(am I the only one that thought maybe kendall kept bats or something?) Larger dogs whose carriers will not fit under the seat MUST go in the pressurized baggage compartment, checked as baggage. The airlines will NOT ship dogs if the temperature is not within a certain range on both ends......

It is remotely possible that your dog could go to Tibuktu with lost luggage. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen, and I have known of dogs who landed and were off loaded at the wrong airport. Then, some kind soul has to water and walk your dog. The airlines are NOT responsible, it is usually an animal lover employee who just up and takes responsibility for the critter until it can be sent where it was supposed to be sent.......

Shipping dogs is a scary, tedious, expensive business. A lot of airlines won't even consider taking them anymore.