They get the job done.

I've deliberated over this because there was a hiccup and a couple of minor irritations along the way. I'll try and detail those so people can make their own minds up.

First of all and absolutely the most important. Our dog got home in good condition and still wagging his tail. Secondly, all emails were answered promptly. With all of that in mind, I'd use PBS again so it's hard to give them much less than five stars in that respect.

But....

What impressed me initially was that they took my overseas agents' paperwork and checked locally and came back with feedback. As a result, we were able to locate a problem that would have caused delays later.

I get the impression PBS is a well "legalled" company. So, for example, a straight question often seems to meet with a pasted link. They don't tell you what step to take next, they send you the feedback they received. Obviously, they understand it but you have to work it out for yourself. I imagine this is so they avoid being accused of ever being wrong. They'll facilitate your decision making but they won't really advise you. Answers occasionally feel a bit cryptic

So once our dog arrived in the UK, having been assured that paperwork was checked and in order, we were told that a problem had been raised and we needed more paperwork and a further £86 pounds had to be paid immediately. It was hard not to feel like our pet was being held to ransom.

As ever PBS wanted money paid upfront before they do anything. I guess they know this can be a messy business and they don't want to hand over the dog then have to chase cash.

Anyway, the dog arrived (only a couple of hours late) and all are happy. Once the dust had settled I raised the extra charge with PBS who reminded me they "can't be held responsible for any errors". That legal thing again.

So, on balance, it's a smart business that probably works in a very difficult world with very unsympathetic customs people. They get the job done and they watch their own backs while they're doing it. Ultimately you'll probably have to watch your own too.

Oddly this efficiency kinda makes me trust them even more. They're professionals.

Feb. 10, 2020