Limey, i'm also from Western Europe.

There's two dogs i'd like to breed to in the U.S but rather than travel there, i'm thinking frozen semen is the way to go, that's why i'm looking into clinics in Europe. However i'd much rather use a clinic that comes recommended than source my own, without any recommendations.

It's somewhat of a relief you say you've had success with straws, as most of the research i'v done states freezing in pellet form is the better option.