those vets charge far to much !!
here (belgium) I paid about 125 € (is about the same in $ I think ???) . A normal visit is 21 € .
Sydney does not mind going there , as long of course as the vet does not try to examine him !!
I've never had any problems getting him into his travel-cage . I use a trick for that : many hours before , I put the cage somewhere in the living-room . He thinks it is for playing , so he jumps in and out and even comes to get in ,when I call him !! I know , it's a naughty trick of me , but as long as it helps ...!