The shipping was actually not that expensive. Amerijet charges either by gross weight (an issue when you ship a lab!) or by volume, whichever is greater... I think it averages about $1 and change a pound. What was slightly more expensive but totally worth it was having Pet Limo pick up and drop off the dogs while we flew ahead of them... the couple that runs the service is wonderful, and they deal with Ameriejet all the time... They'll keep in close touch with the airline to ensure the flight is on schedule, and drop off the dogs at the latest time possible, so the dogs spend as minimal time in their kennels as possible. Pick up, boarding, drop off was about $275/dog (though they actually cut us a deal as we had 4.)