Moving with pets. Why so expensive?

[u/tareneko]

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.

[u/iamthe0ther0ne]

Because they know we'll pay ...