A new standard in hospitality: "Pet Care on the Go" first-aid kits for dogs and cats as part of guest experience

Is this already a trend – or just a handful of isolated cases? And if it is a trend… what comes next?

More and more guests are travelling with their pets – not only for leisure, but for business too. The hotel industry is responding, yet few go beyond a simple “pet friendly” note in their policy. Today, proactivity and genuine support in emergencies are becoming essential.

In 2024, the global pet care market surpassed USD 273 billion and continues to grow at nearly 7% annually (Source: Fortune Business Insights).  This is no passing fad – it’s a lasting lifestyle shift. Increasingly, people see their pets as family members, and social media fuels the aspiration to travel together. A striking 53% of pet owners say they never go on holiday without their animal companion. In Europe, more than half will only book hotels that welcome pets. Studies also show that brands offering comprehensive solutions for guests travelling with animals earn greater loyalty and more recommendations.

This is no longer just a “nice to have.” It’s a question about the future of the guest experience. Guests now expect more than a water bowl and a 'pet friendly' clause – they want real support when a crisis strikes.

First-aid kit for pets – a must-have for modern hospitality

Responding to these expectations, all Gołębiewski Hotels – in partnership with Atelier Wartości, creators of the #PetCareOnTheGo project – are introducing “Pet Care on the Go” first-aid kits in every location. These kits contain basic emergency care supplies for dogs and cats, but their significance goes far beyond their contents – they signal that pets are treated as full-fledged guests.

- When we created the #PetCareOnTheGo project, we had one simple vision: that every public space where animals are present should be ready to help them - says Beatrycze Bem, co-founder of Atelier Wartości. - The yellow kits are not a gadget – they are a tool for action and an expression of care. They allow for a quick response in an emergency, before you reach a vet. From our very first conversations, I’ll never forget the moment Gołębiewski Hotels said: ‘Yes – we want this everywhere!"

Gołębiewski’s decision marks the first example of a hotel chain in Poland rolling out this solution for pet travellers systematically – across all locations.

- Joining the #PetCareOnTheGo project and introducing on-duty kits is more than just a new amenity for us – says Marta Masłowska, Sales & Conference Director at Gołębiewski Hotels. - It’s a conscious step toward redefining hospitality – in fact, elevating the Gołębiewski standard of hospitality to a higher level. As a family-run brand with a long tradition, we understand that today, luxury means safety – including safety for four-legged travel companions. And being able to support an initiative that strengthens the social economy is yet another reason we are proud to be part of it.

From 'pet friendly' to 'pet responsible'

Is this just a novelty – or the start of a paradigm shift in hospitality?

A shift in which social responsibility and hospitality are woven into a single, clear path of growth. The rise in pet-inclusive travel is a signal the industry cannot ignore. Today’s guest experience is about more than spa zones and mattress quality. It’s about answering the question: What happens if my dog suddenly feels unwell at night? Will the hotel be ready to help?

#ZNapędemNa4Łapy project bridges market demand with responsibility – and does so systematically. Gołębiewski Hotels, the first chain in Poland to adopt it, show that “pet friendly” is not an add-on, but a new standard.

And it seems this is only the beginning.

#PetCareOnTheGo #ZNapędemNa4Łapy #AtelierWartości #GuestExperience #HotelPetFriendly #ApteczkaDlaPsa #ApteczkaDlaZwierząt