Ethical Dimensions of Pet Tourism: Balancing Human Enjoyment, Animal Welfare and Sustainable Hospitality

Main Article Content

Jirapat Laekhakula
Nicha Chavalit

Abstract

Pet tourism is expanding rapidly worldwide, reflecting a profound societal shift in which companion animals are increasingly regarded as integral members of the family unit. Despite this growth, the majority of pet-friendly service providers remain predominantly driven by commercial interests, with insufficient attention given to ethical considerations and animal welfare.


This article proposes a conceptual framework for ethical pet tourism, aimed at achieving a balanced equilibrium among human enjoyment, animal welfare, and the sustainable operation of hospitality businesses. The framework is grounded in the integration of three theoretical perspectives: Stakeholder Theory, which delineates the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in pet tourism; the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability, which extends the conventional 3P model — People, Planet — to include Pets as a third dimension of sustainable development; and Animal Welfare Theory, which establishes ethical standards based on the Five Freedoms framework.


The synthesis of these perspectives leads to the development of an Ethical Pet Tourism Model — a conceptual framework centered on principles of respect, compassion, and shared responsibility between humans and their animal companions. The article further offers practical recommendations for service businesses and public policy, advocating for ethical pet tourism as a foundational paradigm for contemporary tourism development

Article Details

Section
Research Article

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