Travelling with pets is not just a journey; it’s an adventure filled with wagging tails, happy barks, and unforgettable memories! Amber and Ash, the dynamic dog duo, are here to show you just how much fun it can be to explore the world with your furry companions. Their escapades are a treasure trove of inspiration for pawrents looking to embark on their own pet-friendly adventures.
Preparing for the Journey
Checking each destination’s website is crucial, as requirements can vary by country. For those based in Singapore, visiting the AVS website (nparks.gov.sg) is highly recommended to learn all necessary steps for exporting and importing pets into and from Singapore. Every destination has distinct regulations, making thorough research a crucial step to ensuring a smooth journey for both pawrents and pups.
For any pet travel, proper documentation is vital. Amber and Ash’s parents ensure they’re equipped with essential documents, which may include:
Microchip (ISO compliant)
Rabies Vaccination
Rabies Serology/Titre Test Results (both hard and soft copies)
Import/Export Licences
GST Application
Health Certificates (completed and signed by a veterinarian and endorsed by the appropriate governing body for destinations like the EU and Singapore)
Internal and External Parasite Treatment records
Each country has specific schedules for the documentation process, so it’s crucial to plan in advance. Staying on top of the process and ensuring all documents are ready in good time helps prevent delays and ensures smooth travel. But Amber and Ash’s pawrents are pros at this! They handle every form, vaccination, and deadline to make sure these pups are ready to rock the runway (the airport one, that is).
Flying with Pets
Since 2022, Amber and Ash have racked up more stamps in their puppy passports than most humans!
Amber’s travel story began when she took her very first international flight, carefully trained and prepared for the adventure by her pawrents. They made sure her carrier was a cozy haven, gradually getting her used to it weeks before the trip. By the time her paws stepped onto that first plane, Amber was at ease in her mobile "home."
Ash, on the other hand, was excited to jump into travel life without hesitation when he joined in winter 2023. Now, the sight of their carriers signals “adventure time!” and both Amber and Ash leap in, ready to explore new destinations.
When it comes to intercontinental flights from Singapore to Europe, notifying airlines in advance is a must! Their pawrents always give airlines a heads-up so these VIPs (Very Important Pets) get their cabin seats! Economy, Premium Economy, Business—Amber and Ash have tried them all. Flying within Europe can often be a smoother experience, with some airlines even allowing you to add your pet to your online booking. Their furmily of 4 has flown with airlines like Swiss and Air France, both of which are very accommodating when it comes to traveling with pets in cabin.
Comfort is always at the forefront when flying with Amber and Ash. The couple would only consider putting their pups in cargo if absolutely necessary—like during relocation when no other options are available. The main criteria for flying in-cabin include keeping the dogs' size under 8 kg (including the carrier) and ensuring they’re healthy enough to fly. Throughout the flight, Amber and Ash must remain inside their carriers and be on their best behavior—not disturbing fellow passengers!
Before you take-off, remember to check in with the airline for their latest pet travel policies! Stay ahead of the game and make sure you're fully prepared for your furry friend's journey with up-to-date guidelines.
Exploring New Destinations
Amber’s travels have taken her to various countries since summer 2022, with Ash joining her in winter 2023. The pair have visited destinations across Europe, from the frosty, magical winter landscapes way up in the North in Finland, down to the sun-drenched, stunning coastline of the South of France - there's a world of adventure waiting to bring new experiences and their list of favourite spots continue to grow.
Summer 2022: Switzerland (Zurich, Interlaken, Zermatt, Lucerne), France (Marseille, Paris), Germany (Hamburg), Belgium (Brussels, Ghent, Brugge), Liechtenstein (Vaduz), Luxembourg, and quick stops in Milan, Italy, and Bregenz, Austria.
Winter 2022: France (Strasbourg, Colmar, Saint Lary Soulan, Toulouse, Bordeaux), Portugal (Lisbon, Porto), the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotherham, Zaanse Schans), Denmark (Copenhagen), and a quick stop in Malmo, Sweden.
Summer 2023: France (Champagne, Nice, St. Tropez, Cannes, Plateau de Valensole, Menton, Paris), Portugal (Lisbon), Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca, Seville), and a quick stop in Ventimiglia, Italy.
Winter 2023: France (Paris, Lyon, Besse, Toulouse), Switzerland (Geneva, Basel, Zurich), Finland (Helsinki, Rovaniemi), and Sweden (Stockholm).
Summer 2024: France (Paris, Lille), England (Ashford, London), Wales (Cardiff), Scotland (Edinburgh), Belgium (Brussels, Brugge), the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans).
Europe’s pet-friendly atmosphere makes travel more enjoyable, allowing Amber and Ash to join their family in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shops across multiple countries.
France tops their list of favourite destinations- not just because Amber and Ash's dad is French (which definitely adds a special touch!), but also because every visit offers a new adventure as they explore a variety of cities together on each trip. London also left a lasting impression after their first visit, with unforgettable moments like indulging in. A delightful doggie high tea and snipping dog martinis at a quirky, pet-friendly bar!
One hidden gem that completely stole Amber and her family’s hearts was Liechtenstein! It might not be on everyone’s travel radar, but with its stunning scenery, it turned out to be an absolute delight. Amber was treated like royalty, joining her family for a luxurious meal at a Michelin-star restaurant in Vaduz.
Switzerland is another favorite on their list, with breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that make it the perfect place for picture-perfect worldwide walkies. And as for holiday magic—meeting Santa Claus in his snowy Lapland home in Finland was a memory they’ll cherish fur-ever. Watching Amber explore Santa’s village, tail wagging with excitement, was an unforgettable moment for the whole family!
What’s more? Many European countries are way more dog-friendly than Singapore! Amber and Ash get to trot alongside their pawrents into cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even shopping malls with ease. The family loves staying at places where Amber and Ash are treated like VIPs—very important pets! While some spots are still catching up on the royal treatment, every new adventure brings its own charm, making each stop memorable in its own way.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, traveling with pets isn’t always smooth sailing. Amber, Ash, and their family have faced their fair share of surprises—from last-minute flight changes to emergency vet visits. Thankfully, most of these little hiccups happened in France, where Amber and Ash’s dad, as a local, easily navigated the situation (language skills to the rescue!).
Flexibility is key for a pet-friendly adventure, and they’ve learned to add extra time into their schedule for any unexpected twists. Thorough planning is a must—not just for paperwork but for knowing each destination’s pet travel rules to keep things running smoothly.
And what an adventure it’s been! So far, Amber and Ash have traveled quite the distance, exploring on just about every form of transport you can imagine. They’ve taken car rentals, hopped on metros, buses, taxis, and even enjoyed long day and overnight train rides. They’ve flown across countries, and in one unforgettable journey, they took an overnight cruise from Helsinki, Finland to Stockholm, Sweden! The two pups are now practically pros at handling any mode of transport, proving that with the right preparation, every journey can be an exciting new chapter.
Embrace the Adventure
Amber and Ash's travels have created countless cherished memories filled with laughter and joy as they explore new places together. While navigating pet travel regulations may seem daunting at first glance, it becomes manageable with proper preparation and research.
As more pet pawrents embrace travelling with their dogs—and as more destinations become pet-friendly—the hope is that accessibility will continue to improve globally. The journeys of Amber and Ash stand as a testament to the joy that comes from sharing experiences with our furry companions. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international trip packed with adventure, every journey can be an opportunity for paw-some adventures, scenic sniffing ground and tail-wagging walkies around the world!
For those eager to follow along on their ongoing adventures or seeking inspiration for pet travel tips galore, check out Instagram @ambergoesonadventures! Travelling with your fur babies is truly an unforgettable experience filled with joy—and as Amber and Ash demonstrate—every trip can lead to new adventures waiting just around the corner! So grab your pup's leash, pack up the essentials and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime- because the road (or the sky) is calling, and there's no better time to create unforgettable memories with your furry companion by your side.
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