I want to preface this review by stating Dr. Cochran has always been kind and very good with all my…read moreanimals throughout the years I have been to this clinic. My issue stands with the staff member I spoke with.
One of the women who takes calls was intensely rude, condescending, and cold to me. I have international travel planned for myself and my cats. I had spoken to them about this prior, including directly with Dr. Cochran. They all confirmed that they would be able to provide animal health certificates specifically for international travel to England a few months ago. We implanted the UK standard ISO microchips and had vaccinations administered. When we left we were told to come back when travel plans were solidified. Upon calling this afternoon, I was told, in the most curt and rude tone, that they simply could not do it. They stated England only accepts electronic health certificates (which is not stated on official USDA site or UK sites). I was told they did not know who could do it and upon asking follow up questions I was cut off and completely shut down. After ending the call, I reread the UK and USDA websites, and did not see anything regarding electronic health certificates being a requirement for travel, in fact, in contrary, it was stated that printed, stamped, ink copies were required. I also looked up Dr. Cochran on the APHIS USDA database and confirmed he is listed as a category II veterinary for all animal types - this site is linked from international health certificate information on the APHIS USDA site. I decided to call back because I was confused, looking for information about health certificates, and wondering if there was something I was missing from these official websites. What a mistake. The same woman answered and was significantly more rude to me. I simply asked about where I could find information and was treated in an extremely condescending fashion. Upon stating that I had discussed this with them a few months back I was told in an aggressive tone "Ma'am we will NOT do this for travel to England." And at that point I was not even asking them to perform the service, I only wanted to educate myself. I then mentioned that Dr. Cochran is listed on the APHIS USDA database as a category II vet for all animals, and was told he is only on there for cattle related reasons. Please note that health certificates are a listed service on their website as well - with no stipulations, travel limitations, or specified animal types.
Overall, this interaction was distasteful, disappointing, and a prime example of horrible customer service. I was at no point rude, pushy, or mean. Simply tried to complete a prior discussed service, and then looking for information.
I hope this review is read by both Dr. Cochran and the woman who I spoke with. Something tells me that Dr. Cochran would not appreciate customers being spoken to in this way. If you cannot provide a service, there is no need to be so unkind about it. If you cannot provide information, there is no reason to be unkind about it.
I have contacted another vet, who was kind, informative, and well able to provide these certificates. They were sorry I was treated with such disrespect.