Wotif surveyed 2,312 people and while 91% have a pet, a staggering 46% say they take their pet on holiday.

But even when people leave their pet behind they can’t stop thinking about them, with 10% saying they called to chat to their pet while 4% sent a postcard and 23% bought their pet souvenirs.

The travel website says holiday homes are the most popular choice for pet-friendly holidays followed by caravan/camping parks and self-catering apartments.

Dogs are by far New Zealand’s most travelled animal, accounting for 85% of pets taken on holiday, while cats account for 12% of travelling pets. Some pet owners even admit to taking their bird, rabbit, reptile and fish away.

When it comes to the most important thing to get tails wagging on holiday, a fenced yard is top of the wish list followed closely by friendly staff who treat pets the same as any other guest.

And some admit smuggling their furry friend into accommodation which wasn’t pet friendly.

“We’re well known as animal lovers and almost half the respondents said they go everywhere with their pet, and holidays are no exception,” Wotif product director Donna Rodios says.

“Some respondents also thought they left their pets in capable hands when they went on holiday without them but came home to find their pet had been replaced, with stories of pets changing gender to pets changing colour!”