A Pup’s Global Journey
An adventurous dog named Fletcher has traveled more than 30,000 miles across 16 countries with his owners, Chris and Sam Hoar. The six-year-old cocker spaniel is living the dream by swapping muddy walks in his hometown of Plymouth for alpine snow, crystal-clear lakes, and endless open roads around the world.
For the past two and a half years, Fletcher has been exploring the globe with his owners, who left their day jobs, sold everything they owned, and moved into a converted 2004 Volkswagen LT35 van. Among the many destinations they have visited are Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Scotland, Wales, and Croatia.
Sam, 32, who has over 9,000 followers on @the_travel_duo__, said: ‘Fletcher can’t go anywhere without us; he has to be by our side all the time. He’s been to 16 countries. Our well-travelled dog has been good as gold for every minute of our years-long adventure. Fletcher is amazing.’
From playing in the snowy French Alps to doggy-paddling in Austria’s turquoise lakes, the pup’s explorations are enough to make any traveler jealous. Chris shared: ‘Fletcher and I would swim in the lakes together. It was epic. We loved Austria.’
However, traveling with a four-legged friend isn’t always easy. Mountains of pet paperwork can turn any trip into a ruff ride. Fortunately, tech-savvy travelers Sam and Chris discovered an app called Fyio, a digital filing cabinet that keeps all their vital documents in one place.
The couple now relies on the platform, which includes a ‘pet drawer’ for health certificates, vaccination records, and pet passports. Sam explained: ‘We were on the road an awful lot and did not have access to post. The app was just a really safe way for us to be able to know where all of our important documents were. There were a lot of border checks for Fletcher as well. We needed animal health certificates, his proof of vaccinations – it’s so surprising how much paperwork you need. You need to have it on you at all times in case you get stopped – so having it stored safely on your phone is life changing. Fyio is a massive comfort blanket when you’re traveling from country to country.’
Challenges of Traveling with a Pet
Traveling with a pet comes with its own set of challenges. From ensuring proper documentation to managing the logistics of moving between countries, the process can be overwhelming. However, with the right tools and preparation, it’s possible to make the journey smooth and enjoyable for both the pet and the owner.
Some of the key considerations include:
- Documentation: Ensuring that all necessary documents such as health certificates, vaccination records, and pet passports are up to date and easily accessible.
- Health Care: Planning for veterinary care in different countries and understanding the local regulations regarding pet health.
- Accommodation: Finding pet-friendly accommodations that meet the needs of both the traveler and the pet.
- Transportation: Arranging for safe and comfortable travel arrangements, whether by car, plane, or other means.
Future of Pet Travel
As more people consider taking their pets on adventures, the future of pet travel looks promising. Innovations such as digital documentation platforms like Fyio are making it easier for pet owners to manage the complexities of international travel. Additionally, new pet passports and improved regulations may further simplify the process.
With the right preparation and resources, traveling with a pet can be a rewarding experience that creates lasting memories for both the pet and the owner. Whether it’s exploring the mountains of Europe or enjoying a staycation within the UK, the possibilities are endless.