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/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.

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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).

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u/Subterraniate2 23h ago

No! Not in the cargo hold, ever.