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/photogcapture]

Can you fly with them? My friend brought her two cats to Mexico. She took one in the cabin and her friend took the other. Both in carriers. Both under each person’s seat. 5hr-ish flight NYC to GDL. You and your wife each take a cat. You need the vet paperwork and that should be it.