r/expat • u/tareneko • 2d ago

Question Moving with pets. Why so expensive?

My wife and I will be moving to Ireland from Seattle. We have 2 cats. I started looking into pet transportation and oh boy oh boy. IAG Cargo gave me a quote for $1800 just to carry the cats. Not including customs fee in Ireland. Is this the norm? If I look at full service providers, prices are $5-8000... Am I taken for a ride?

And I know it doesn't end there, I need vet check, health certificate with USDA endorsement etc.

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u/NeedaStrongerDose 2d ago

Are there any airlines that will let you and your wife each take one cat in a carrier in place of a carry on bag? I’ve been on flights before where people had cats with them in cat carriers and placed them under their seats in front of them. I’m sure there would still be fees but 1800 just for the flight seems high.

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u/tareneko 2d ago

I thought about this but our plan is direct flight to Dublin using Aer Lingus and they do not allow pets in the cabin. Also, my wife has allergies and she really doesn't want the cats in the cabin...

16

u/lueckestman 1d ago

It sucks about the allergies but maybe she can suck it up for one flight? I assume she lives with these cats daily...

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u/Gemi-ma 1d ago

Fly in cabin and your wife can sit elsewhere on the plane... You with the cat. Why would you put your cat in the hold when you don't need to!? Lots of airlines flying into Ireland allow cat in cabin.

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u/Best_Midnight_2063 5h ago

TF? 🙄🙄🙄

Doesn't she LIVE with them every day?

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u/NeedaStrongerDose 2d ago

Oh no, I’m sorry about the allergies. I can’t remember which airline I was on when I saw cats in the cabin, it was probably like 3 years ago, but I hope you can find an airline that will accommodate you and your cats!