Moving Pets- QM2, Flying to another country, or a Charter flight

It looks like we may be relocating to the UK in the next couple of months.  Our cat and dog started the process last year and have completed their quarantine.  I am looking for options other than flying them in cargo.  Our dog has a heart murmur and I am not even sure he would be allowed.  They can stay with my parents for several months, if need be, to get them the best transport possible. 

I have looked into the QM2, but it is booked. 

I am looking into flying them into another EU country in the cabin and then bringing them into the UK via car or ferry.  Does anyone have any experience with this?  They are 16 and and 18 pounds respectively, so they are too big for some airlines.

I am also looking into chartering a flight with some other pet owners.  I have been emailing someone that is trying to relocate their dog about sharing a plane.  If the plane were full, the cost isn't bad.  Has anyone done this? I wonder how hard it is to fill a plane? Are there any other issues with this that we have not considered? 

Any advise would be appreciated.   

Previous posters have had success flying to another EU country and then coming in via car/ferry. The trick would be in doing the tick/tapeworm treatment at the right time, but aside from that it's just a question of sorting out all the travel arrangements.

You would need to check with DEFRA on chartering flights - looking at their site it doesn't appear that you can do that, as you would need to go through one of their approved routes. If you give them a call, though, they could advise further.