Could you fly to a city where heat is not such a problem, and then drive to your destination - even if it means driving a looooooong way?
Most important, avoid flights where you'd have to transfer, only fly direct. The danger is that the animals might get left on the hot tarmac during the transfer.
Were it me, I'd use a professional pet shipping agent. A good shipping agent will have experience with this problem, and should be able to find a safe solution for your pet.
I have used a very good one in the Chicago area - if that's your destination, I can give you his details. Or, contact this Zürich based shipper:
http://www.acepetmoving.com/en/about-us.html While I have not used them yet, the correspondence I've had with this company left a good impression.
If all else fails, could you either postpone your return until the fall, or could you find temporary accomodation for your dog until the heat embargo is lifted?
Odd thing, they would not let me book a business class, because all the business class cargo was booked. I was able to fly coach, and reserve a spot for my dog. Based on the kennel size it will be and extra 250 or 500 CHF. Flying coach and some extra francs is the price you have to pay to travel with mans best friend I guess.
The post is here, should anyone else be interested.:
Transatlantic travel by ship - with pets?
Kennel space on the QM2 needs to be booked far in advance - when I enquired months ago the only space left for the year was a November crossing.
In the end, even with bringing a private vet along, I decided that the trip would not be possible as my little muttley is now too fragile for any kind of travel, air or ship.
---
But it sounds like you have found a solution, Southernguy.
Wishing you and your dog a bon voyage, and all the best back Stateside.
I may have to move to the US with my two hunds so any info will be fab.
I fley United airways in July from MN to Belgium with 2 stops. every time we boarded the plane they would come and let me know the dog was doing great. it was really pleasant. cost was 125 $ for him to fly below decks.
I flew United over too Switzerland, and had to pay a little more, I think 200 USD, but that could be due to a larger container size. I guess I have gotten used to things being a bit more pricey in Switzerland. Another alternative I had was 8000.00 from a pet relocation company. I think in some situations, they pay a handler to go a personally see the pet makes it safely.
they quoted me 5k for that hahaha I lauged it off . Our dog from greece just arrived yesterday and he was accompanied by a lady flying here any way....didnt even have to pay his ticket or kennel . Awesome . so ill be depositing his ticket money to the shelter in Greece anyways