Kendall--

Don't do it. I am a part-time dog trainer/handler and my sister makes her living at it. We have known many people who've had dogs die on airplanes through the negligence of the carrier. The FAA does not keep any statistics on how many animals are injured or killed on airplanes (due to pressure and especially temperature problems), nor do individual airlines, so there is no way to know how widespread the problem is-- but if you ask around, you will probably find someone you know who has a horror story, so that says to me that it's much more common than the airlines would have you believe. Beware. If there is any other way to ship your pet, do it. Would people put children in the cargo hold? Same thing, if you love your pets as much as I love mine.

Also, in cargo it is extremely LOUD. It's not the same as in the cabin where we're nice and comfy. This causes some animals an enormous amount of fear and anxiety which is a cruel thing to put them through.

Like someone previously said, if s/he is small enough, they will allow the animal to stay under your seat in a carrier, but if your pet is too large for that, I'd forget the whole idea. Drive. It's a beautiful country. :)