets to travel in the cabin.

According to VistaJet’s website, one in four of their clients flies with their pet. The company offers a “VistaPet” program that includes a travel bag with grooming products, a toy and treats created by a Michelin-starred chef.

For in-flight dining, a typical menu “could include an entrée of roast tenderloin, baked salmon or roast chicken served with steamed, roasted or raw vegetables and whole grain brown rice.” That’s the meal for your pet, just to be clear.

There is also Bark Air, “the only dog-first travel service,” a charter flight service that lets pet owners book private or shared flights. A one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles could cost about $6,000.

Hotels and resorts are also expanding their offerings for pets, likely responding to increased demand. A 2022 survey by Wag! found that 81% of “pet parents” surveyed seek out pet-friendly hotels.

Sonesta International Hotels launched its PAWS program in 2022, which sets rates hotels can charge for pets, and also requires certain amenities and retail products, according to a Hotels Magazine report.