40 Months in Export: A Vet’s Journey with HallMark

40 Months in Export – A Personal Reflection

On 23rd November 2021, I started a journey in a role that I still proudly hold. Looking back now, I can honestly say: it was the right decision at the right time. On 23rd March 2025, I reached a milestone—40 months on the job.

That morning, my alarm played “Caminante, no hay camino”—a beautiful poem by Antonio Machado, adapted into song by Joan Manuel Serrat. It was a fitting soundtrack to start the day that marked forty months since I joined HallMark. A special day, personally and professionally.

From day one, I’ve genuinely enjoyed this job. It wasn’t my first change in direction, nor my first time stepping away from the slaughterhouse environment. But this time, I wasn’t exactly leaving that world—I was evolving within it. Moving into a different, improved role. One I still consider a step forward.

Of course, I still have fond memories of working as an Official Veterinarian. I even found myself applying recently for a role linked to that work—especially now that HallMark has secured so many positions in the area of official controls.

But today, I’m not writing to talk about the past. I’m writing to celebrate my journey as a Veterinary Inspector in Export. The role I dreamed of since my early days in the UK. And the one I’ve now grown into—fully, proudly, and with deep satisfaction.

I believe good work stems from a good life. I’m lucky to have a happy personal life, and that balance has made my work even more enjoyable. When your mind is clear and your heart is full, everything flows more easily. And when you enjoy what you do, everyone benefits—from your colleagues to your clients.

Yes, there are early starts—sometimes as early as 4:35 a.m.—even earlier than when I worked in slaughterhouses! But that doesn’t bother me. I love my life. I love my job. I love my family and friends who support me and make it all more meaningful. And as you may have guessed, I also love writing—no matter what time of day.

So, I’ll wrap it up here. A wonderful day lies ahead. Another one. Because today, like the song says: “Puede ser un gran día.” And tomorrow, too.

About the Author
Javier Arellano Montero is a Veterinary Inspector at HallMark, specialising in export certification. With over three years in the role and a passion for both animal health and storytelling, he brings heart, precision, and perspective to his work. When he's not inspecting consignments or reviewing health certificates, you might find him writing at dawn—or listening to Joan Manuel Serrat.