SkyPetPorter

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
Designing for a non-verbal user like a dog presented a unique challenge, as understanding their behaviour and travel-related stressors required indirect methods. This was supported by studies linking separation anxiety in dogs and young children, revealing that both experience stress through attachment and environmental changes (Appleby & Pluijmakers, 2004). Both rely on familiar routines, and disruptions can trigger anxiety and coping behaviours. By leveraging insights from these parallels and conducting interviews with veterinarians and dog behaviour specialists, the project focused on strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners to create a comfortable and effective travel experience​.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The main pivotal moment was recognising the need to address pre-service challenges to prevent stress for both dogs and their owners before travel. Defining pre-service and concretising ideas was the most exciting part of the process as it brought a dynamic and solution-driven focus to the development phase. The potential problems owners and pets might face during the service period were identified and tackled. The approach integrated proactive solutions such as anxiety management tutorials, crate training, and simplifying travel paperwork, ensuring users were prepared for the journey. By addressing issues beforehand, the design aimed to alleviate confusion for both users, enabling a seamless and less exhausting travel experience.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
The global pet travel services market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately GBP £3 billion by 2030 from its 2023 value of around £1.6 billion. This growth is fueled by rising pet humanisation trends and expanding pet-friendly tourism and accommodation options. With the global pet travel market poised for growth, SkyPetPorter aims to expand its pre- and post-service offerings. Future services may include connecting users to veterinarians for health certificates tailored to destination requirements and curating pet-friendly accommodations, transport, and restaurants. These additions will enhance the overall pet travel ecosystem, meeting the evolving needs of pet owners worldwide.