Also, be aware that many airlines (I know United for sure, think also american, delta, and most european carriers) won't/ can't carry animals in summer. Not just because of temps in the cargo hold, but more because of time spent sitting on the tarmac. If the temp is over something like 80 or 90 F (don't remember exactly) they won't let them fly. It's a big problem, I hear, when transiting the US for foreign service officers with pets. Ah, found it.
If you are traveling to or from a destination where the temperature is (or is forecasted to be) either below 45F or above 85F (75F for snub-nosed dogs), you will need a letter signed by your veterinarian stating that your pet is acclimated to extreme weather. If the temperature is below 20F or above 95F, your pet will likely not be allowed to travel in the cargo area even with a letter of acclimation. And some airlines will not accept snub-nosed dog breeds in their cargo areas at all during the summer months.
from:
bring fido
It's a USDA thing. So if you can find someone willing to carry a (grossly over standard shipping weight) huge dog, you'll want to try for a red eye, taking off from where ever you are in the evening, landing in Miami well after dark, and taking off again before it gets too hot out.
For actual carriers that might work for you, try companies that air-ship larger animals- they'll have the equipment to move the dog without lifting (so no huge OSHA violations) and the experience with moving larger animals. Most of them will be charters, though. I found
this company when looking for livestock air shipping.
Also, have you tried the Dog relocation companies? They may not be able to do it, but they'll be a heck of a lot more affordable than chartering a flight... And they might have some ideas for you.
This pet relocation company does horses as well, so they might be what you're looking for. They're probably also expensive as all h311.
-j.
