Korean Job Discussion Forums

Matilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Location: Gimhae gal

I am just so livid! We are in the process of sending our cat to Australia in March 2009. Part of the quarantine regulations require she be microchipped, rabies tested etc. We then required a government approved vet and our local vet sign off on her blood results.

We have been dealing with an excellent vet in Busan directly with our cat and another vet in Seoul (that advertises their expertise in animal exports/imports!!) to do the paperwork. Effectively, they are like a migration agent dealing with AQIS in Australia.

Just got approval faxed to us today.... which I was surprised about because I have not signed one single document! The vet in Seoul has!!
I rang her today and she admitted it was an illegal practise, however 'everybody' doesn't mind, as we don't live near Seoul to sign them personally. Evil or Very Mad

Well I do mind, and it is my signature being forged by her on several Australian government forms.

I am now in a bind. Firstly, if we stop the process and start all over again - we then may loose the chance to send our puss to Australia. She has to have blood drawn 180 days before she flies out.

Secondly, I allow this to go through but then have to sign to release her from quarantine in Sydney.... which reveals my true signature.

Thirdly, I am just so livid this blatant forgery can go on and the vet is so cheeky to me! I told her she could have couriered or posted the docs to me to sign in the first place.... but she kept playing dumb about the 'not living in Seoul' part to me.

Today, I demanded the orginal documents and blood test results be sent to me so I can see what is going on. She is still refusing and tells me to 'come to Seoul' instead. Evil or Very Mad

If I do have to go to Seoul... I think I would be so furious and take the forms to my embassy on the same day.... which then throws my cat's future in jeopardy.

I am really at a loss of what to do next... Any advice please?

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Correct advice for dealing with this problem:

Are you nuts? The vet did you a big, big favor by cutting through all the crap it takes to get a cat out of town. Thank god you have someone like that looking out for you. She saved you a day trip to Seoul, fer chrissake, to sign a stupid piecea paper.

My sense is that you may have some deep-seated personal boundary issues which are most likely quite valid (I dunno) but in terms of this one, thank the vet and move on.

You're welcome,

Trevor, who is the board's go-to-guy for all veterinary matters related to deep-seated personal boundary issues.

Matilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Location: Gimhae gal

Thanks Trevor... we already know that you are not against forgery.... Rolling Eyes

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Oooo. That was deep. Deep, I say. Deep....

Please keep in mind that I was suggesting that the traveler's check be forged by your mom, Mattie. I mean, your mom, okay? The lady who gave birth to you and who would most likely not steal the money.

Deep...

Trevor, who thinks it's okay for the vet and your mom to forge. Very Happy

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

Signatures mean absolutely nothing. Mine is totally illegible at times, sometimes I don't even attempt to make anything but a bunch of scribbles.

Frankly, I get livid when people ASK for my signature!

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

I don't think it would end up being a big deal. If the Quarantine/Signature Police question the whole thing, tell them your hand hurt one day. When you sign for the cat after quarantine I'd bet a trillion dollars they're not going to check your signature against any other documents they had received previously. They're going to be glad to see kitty go home.

I think it was nice of the vet to save you the 8+ hour round trip just to sign something that you probably don't even NEED to sign anyways. What are you signing to validate? It's your cat? You want to take the cat to Oz?
I don't get it.

Matilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Location: Gimhae gal

Ummm.... don't you guys use couriers or the post office for documents??? I never needed to go to Seoul!

BTW - This option was requested in a email my boyfriend sent in Korean back in October. I can't understand why I should just go along with someone forging my signature on legal documents?

Yes Jellypah - there are 3 docs at this stage she has used my signature on.... AQIS in Australia are a strict lot Smile

Why should I not be outraged that someone (esp a 'professional' Korean vet) is using my signature?!

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

You'd be a tough person to share a cubicle with Matilda...always calling HR if you caught me looking at the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.... Embarassed

skdragon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

Matilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Location: Gimhae gal

gazz · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

I think Matilda has a point. Australia is vvvv strict on the import of animals because they have so many sensitive endemic species.

You are on a sticky wicket with this one! If your time scale is limited, play the game. If (most prob when) they spot it I presume the worst case scenario would be your cat being put in isolation for a few weeks/months whilst they monitor for any possible symptoms.

That might cost a bit though!

I imagine if they found out that you knowingly took your cat to Aus with forged documents you would be liable to a BIG fine!

I am just speculating but like I said they take this shit vvvvv seriously, and I understand why.

gazz · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

As for your signature, is it not on your passport?

Jandar · Joined: 11 Jun 2008

No autopsy no foul.

Matilda · Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Location: Gimhae gal

Yes my signature is on my passport. Problem is all my AQIS docs now have the 'new' signature they created Rolling Eyes

Thanks for your understanding of our strict customs and quarantine system gazz.

A fellow Aussie suggested tonight I co-sign the docs in retrospect to protect myself. I think we may just apply for a new totally new permit using my fiancee's name and his true signature. We can still use the blood test results from a few months back. Thanks for your support.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

AQIS even going to care?

they are going to go through the documents, see all the paperwork is together and let you go on your way.

You are bringing a cat. If you were bringing an invasive species like Chinese Snakehead Fish, then I would think AQIS would scrutinize your documents.

The only hting AQIS will do is look at the headers on each document, see that everything checks out and hand it back. Who is ever going to sit down and compare signatures on all the documents to make sure they weren't forged?

People don't even check your signature on the back of your credit card. If they DO, they just look, see that its signed, and give it back.