Glen Cook
I brought my dog Stormy in for a required USDA identity declaration as part of an international pet relocation process — a complex, time-sensitive procedure with hard government deadlines. While the veterinarian herself was knowledgeable, the overall experience left a lot to be desired. At checkout, when I asked about booking a follow-up procedure, a staff member called out from the back of the room with incorrect information, dismissing my question in front of other clients. The procedure I was asking about was neither of the things she claimed they didn’t do — and the vet later confirmed the clinic does in fact offer it. I was also charged $550 for the Part 1 identity declaration visit. The mandatory USDA endorsement fee for this step is $101. I was not offered an itemized breakdown of the remaining charges. Finally, when I explained that Australian biosecurity law requires all pets to travel as manifest cargo — this is not optional, it is a legal requirement — the veterinarian made repeated condescending comments that left me feeling judged and upset. I had done extensive research and was working with a professional pet relocation service. That kind of unsolicited commentary has no place in a clinical setting. I’m still waiting on confirmation that the USDA submission was completed correctly. For anyone navigating international pet travel, I’d strongly recommend finding a clinic that has genuine experience with this process.
