I hope to be able to calm your fears about shipping. I have puppies in 26 states from the West Coast to the East Coast. Flying for your baby is alot safer than you would think. The airline takes very good care of them and I try to make them as comfortable as possible. We practice being in the carrier before the flight so it's not so scary. Now, I will admit that first trip to the airport is always a little overwhelming but by the time everyone gets finished making over that baby they are much more at ease. Most of the time they sleep during the whole flight in the heated or cooled Cargo  area. I freeze water in the dish the night before so they do have water, at least in the beginning of the flight. I do not put food in with them, unless they are very tiny, to keep them from getting sick. Food is always taped to the top of the carrier along with all your puppy's papers.
     Shipping itself depends on the Temperature and Time of the year. The airline will not ship a puppy if the temperature is above 85deg. or below  30deg. at any stopping point during the flight. For Snub Nose puppies the temperature is much lower, which means I am unable to ship them in the summer  months. It is also unsafe for them, Pugs especially, at this time of the year so I would not ship them anyway.
     I generally ship with Delta Airlines, although I can also use Continental or North West if necessary. Prices may vary with these two airlines. With Delta shipping is COD. This means you would pay $173.56  for the flight when you pick your baby up at the airport. I pay ALL other expenses including the CARRIER, VET CHECK, HEALTH CERTIFICATE, RABIES SHOT (If Required) ETC. Occasionally shipping is included in the price, depending on the puppy.
     I hope I have answered some of your questions and eased your mind about shipping. If you do have more questions please feel free to e-mail or call. I will gladly answer all of them for you.
     I would never knowingly put one of my babies in an unsafe enviroment. With this information you should be secure in the knowledge that your new  baby will have a safe flight from my lap to yours.

Granny