Whenever Barb Paur drives long distances with her golden retriever Annie, the dog always rides in his pet carrier.

The same goes for her green-wing macaw Sebastian.

Paur, the owner of the Rapid City pet store Paws, thinks it's the best way for the pets and her to travel.

"I just think it's a good idea," she said. "It doesn't have to be punishment. And they're certainly safer."

As the holidays roll around, families everywhere will be hitting the highways and airways on their annual trek to grandma's house. Many of them will be taking along Fido or Tabby or Tweetie.

When it comes to car travel, most experts agree that a pet is safest either in a carrier or restrained with a car harness. Veterinarian Serena Heig of Canyon Lake Veterinary Clinic said she suggests to pet owners that all pets travel in a kennel "so they're not a distraction to the driver and they're safer."

Carriers are also nice to have if travel plans include a hotel stay. That way, pet owners can place the pet in his carrier when left in the room alone. The carrier will make the pet feel more secure and prevent him from causing damage to the room.

The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends that any traveling pet be properly identified. Make sure the pet has a collar with an ID tag or a microchip implanted under the skin.

When crossing state lines or international borders, pet owners also need to bring proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate.

When Paur travels, she also brings bottled water for her dog to prevent diarrhea.

When it comes to flying with a pet, the requirements become a bit more complex.

Each airline has specific restrictions for transporting pets. Some airlines allow pets to be taken into the cabin; others only allow them to travel as luggage.

Almost all airlines require prior notification before a pet will be transported. During hot summer months, airlines also restrict the transport of certain breeds of dogs and cats that cannot tolerate heat.

Pet owners need to spend some time ensuring that they have followed every direction, Paur said. She recounted the story of a local patron who intended to fly with her bird but was turned away at the airport because she didn't follow the required directions.

During the years that Paur showed dogs around the country, she frequently flew with her dogs. It wasn't her favorite thing to do. And the holidays were the most stressful time, she said.

"During the holidays is really a terrible time to travel with your dog," she said. "Sometimes, you wonder about the stress on those animals and if they wouldn't be better off kenneled."

Still, Paur said she understands why people want to travel with their pets. "They're part of the family. People want to take them with them," she said. "But you have to remember to use your head."

Flying with pets

Flying with your pet? Here are a few things the American Veterinarian Medical Association wants you to remember.

n Contact your airline in advance for specific regulations

n In order to fly, your pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least five days.

n Provide a recent health certificate from your vet.

n Provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

n Try to book non-stop flights.

n Arrive at the airport early and exercise your pet.

n Acclimatize your pet to his kennel in the days before a flight.

n Remember that transport crates must be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down; be strong with grips or handles; leak proof and the bottoms covered with absorbent material; be purchased in advance; be appropriately and clearly labeled with name, address, phone number and destination and the designation Live Animals; be ventilated on opposite sides with exterior rims and knobs so airflow is not impeded.

Car travel with pets

n Take pets for a series of short trips to prime them for the long haul later.

n Feed your pet a light meal three to four hours before leaving. Don't feed the pet during the trip.

n Make sure your pet is wearing an ID collar or has a microchip.

n Don't allow your dog to hang his head out the window. It can cause inner ear damage and lung infections.

n Bring water so the animal doesn't end up with diarrhea from drinking bad water on the trip.

n Create a pet traveling kit. The kit should include vaccination and health records, food, a bowl, a leash, a waste scooper, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first aid kit. You also can pack a favorite toy.

n Never leave an animal alone in a parked car. Heatstroke can develop during hot weather and animals can freeze to death during winter months

Source: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Contact Lynn Taylor Rick at 394-8414 or lynn.taylorrick@rapidcityjournal.com.