Map Shows Most Stressed States for Pet Owners This Thanks...

By Liz O'Connell

Pets Reporter

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As people gear up for another stressful season of Thanksgiving travel, the real anxiety often starts before they even step out the door. A new report shows just how much pet guilt shapes holiday plans—and which states are feeling the most strain.

About 82 million people are expected to travel this year for Thanksgiving, Newsweek previously reported, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. But while people are on the move, their pets are often not, and leaving them behind comes with its own emotional weight.

New data from the pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters—compiled in its Thanksgiving Travel Stress Index conducted by Opinion Matters—found that 66 percent of pet owners in the United States feel guilty leaving their pets behind for the holidays. About 59 percent feel separation anxiety when they're away. This stress and guilt can shape one's travel plans.

To understand where travelers are feeling the most pressure, the Thanksgiving Travel Stress Index analyzed flight delays, road congestion, and emotional strain among pet owners across all 50 states. New Hampshire topped the list as the most stressful state for Thanksgiving travel, followed by Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Maine.

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New Hampshire's stress mainly stemmed from travel guilt and separation anxiety from pets, the report stated. About 89 percent of pet parents in New Hampshire felt travel separation anxiety was a key stressor. South Dakota followed closely behind with 77 percent agreeing with the sentiment, then Maine with 66 percent.

On the flip side, Alaska, Hawaii and New York ranked as the least-stressed states for holiday travelers.

“Holiday travel is already hectic, but for devoted pet parents, it comes with another layer of emotional weight,” Angela Laws, head of community at TrustedHousesitters, said in a press release. “Our index highlights just how deeply Americans’ love for their pets shapes their decisions, from where they travel to how long they stay away.”

But when travel is unavoidable, how does one keep their pets calm without them? If you're having someone stay at your home, ensure they stick to the daily routines, such as an eating schedule, walks and playtime, as changes can stress them out. Skip the deep cleaning, and instead leave some clothing items around for your pets to smell you. It can comfort them.

And to make travel as guilt-free for pet parents as possible, an article from Dogster recommended preparing before the trip. Owners should first decide whether they want a sitter to stay at their home, leave their pet at a sitter's home or use a boarding facility. You'll want to conduct meet and greets first to get your pet comfortable.

Provide detailed instructions, enrichment toys and supplies to keep them entertained while you're away. You'll also want to make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations. Taking these extra steps ahead of time will, hopefully, ease your stress before the holiday travel.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could appear on our site.

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