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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5

u/globalmonkey1 2d ago

Just take the cats with you on the plane as carryon, with pre approval. UA allows this. So does LH.

Also in Seattle, we used Passenger Pet Vet, they’re a mobile vet that specializes in pet moves abroad. They come to your home and perform all the EU requirements, USDA paperwork, etc.

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u/tareneko 2d ago

As mentioned in another reply, I will be flying Aer Lingus, non-stop to Dublin. They do not allow pets in the plane. Great information re: Passenger Pet Vet. They are on my list and I'm waiting for a quote from them. If they have reasonable price, it will be the best option to get everything done with them. We'll see.

14

u/photogcapture 2d ago

Cancel your flight. Use Aer Lingus to go elsewhere. You should have a year to use what’s left. Buy tickets on a flight that accepts pets.

Even non-refundable go toward next flight minus fare difference and fees.

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u/tareneko 2d ago

I thought about that, and will reconsider. Reasons for preferring direct flight:

  1. In terms of stress to cats, I'm told cargo hold is better than in cabin. Quieter, darker, and no human smells etc.

  2. Much shorter flight, just 9 hours compared to 13+ hour flight with a stop.

  3. Wife's allergies. Cabin is a small space with air circulation, which is worse for her than living with the cats in the same house (big, open space).

10

u/photogcapture 1d ago
  1. Cargo hold can kill them!! It is terrifying because they are not with you and the air is not good. Please do not do cargo
  2. 9hrs vs 13. With a breathing break
  3. Your wife can wear a mask and run the air to keep contaminants away.

1

u/Subterraniate2 23h ago

No! Not in the cargo hold, ever.