One in 5 pet owners got a new pet during the pandemic, according to a recent study by Central Statistics Office.
An increase in acquiring animals during the lock down and kennels closing during the last two years are contributing to a high demand for pet hotels this summer.
Holidaymakers are being advised to book spots early as many says they can't find accommodation for their dogs when they travel.
Senior Statistician with the CSO, Gerry Reilly, says the pandemic led to increased animal ownership.
Of the study, Reilly said that over half of respondents said that they had a pet in the home, 28% of those surveyed said they had a dog only while 12% had a cat, with 7% saying that had both a dog and a cat.
The study was ran in June 2021 and had over 10,000 respondents.
Interestingly, 87% of pet owners polled said that their pet has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being, with only 2% saying that their pet had a negative impact on their mental health.
