Banfield vet services at Petsmart?

[Pixieflip]

Our Banfield has been a really good experience. We've had the same vet and couple of nurses all 6 years we've been going there. I like paying a little each month rather than a big chunk once a year for the big visit, so that works for me, too. They've always been professional and helpful and ALWAYS call the next day to see how she's doing after her vaccines. Oh, and after her surgery, the nurse sent her home with a new fleece blankie to snuggle with. She makes them for all the puppies, from her own income. So sweet.

But I can see how they could all be different. I'd check more locally, like with the groomers as previously suggested. Also neighbors and friends will have suggestions, too.

 

[sydneysmom]

absolutely HATED them. when I was single, I took my bassett puppy there for her shots and to get spayed. they almost killed her. they did her surgery and actually sent her home RIGHT AFTER. no time to come out of the anethesia...they said they didn't have enough space to keep her overnight. well, I wound up taking her to our old vet the next day and they basically saved her life. Banfield is a butcher shop. I cannot stress enough how horrid they are and how little they care for your pet. And yes, they are so much more expensive than a regular vet....they upcharge and upsell everything. it's like an ala carte menu for criminy sake !

We now take all 3 of our dogs to our "normal" vet and they are happy and healthy. And I thank God that my sweet puppy didn't lose her life at their hand.

 

[marie1203]

Frontline Plus does treat biting lice and is labeled for it's use along with fleas and ticks.

They didn't use frontline plus just frontline this a few years back. If a vet misses something like that to me is not acceptable. The lice were really bad and that was 3 weeks after the dog was "treated" for it.

 

[ddlgwar]

Don't do it-Run in the other direction. 11 months ago we got a dog-3 years old from a friend who lost interest. The dog had never been to a vet and we didn't really know of any. It was convient with good hours so we went to Banfield.We wanted to be good dog owners so we got all his shots, a full exam and signed up for their insurance. 48 hours later he collapsed and began having a seizure. I called Banfeild-they were closed and there was no answering machine. I frantically searched the yellow pages for an emergency vet center all the while my dog lay seizing in my husbands arms. We found one and drove there but it was to late- he died in the parking lot. I called Banfield the next day-to let them know and cancel the insurance. The only explaination I got was 'it must have been a reaction to the shots" and " i guess somebody forgot to turn on the answering machine-it would have told you where to take your dog-sorry" Now it may have been a reaction to his shots and even if we had known exactly where to go-he may not have lived but he would have been more comfortable with his passing. They then REFUSED to cancel the insurance-"it's a 1 year contract whether you dog is alive or not" You have 3 business days to change your mind on any contract it had only been 2. 11 months later-I'm still fighting with them. They bill my credit card-I dispute the charge-go through the whole story-Chase removes it-then it reappears the next month. Even changing my credit card number it still happens.There was no sympathy,no compassion all they cared about was a lousy $21/month. The whole experience has been a nightmare. It was bad enough losing our dog but to spend this much time fighting with a company that couldn't care less about the animals they are supposed to care for has made it so much worse.

 

[Happiest mommy]

ddlgwar I am so sorry to hear what happened to your dog, josh that so horrible to have to go thru that and still continue to get billed and not be able to cancel is unacceptable that really is a nightmare.

I guess I will be reconsidering my choice I wont be getting the puppy until May so I still have some time to look around and get references.


Thank you all for your responses as always

 

[Frannie115]

They then REFUSED to cancel the insurance-"it's a 1 year contract whether you dog is alive or not" You have 3 business days to change your mind on any contract it had only been 2. .

I guess it really depends on the owner of the practice (i believe they are individually owned). We found a home for one of our dogs (financial reasons) and I went in and explained this to them. They cancelled his insurance.

For 7 years we have been very happy with our Banfield but there seems to be more negative than positive about them out there.

 

[andreadoiron]

I'm surprised at all the negative comments about Banfield. I have to say our dog has been very healthy. He will be 10 in June.

You do have to be firm with them about the extras and just say no. They know us now and don't even ask. They never have a problem with us ordering his heartworm meds online. One time our dog had a sore (bug bite) on his paw and they gave us an ointment for it. The tech even told us to save the tube (of course, by expiration date) just in case we needed it for something else and we wouldn't have to pay for it again.

I guess we got lucky with our Banfield

so you don't have the wellness plan? did you ever consider it? i too like our banfield staff much better than any of the local vets i've been too (3 of them) but now my cats have to have urine samples done and the vet thinks bloodwork for kidney function is a good idea plus everytime you bring them in it is an recheck of $37. i want to do what's needed but not tons more. i too think all vets want to do unneccesary testing.
so i guess i'm asking anyone out there that's been in my situation, what would you do: pay as you go or do the plan?

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

Wow, I am suprised, too, at the bad reviews. We take our dog there and have been very pleased. We have seen the same vet every time and she is great with my dog. She had her teeth cleaned a few weeks ago and the vet herself called me 3 times during the day to let me know how she was doing. I guess it all depends on where you live. Ask around your area where your friends and neighbors take their pets.

 

[Disneefun]

I'm in the run away camp. We used them the first couple of years we had our dog and here's a quick summary:

-They were way more expensive than the vet I currently use, even with their "plans".
- They ordered unnecessary tests and procedures, sometimes without consulting me first.
- The place was a revolving door of staff. We never saw the same person twice.
- I didn't like the "drop off" of the dog for physicals. I don't know what went on in there, but when my dog would come home, she would be shaky and scared for a couple of days. I don't think they beat her or anything, but I don't think they gave a crap, either.
- It was almost impossible to speak to someone on the phone if you just had a quick question. They always wanted me to bring her in so they could charge for an office visit.

I found a great vet through a friend's recommendation. He's much cheaper, the staff is loyal and they really love the animals, and he give me options rather than ordering the most expensive things. When we come home, my dog is still happy and "normal" and not traumatized.

Love him and I hate that I put my dog through those couple of years at Banfield. Ask around with your friends and coworkers to find out who they use and if they're happy. That's usually the best source of information.

 

[Happiest mommy]

Hi i'm the pster of this thread, this was posted almost a year ago I decided to go with Banfield Wellness plan I must say they are AWSOME!! my sister was the one who sugested I go, I have a wonderful Vet have had him since we started with Banfield, can't say enough i'm very happy with my decision.they are individually owned so I think thats why so many different opinions.

 

[RockysMom]

We have had our 3 month old pit for 2 months and so far I like Bansfield. We see the same doctor every time and she LOVES our pet! He goes every 3 weeks for his shots and deworming medication, and they have never tried to sell me anything extra. As a matter of fact I was concerned about his skin issues (which this breed is known for sensitive skin) she actually told me of some home remedies to try instead of purchasing the expensive shampoos. Again I like them, glad I purchased the plan...saved us money!

P.S.
Rocky loves Dr. Life and Pet Smart!!

 

[4HppyCamprs]

We took our dogs once to Banfield. They pushed very hard for the wellness plan and then tried to get me to do all sorts of extensive testing on some skin around my Boston Terriers nose. I would have fallen for it and been super concerned had I not already known the issue and how to treat it. Hundreds of dollars in testing for a skin problem treated with hydrogen peroxide. We didn't feel comfortable with them after that as switched to a local vet.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Astylla]

Our experience was beyond amazing in a very uncertain time , however as others stated VERY expensive. I would highly suggest seeking out local low cost clinics , though they book quickly back in Florida they were amazing with our animals for most everything and provided emergency referrals also.

I also suggest asking your local SPCA/shelter for recommendations as well as they often will provide a list when adopting to ensure shots and any needs are met after adoption.

 

[ellie05]

I will never take my pets to banfield. Inexperience staff is enough for me to make me run away.

 

[danygirl]

My cat was suddenly very sick on the weekend. I took her to banfield because the er vet costs a fortune. They were excellent! Prices were good - Kiitty had snacked on a tulip (no more flowers for me) and they are toxic for cats. They rehydrated her and gave her meds and prescription food. They suggested an X-ray but the charge was 200 more than my vet would charge. So they suggested that if she did not poop within 24 hours I have my vet do the X-ray. There were special instructions with the meds and they gave clear direction. I love my vet but I would highly recommend them if your pet becomes ill on the weekend!

 

[JillyBean1899]

I will never take my pets to banfield. Inexperience staff is enough for me to make me run away.

You can find inexperienced staff anywhere you go. Everyone has to start somewhere. I worked as a vet tech at a Banfield for 2 years. I handled everything from routine exams/vaccines to anesthesia/recovery for surgery to x-rays to dental cleanings. It was all on the job training, but I had the hospital director (who was also the owner and had been working with animals for 10 years) supervising my training.

 

[ellie05]

You can find inexperienced staff anywhere you go. Everyone has to start somewhere. I worked as a vet tech at a Banfield for 2 years. I handled everything from routine exams/vaccines to anesthesia/recovery for surgery to x-rays to dental cleanings. It was all on the job training, but I had the hospital director (who was also the owner and had been working with animals for 10 years) supervising my training.

I said that is just one of the things. I do a lot of research before I picked a vet. Our vet office is great. We have two vets that we see often and one has almost 40 years of experience and the owner has 23. They also do a lot of continuous training and courses to keep up with new things. I still stand by I would never take my dogs to banfield. My friend against my recommendation took her dog there. A vet there (just one year of experience) convince her that they needed to do exploratory surgery. The whole thing was a mess. I wouldn't go to a vet just because it was cheaper either most times you get what you paid for. We had a couple of big issues with our dogs(including cancer) and our vet were so amazing trough the whole thing.Growing up we almost lost our family dog because of a vet and I will never make that mistake again.

Edit: Also our vet office does not have or hire anyone with less than 4 years of experience for vet techs.

Anyone can do shots or a heart worm test. But when things go wrong and they need more that is when a good vet makes a huge difference. Best example BF took her dog to vet for 3 years straight for her annuals they said everything was good. She took her to our vet year 4 for her annual vet discovers there is something wrong with her elbow. Do x rays discovers it was so bad because it has been going on for a while. Her dog needed surgery and now it is fine. All that could have been prevented with early detection.

 

[danygirl]

Just curious - does your vet check blood pressure each visit?

 

[ellie05]

Just curious - does your vet check blood pressure each visit?

Not each visit unless there is a reason for that.Their annual includes blood work and glaucoma test. However we did had a rescue that was a senior and he had many health problems they did check his blood pressure.