FIVE LESSONS FROM COVID-19
based on which you can plan for the
consumer road trips; it has several data
future, especially in times of crisis.
points and can be viewed by the state. Both sites are packed full of relevant data
2. Lodging is 100% travel dependent.
for pet care facilities and are free to ac-
You probably always knew this, but this
cess.
pandemic has really driven the point
• Create and market lodging packages
home. Overnight boarding experienced
geared toward weekend trippers.
the most severe loss in revenue with most
• Maximize your revenues from each stay
facilities reporting losses of more than
by offering a myriad of add-on services to
95% over 2019. The travel economy is
any size, shape, energy level and age of
down 84% from last year’s levels (through
dog. Have a menu!
May 23, 2020) and consumer polls show
• If your business offers only boarding
a slow recovery for flight related trips until
services, it’s time to reconsider that mod-
later 2021. As predicted, this will be the
el. This pandemic has shown having
summer of road tripping. Road travel
all your eggs in the boarding basket is
saw an increase of 24% through Me-
dangerous and these facilities will have a
morial Day weekend over the previous 7
harder, longer road to recovery.
days. Every travel polls shows ‘road trip’, ‘staycation’ and visiting National Parks or
3. Consumers will leave the safe-
friends/family being top travel destinations
ty of their home to have their pet
for consumers. The good news is, 58%
groomed. Grooming appointments have
of travelers are reporting plans to travel
exploded across the country and most
in the third quarter of 2020 (July-Sept)
facilities report more demand than what
so you should see an uptick in boarding
they can supply. In some states stand-
reservations later this summer.
alone groomers were mandated to shut down (or box store stopped grooming)
Takeaways:
while multi service facilities were allowed
• Study the travel industry and specifi-
to operate. Consumers’ loyalty to their
cally its affect on your state/area. A great
groomer waned as time went on and they
place to start is to sign up for a weekly
were willing to book anywhere just to get
newsletter from the U.S. Travel Associa-
Scruffy cleaned up. Now single grooming
tion, the information is invaluable and will
salons are not able to satisfy the de-
assist you in budgeting lodging revenues.
mand so facilities continue to receive new
Arrivalist.com shows you daily data on
grooming client calls. Facilities that are
PET CARE PRO QUARTERLY | Q3 2020 | IBPSA.COM/PETCAREPRO | 17
