This past weekend sucked. I found a couple ticks on Thea and removed them without a problem, but she developed a red spot on her belly and one on her side that both progressed to look a bit like a bull's eye. Now that I am familiar with the joys of Lyme's Disease, I didn't hesitate to agree when Craig suggested we get her to the vet on Saturday.
We went to the Banfield Pet Hospital in Watchung, NJ on Route 22. It's located inside a PetSmart and was convenient as it accepted walk-in appointments. We signed in and waited a bit in the common area. Not long for humans, but insanely long for a 6 month old puppy who wants to play with all the other animals walking around. When we went back to an examining room, not unlike with doctor appointments for humans, we waited some more. Eventually a nurse who identified herself as Kasha came in and asked why we were there. We explained the ticks and the spots and our concern that it might be Lyme's Disease and if it wasn't that we wanted to see if Thea could be vaccinated? We apologized that we (translation: I) had forgotten to bring Thea's records along - although I checked and she had not been vaccinated for Lyme's yet. When I filled out the medical history on Thea next to Allergies? I wrote "Unknown" as we had not been told of any. The nurse left and we waited for the doctor.
The doctor came in with the nurse, did not introduce himself, and asked why we were there. We repeated what we had said and showed him the spots. He looked at the one on her belly by holding her, twisted on her side, firmly against the table. Not surprisingly, she squirmed. She hadn't had a problem when the nurse looked at the spot - but that may be because the nurse let Thea stand up and looked at her belly that way, rather than pinning her down. He said he was going to pull some hairs and see if they grew anything fungal. He also said, "Yes I remember him. I remember that he has had all his shots." (This is after looking at Thea's belly and seeing SHE is not a HE!) The nurse said, "I never said that. That's not what I told you." He ignored her. I said, "I don't know if she has had all her shots, I'll tell you the ones I can remember." He wrote them down, and said "I'll pull the hairs and give the Lyme's Disease only today." They picked up Thea and took her into the back room.
Craig and I sat and waited while we heard Thea whimper and cry in the other room. Craig reassured me that she was fine, she was just being a big baby because she was having her hair pulled and getting a shot. When they brought her back the doctor said, " I pulled some hairs and gave her only the Lyme's Disease vaccination for today." Craig said, "Yeah, we heard her." Doctor responded, "This one's difficult to restrain." I thought of how he pinned her to the table and fumed a bit. "She needs to come back in three weeks for a booster shot. Her prescriptions will be at the front desk." We took her out to the front desk, waited for the doctor to get around to typing the information in the computer for the receptionist, paid and went on our way.
On the way out, Thea got slow and disoriented. Thea, who normally jumps like mad over people who pay attention to her, barely wagged her nub of a tail when a woman reached down to pet her. Craig and I figured she was probably tired from the shot and headed out to the parking lot. I carried her in the parking lot until I felt her little body begin to convulse like she was going to vomit. I placed her on the ground and vomit she did. But just a little, which we thought was normal. Luckily for all three of us, the front end manager of PetSmart was on a cigarette break and even though she was talking on her cell phone, she noticed Thea and asked, "Has your dog just had a shot?" We said, "Yes." She said, "Take her back inside. She might be having a reaction to it." So we picked her up and headed right back.
I asked the front desk for her to be disoriented and vomiting. She was taken into the back room and we were told to wait. The guy who took her into the back room came back and said, "She's having a reaction. She'll have to be here for at least an hour. We are giving her oxygen. So, you should just hope for the best."
Unable to comprehend or cope with what that could mean, I agreed to go up the street to Arby's for lunch. (Yes, Erin there's an Arby's close to our house!)
After lunch, we returned and were told she was doing fine. They retrieved her from the back room and let us hold her. She was paranoid and disoriented as a result of the drugs they had given her. But she was okay. Now we had two more medications to pay for that would counter her allergic reaction. I asked if this meant she shouldn't get the booster. I was told she MUST get the booster.
"But.. but... if she's allergic to it, that doesn't make any sense."
"She's not allergic, she just had a reaction. It's very common in small dogs." Interesting that this was not mentioned BEFORE she was given the shot or BEFORE we left with her. "She just needs to take these medicines in advance to prevent having a reaction from the booster." Craig asked her to highlight those medications for us, which she grudgingly did.
"So did the stuff she was given counter the vaccine?"
"Yes."
"So she needs to have the vaccination over?"
"Yes."
"So do I get a refund for the vaccination I just paid for?"
"No."
"But you just said it has to be done over."
"In three weeks, she needs the second shot."
"The booster?"
"Yes."
"So it's not starting all over again?"
"No. She has to have two shots for the Lyme Disease. I'll schedule the next appointment for three weeks, that would be June 18."
"Can we call and schedule it, I have to check my schedule." Craig interrupts her, much to her chagrin.
"Yes, you can do that. But it will have to be a drop off so we can watch her in case she has a reaction. It's very common in small dogs."
Now we had been told THREE times that it was very common for small dogs to have this kind of reaction to the Lyme Disease vaccine... ALL of them AFTER we brought her back. We were not told to watch for a reaction. Not by the doctor. Not by the nurse. Not by the receptionist who was now repeating it like a fucking mantra.
We paid another $100 for these medications, bringing the total of this routine visit to $300. I don't mind paying $300 for a vet's visit that includes a vaccination, medications, and a doctor who will answer my questions. The vet could not find the time to come talk to us after we left the exam room. Not when our puppy needed oxygen. Not when we had questions about the vaccine. Not when we had questions about the medications we were being told to give our puppy.
The tube of ointment we were given and told to "Apply to the red spots" is listed on my receipt as EAR MEDICATION and the label says, "Use as directed - Use until gone." I read the brochure that came with it, and it's a skin ointment, although mostly used for ears. It's clearing up the spots rather quickly. If we use it until it's gone, as the presciption label instructs us to, we will be applying it for months.
We are supposed to get a call from the doctor by June 7th with the results from his culture. Thea is scheduled to visit a new vet, recommended to us by a fellow JRT owner, on June 9th.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
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I agree. I just had a horrible experience with Banfield in St. Louis and noted it on my blog http://www.resonancepartnership.com
I work at PetsMart and I was thinking about transferring to Banfield.. sounds like they really took care of your dog, but on the otherhand, should have been more curtious.
Stephanie
I am wondering if you read this post at all.
The vet never told us his name.
He was rough with our puppy.
He had difficulty remembering that my dog was female while examining her.
He gave a vaccination that is known to cause reactions in small dogs without warning us of this risk, not to mention that the vaccination has been proven to not work - which is why it is no longer used on humans.
He ignored his nurse.
He ignored what I had to say.
He did not advise us as to what to expect with Thea when we left.
When we brought her back, at the advisement of a PetSmart employee - not a Banfield employee, he would not come out and talk to us.
He made the receptionist explain prescriptions to us, that she was not certified or trained to explain.
It was a terrible experience.
Banfield did NOT take care of my pet. Their lack of courtesy was the smallest of the problems. They almost caused the death of my pet.
I also have recently had a terrible experience at the Banfield in Joplin, Missouri. Not only did they brow-beat me for not accepting their "Wellness Plan", but they both charged me for services not requested AND for services not performed. I took my 6-month old cat in to be spayed, and not an hour later I received a phone call saying they would not spay her on the grounds that she was coughing. She had previously been diagnosed with pneumonia, but that had been FOUR MONTHS EARLIER, and after treating her FOUR MONTHS EARLIER, I hadn't heard her cough since. The Vet HIMSELF said that they had been "messing around with her" when she had started coughing. I said that I would reschedule the appointment and pick her up in under an hour. When I arrived, they was a whole slew of things that they had done to her that I had not requested, like giving her two different shots, cleaning her ears, and giving her MORE pneumonia medication, which is very expensive. And on top of all of that, they charged me for an office visit. I left feeling SO ANGRY, but not as angry as I would be when I got home. As I took her out of her cage in my livingroom, I saw something that caught my eye. Someone had shaved the entire left side of her neck and shoulder. SHAVED. HER NECK AND SHOULDER. Why? No one had said anything to me about this when I was at the clinic, but there it was. Was this the "messing around" that had caused her to cough in the first place? Because I would be fucking caughing like crazy if someone were shaving my god-damned neck, too. If you read this, and wish to comment, my email is finalsacrifice@hotmail.com.
What a terrible company.
Banfield in Northville, MI...Terrible. I would never recommend it! I am out $295 just for my puppy's second set of shots! If you don't sign up you get harrassed, if you do you pay even more! I only took my dog one time and that was one time too many!
I also had a bad experience at the Banfield in Florissant MO off New Halls Ferry Rd. I had went there for a Rabies shot durring their "wellness hours" It seemed like a slow day I did not see anyone else there, the two receptionists were chit chatting, it took them a while to even relize I was standing there. The process took so long, mostly due to them talking and the one girl asking questions about how to do it. I explained to recptionist as I signed in that my pet was not due for his other shots yet just the rabies; but I left my records at home. The receptionist said that they did not need them and began to push their Wellness plans on me, I told her I was only needing rabies. She put me in a room and made me watch a video on their "plans". It took over 20min for the nurse to come in and ask questions and get history. She went over an estimate of all the shots and a bunch of other items which I explained that I either had or did not want, once again pushing this plan. She left and it took another 15min for her to pop back in and let me know that the Dr. was on her way. Another 15min or so the Dr. came in and asked the same questions and looked at my pet and did the rabies shot. The Dr. was rude, short, talked down to me, cut me off when I was talking, and told me how I needed to get the rest of the shots done and to get it done via a plan! It was all SELL, SELL, SELL. She made it sound like I was being a bad owner by not being on a plan. Did no one get it that my pet did not need anything else??? They sent me on my way and I spent another 10 min waiting for the Dr. to "finish my records". Then the Dr. poped out and told the receptionist to set me up for an appointment for the rest of my shots!!!! Needless to say, I was the only one who was there, there is no reason that this should of taken so long for one shot! and the kicker is that I signed a paper for my total in the exam room, and when I was checking out the girl explained that she needed to tack another $50 on for a licens tag! I asked why this was not gone over before, she told me they must of forgotten? what?!!? I asked if I had to register with them, she said "yes, by law". later I called the county and they said that I could purchase it from them for only $16!! (a bit different from $50)
I will never go back Banfield!
I just googled "review banfield watchung nj", and found your comments, and here are mine: About a month ago, our 13yo dog, Sheela, started peeing in the house. In 2 weeks, we lost 2 mattresses. Since the dog is not really mine but my brother's and mom's (I take care of the cats), they chose to take her to the Petsmart vet. My vet's in Colts Neck, and about twice the price but totally worth every penny. Accd to my mom, the first vet who saw Sheela was a woman, very nice and stuff. The vet that was on duty last week, and this past Saturday, NEVER RETURNED A 2 MINUTE PHONE CALL FOR THE URINALYSYS RESULTS AND A REFILL OF THEIR PERSCRIBED ANTI-BIOTIC! My mother called and called and called, and finally Saturday 5:15pm (they were closed so we couldn't pick up a refill for the medication), a male Hindi accented vet answered the phone and did his schtick of bs and by my conclusions from his bs, I think Sheela has a bladder infection, because as soon as the medication they perscribed her finished, she peed on my brother's bed. But by the Hindi accented vet's conclusions, we needed to spend another 700-800$ for more tests! So, Sheela will be taking an hour long drive down the Parkway and I just hope she doesn't pee in the car, but my mission, first here and then the BBB, maybe I'll even make myself a bumpersticker, is to inform as many people about the useless f**** down at Watchung's Banfield on route 22.
Southcenter, Seattle WA. Banfield killed our puppy. He went in for his annual shots on a Thursday April 6, was given a clean bill of health, no allergies, up to date on all his shots, and then died Tuesday night in the emergency room. We signed up for the "Wellness Plan" because it is supposed to make your pet well and live longer. Our puppy is not well and never will be because he is now dead. We noticed on Monday, April 10 that he was acting slower than usual and not his usual self. So we called Banfield afterhours number and the nice recording told us to call the emergency room. We called the emergency vet, described his symptoms and the receptionist told us our puppy was probably overtired from playing all day but that we could make an appointment in the morning. Brutus got progressively worse and was practically in a comalike state by the time 8:00 am Tuesday rolled around. We rushed him to the emergency room because Banfield didn't open until 9:00 am. The emergency room vet called up Brutus' regular vet at Banfield for his records. As the day progressed, Banfield called us up to inquire about Brutus at which point, we told the happy chipper voice that Brutus was in a f**king coma and we wanted to know what the heck they did to him 4 days ago when we went in for his annual shots. At this point, the chipper happy annoying voice disconnected. At 6:30 pm that night, we went back to the emergency room to let Brutus know that we were still there for him. As we were standing there in the lobby, Brutus died and we never got to say goodbye to our puppy. The disgusting part of this whole sorry saga is we got stuck paying $1,000 in emergency vet care and Banfield won't let us out of their "Wellness Plan." His vet was supposed to call us but never did. Some high power person in charge called us to soothe her guilty conscience but she never got back to us about canceling the "deathness plan." Why does Brutus still need a plan when he has been cremated? Banfield sent us Brutus' f**king rabies ID tag in the mail along with other paperwork they forgot to give us on Thursday after his annual shots along with a f**king chipper note about Oops, they forgot to give us Brutus' paperwork. Yeah, like I need his rabies tag anymore. Save it for an animal that actually needs a rabies tag! Cindy
You all should really direct your complaints to the Banfield home office so they can investigate and take action against these vets. It may save some other pet's lives.
Banfield is a total scam. DO NOT USE THEM. The monthly payment plan is a joke. When you try to cancel the plan they try to extort as must money from you as possible. The Banfield in Oxnard, CA is terrible. STAY AWAY
After reading all of your posts, I'm terrified to bring my dogs to Banfield! While shopping at PetSmart, I was given two free exam coupons for my two puppies, which I have an appointment to redeem on Saturday morning for their rabies shots. I would absolutely never take their wellness plan, but do you think they will be okay just to have their rabies shots? I really don't want to put my dogs in jeopardy, as they are my babies. Please advise! Thanks, Amy
Amy,
There is a story in this comment thread of someone taking their dog to Banfield for routine shots and the dog dying four days later.
Even if that dog had some bizarre health issue and the visit to Banfield just happened to coincide with the animal's death - I STRONGLY advise not taking your pets to Banfield.
Chances are your "free" coupons will be accompanied by last minute charges for license tags or an office visit.
Not to mention, that any money given to Banfield keeps them open longer to mistreat more animals.
Maybe your two dogs would be fine... but maybe they wouldn't. Is it worth the risk? I know it;s not a risk I would take with any animal under my care.
They are qualified, caring vets that are more than happy to provide affordable services. Take the time to find one in your area.
I am sorry to hear about all of your horrble experices at the vet, I have worked with many vets and saw many terrifying cases. I work at Banfield and can say not all of them are bad, if we had your case we would have done everyhting we could and not charged for all the problems we caused. I hope your puppy feels better and also Lyme is not just a case in small dogs, it sounds like the vet lied to you to cover his ass. But puppies do have series of vaccines. Some vets do not provide the Lyme Vaccine, its a painful fluid that burns under the skin but the disease (which is rare) is very serious so vaccinating is a good idea. There are many other Hospitals out there who focus on preventive care, like Banfield. The important thing is for you to find one where you are comfortable so your puppy will stay healthy and happy. Its nice to see how people really care for thier dogs. Good Luck!
Fredericksburg, VA
Well I have to agree with the comments on Banfield. I took my 3 year old Cocker Spaniel to them on December 19th and with the Wellness Plan was charged a whopping $268 for exams and meds. After a weekend at the sitters she begin having runny stools with some blood and they indicated they could see her immediately. There is a new doctor there of Indian decent and each time I have taken her and seen him over the last 6 months I come out with nothing less than a $300 bill. This time tests for worms, Giardia were performed and all came back negative. He indicated there was some imflamation of the large intestine but could not determine the cause. Well for not determining the cause he diagnosed three different meds and Vitamin drops. Of the meds one was for parasites (even though she had just had her deworming performed in September and there was not a sign of any now. He treated her for Giardia, even though the tests came back negative. So basically he gave me meds for everything he could think of that might be wrong as a just in case. This is becoming a constant and Bafield seems to be a rip off. The wellness plan is only good for shots and a checkup. Anyting after that you pay for....and I mean you PAY FOR IT. The same meds via the internet are about 1/8 of the price they charged. Now my other dog has the runs...won't take him to Banfield at that rate and lack of professional judgement. Thank goodness my contracts expire this month. I will now find a reputable vet in my area.
Banfield IS a rip off but also endangers your cats and dogs. The new vaccine recommendations from American Veterinary association says once every THREE years and even that is more than you actually nees. Those vaccinations cost .60-80 cents each so Banfield is really gouging you for payment every month. Get a good vet who cares about individual animals and not a corporate run business like Banfiled. It's your pets life they are making all that money from!
I work for the company and the problems most of you are stating is that there is a long wait. FOR THE RECORD I have never been to a doctors appointment and waited 2 minutes and left. You will wait wherever you go. And we dont just sit aroud all day doing nothing. We have something called "Drop Offs" where clients leave their pets for the wellness plan items or vaccs. Those patients need our care too. And what if 5 minutes before you walked in to get your dog rabies vacc(which you havnt had anything else in the past 5 years anyways so whats another couple of minutes going to do) a sick or injured pet comes in needing our services. You people are too picky. And very mean. feel so bad for those client service coordinators (receptionits), they dont make enought to listen to your non sence about waiting. and those wellness plans are very good if you know what they are for. THEY ARE NOT INSURANCE>>> it is a wellness plan. meaning your animal needs to be well???? wow what an idea. well animals are on this plan. if you want insurance contact your insurance company. not us. I cant stand how you guys can put a company down so much.
Anonymous -
I don't mind waiting for a doctor or a vet, if the treatment received by my pet or myself is quality treatment.
However, when I wait for a vet to pay so little attention to my dog that he can't tell she's female, not male - then give her a shot that the majority of vets refuse to administer because it doesn't work & most dogs have a reaction to it - and not warn me about the possibility of a reaction and what to look for and THEN when my dog has a reaction and is brought back and has to be put on oxygen the vet cannot be bothered to speak with me and answer my questions... then I get furious about all of those things and waiting certainly doesn't help.
I stand by my statement that Banfield Pet Hospital is the WORST vet/animal care clinic I have ever visited and I will NOT under any circumstances return there. I have even stopped shopping at PetSmart because they provide space for Banfield.
Yes Banfield does try to force people to "drop off" their pets. Can you imagine what it would be like for your child dropping him off at a dentist office all day? Watching strange people in pain come and go? Think of your dog or cat in a small cage waiting and watching and hearing others barking or in pain or surgery all day. No way would I do that to my pet!!! Bad enough they are afraid by the strange smell sights of the vet but leaving it there to suffer? Not MY pets, thanks. It's another Banfield gimmick.
Ever since I've gotten my dog I've put her on a Banfield plan to get her check ups and shots. They've always been very good about telling me what shots she's getting and if I want an extra shot to help prevent a reaction from occurring. My vet has always been very caring about my dog she always hugs her if she seems scared when they are going to give her immunization. My dog also has luxating patella and my vet knows that I'm concerned about it and checks for it everytime and they send home a sheet with me telling me what kind of symptoms will occur if my dog does get a reaction from her vaccination. So far I haven't had any problems with Banfield so far. I do have to admit the wait time to see the vet takes awhile sometimes, but it's almost about the same wait time to see the doctor.
Warning to all pet owners!!! I am a former employee of a Banfield in North Atlanta Georgia. There are 2 types of Banfield Hospitals. Some are actually partner Hospitals...the Vet actually has a portion of ownership. Then there are Corporate Owned Banfield Hospitals. AVOID the Corporate owned Hospitals at all costs. Vets and Techs at these corporate owned hospitals are paid upon Hospital revenues. The more the Hospitals make, the more the Vets make.
I have personally witnessed one particular Vet at my former hospital falsify medical findings to boost the invoice and medicate and inject pets for illnesses they did not even have. This vet would have client pay for ear swab, ear cleaning and meds when the pet had NO ear infection. I witnessed this not just a few times, but as a matter of course. I am an experienced Vet Tech...I was horrified by this and many other aggregious money motivated false diagnoses and falsifying of medical Records. This vet would actually comment on the "perceived" wealth of clients and "diagnose" accordingly.
I reported him to our corporate offices. Instead of handling this as a serious matter, Banfield Corporate called this vet and told him my name and my complaints. Needless to say from that point I was a whistle blower and a target of discrimination. I was eventually fired for no good reason. I now work for a wonderful practice.
Banfield Corporate Hospitals have poorly trained technicians who are pressured to perform tasks and put you pets at RISK every day.
I am proceeding with litigation to stop this. I am passionate about pets and ethically cannot let this continue to happen to innocent pets and their trusting owners.
PLEASE proceed with extreme caution to ANY Georgia Corporate Banfield, or for that matter...ANY corporate owned Banfield. For them, treating your pets like family" is rape.
i have a 1year old dachshund named annie. she went to banfeild in maryland since i got her.there have been problems since the start. when she was 8 months old she hurt her leg and was taken to be seen. the doc told me that she would need a x-ray.the x-ray was supposed to be included in my plan, however when I got there they told me that I would need to upgrade my plan to have x-rays included. I decided to upgrade the plan, then when I got my bill, I was charged for the x-ray anyway. Their reason was that I x-rays were not included until the next time I brought her in. When she was due for her yearly shots I mentioned to the vet that she had been limping, they decided to x-ray(big surprise) and guess what I was charged AGAIN! their reason this time, that only one x-ray is included in the upgraded plan which I already used (and paid for) The bill included sedation and dog handler fees because she was moving when they tried to get the x-ray. Now before they could sedate her they had to do blood work(another charge) After all that they told me that she would need a surgery that would cost over $1000. What exactly does this "insurance" cover? After her x-rays they gave her 5 shots, which caused a reaction. She blew up, my little 10 pound dachsie looked like a sharpei dog, you couldn't even see her eyes. We called them immediately when we got home but they were closed a little before 5pm. We spent the remainder of the night at the emergency vet clinic, who told us that she should not have been given all the injections, that most vets nowadays only give the standard immunizations. We also asked him about her leg and he told us that the problem was common among dachshunds and that surgery would be unnecessary. Total for getting routine shots $250 from banfield and the emergency vet another $200. Not to mention the prescription antibiotics we were given from banfield for her 4th ear infection. I feel that banfield likes to come up with bogus ailments so they can prescribe expensive medication that won't do anything. I know this is getting long but I have one more thing. Yesterday I decided, against my better judgement, to take my dog to get her "included" dental work. Her appointment was at 7:30am so we dropped her off as told and waited for there call, it never came. We decided at 1:00pm to check on her status, they told us that they were just getting to her. Now if you are doing the math, thats 5 and half hours. They also told us that she would not be ready until 4:00pm (8 and a half hours) this poor dog doesn't like to be away from us for 8 seconds let alone 8 hours. Now here's where it gets just annoying, they told us that 2 of her teeth had to be pulled. So guess what, for my "free" dental appointment I was charged $140 for tooth extraction, antibiotics, blood work and sedation. Now if i hadn't read over my paper work before taking her that day I would have been charged for a pedicure,anal gland extraction, heartworm and flea/tick pills(which I already have). Which would have put my total well over $200. If you think its cheaper to buy banfields insurance than paying high vet bills think again because you will end up paying both. Banfield's bills plus the emergency vet's to fix banfield's mistakes.
I love my pugs like they were my children and have never had a problem with my Banfield in Colorado. I choose to be well informed regarding their care and always question what I'm told so that I can ensure my boys are getting the very best treatment. I've found that the vet's (more especially the vet techs) are very open with me and do not force me to do procedures or buy medication that is 'suggested'. In one case, I was concerned about the 6-month heartworm shot because there had been some questions raised about it's safety (before it had been yanked from the market) and told me vet. She understood and gave me a prescription for the monthly tablets instead. While I do believe the cost of having an orthopedic surgeon come in to fix my younger pug's luxating patella is a bit high (I'll be taking him to another vet for the surgery which I've also researched), I've always found the staff and vets at my Banfield to be wonderful for their routine care and vaccinations. My youngest got out at 9 months from my parents while I was out of town and was lost for 3 days during a cold front. The vet called me a number of times during those three days to see if he had been found and when I called to let them know he had been found, I could hear them all cheering in the background. As someone mentioned earlier - if you acknowledge that the 'wellness plan' is not pet insurance, there really shouldn't be any surprises. Vet care is relatively expensive, period. But, I love my dogs and am willing pay for things that are necessary for their well-being. And ALWAYS get a second opinion if it's a major surgery or treatment, (unless of course it's an emergency and you can't!) regardless of your vet!!
For all of you feeling unhappy with a Banfield you have been to, do us all a favor and complain to the necessary people, I've delt with many people like yourselfs and you really stretch the reallity of what realy happens. If you had such a bad experience why wouldn't you complain to the home office in Portland so they can respond to the problems, instead you basicly still allow people to have the bad experience like yourself, but for all Banfield's being bad, thats so wrong. You people have a easy access to complain about this company because it is a huge buisness. Why don't you all do your research and see just how many pet deaths there are with small vet clinics that are privetly owned compaired to a Banfield. You would probably find a huge difference. Just because Banfield's run their hospitals with the protocols that much of a human hosptial, you people are not being educated enough by your vet at Banfield and I apologize for that. Yes it is more expensive then others, but its only for your pet protection. For example: do you know how many times we find kidney or liver issues just by doing rountine bld wk before putting a pet under anesteasia, most vets don't even run routine bld wk and place pts under and can cause more issues to kidney or liver problmes. And people complaining about waiting or our receptionist being rude, I'll listen to all your B******* when I see you work at a vet hosptial and have to listen to all you people come in with your attitudes and demands. Vet Hospitals are not McDonalds, things take time. You don't see my hospital getting complaints.
BANFIELD VET @ PETSMART
DONT TAKE UR PETS TO PETSMART TO THE GROOMERS OR THE VET INSIDE THEY KILLS UR ANIMALS AND TORTUE THEM!!!! THEY ALMOST KILLED MY DOG WITH THE WRONG MEDICATIONS!!!! AND I FOUND BRUISES FROM THE GROOMERS!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE REPOST IF UR FROM THE WORCESTER, MASS AREA.!! FUCK THEM
The office manager/owner (Banfield says she is the owner and they have no authority over her) just ran after me in the Daytona Beach Petsmart and told me she would not see my dog "because it is not life threatening" eventhough a vet (which she is not one) had not seen my dog. She was mad because I told her she is rude! Be careful when you sign up with her on a contract because you will receive no help from corporate or PetSmart who says they are not over her! Corporate will send your complaints to HER! I walked away from her three times in the store and she continued after me yelling in front of the customers.
When you come as a walk-in there is always the chance that other people with appointments will be there before you. If you want to make an appointment in advance during a time that is NOT wellness hours, then there is usually not a wait.
When getting a vaccination for the first time you need a booster shot in three weeks. It's just like when your children go to the doctor. The reason why it's important to remember to bring your pet's vaccination history is that if your pet had previously had a Lyme vaccination, that had not yet expired, you would not need to booster your shot in three weeks.
If your pet had a vaccination reaction once, wouldn't you rather that it had doctor supervision after vaccinations in the future? That's why they recommend a drop-off.
This is in response to the Anonymous comment posted at 4:00pm. Your comment that EVERY corporate run Banfield is a scam and is nothing more than raping you and your family is not only incredibly bias but offensive to EXPERIENCED, yes that right, I said EXPERIENCED teammembers who work for those Banfields. You can NOT write off every employee as being poorly trained or for that matter trying to scam people...do you know that for a fact? Who makes you so high and mighty that you know each and every team members status at these banfields; did you not just work at a corporate Banfield and I guarantee you consider yourself trained and a pretty good employee, huh? Perhaps you should do some research or maybe just have some decency before your make uneducated comments.
I am an employee for a Banfield in Maryland. about two weeks after i was hired i could tell this was not like any other vet hospital i have EVER worked in. first, they treat their employees like s**t obviously if your not a DR. you have no say in anything (i.e one dr I told him he had already given the vaccine but since he knew everything vaccinated the pet again..he felt really stupid when he reached into his pocket and found the vile from the vax already GIVEN!!). Second, its QUANITY not QUALITY example alot of owners come in with minor things and end getting an estimate for $1000.00 on things that dont need to be done! and last but certainly not least...THEY DONT CARE...i was working with one of the sub-OWNERS of the hospital and he HIT a puppy for not holding still for catheter placement!!! I was so appauled I left!! everything is re-used and not cleaned..i am a part time house cleaner as well and yes i am a bit to clean but you need to be in a HOSPITAL..sometimes ill walk in the next a.m. and cages are dirty exams rooms dirty, surgery DIRTY??? come on now.... for the sake of your pet..TAKE THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE..I have just recieved another job interview and i hope i get hired cause BANFIELD< THE PET HOSPITAL SUCKS!!
I was thinking of having my dogs tested for heartworms at Banfield (a bit cheaper than our vet), but after reading this site I think I stick to our old trusty vet. Thank you all for posting and warning people!!!!!
I'm really surprised about everyone's horror stories about Banfield! I have used Banfield in Chula Vista, CA for the past 3 years. I have taken my Jack Russell Terrier (who is my baby!) there many times! She has been for allergies, spaying, wellness exams, common colds, all vaccinations, and even a dental cleaning today. I have never had a bad experience with any of the Vets there. All employees, including nurses, receptionists, and Doctors see to to REALLY care about the animals. I do have a wellness plan which costs me $25 per month, and I think it is well worth it. As many times as my dog has been to the vet, I have NEVER paid more than $100. The vaccinations are free, the spaying was free, visits are free, etc. I'm sorry to hear about the problems with other Banfields, but if anyone is in the San Diego area, the office in Chula Vista is amazing! I wouldn't go anywhere else!
I have read most of the posts on here and would also like to add my comments. I have a 2 year old boxer in perfect health. I went to a Banfield near Nashville TN to have his ears cropped. The Banfield there was excellent. This is where things fell apart. I work on the road and travel a lot, or did that is why I chose Banfield. First off the first thing out of their mouths was the “Wellness Plan”. I read over the wellness plan and thought that maybe this would be a good deal to get since I travel a lot. After asking several questions it came about that the wellness plan was not honored at all locations, in fact if I had bought it there it would only be honored at that location. Since then that has changed from what I understand it is now honored at all locations (even though it is still a huge rip off). I finally took a position in Memphis TN where I found a Banfield on Winchester Rd. here in Memphis, again they urged me to take the wellness plan but they don’t explain that their wellness plan doesn’t cover a lot of routine things such as treating a yeast infections in their ears, their monthly medication, trimming their nails and such. I would have been charged for all these things. And the fees that they do charge per visit they do not explain. When I took my boxer in they examined him and I hope gave him shots, not sure if they even did or not seeing how I got to see neither a nurse or doctor. They told me it would take a while and that I should leave him there with them, so I did. They charged me for leaving him there while they administered their shots and examined him. They showed me the bill and said that I had saved over $700.00 by having the wellness plan. I totally disagree. After returning home I got online to order his heartguard and K9 advantix, a few days later Banfield called me and said that they do price matching I reminded them that they do not carry Heartguard and they told me that they had some other brand that was the same. I told them no, its not the same what you have is a large pill that my dog does not like, that is why I want heartguard then they proceeded to tell me in a rather nasty voice that I would have to pay $12.99 for a prescription. I told them I would get back with them on that. I will never set foot in a Banfield again. I like Petsmart I like taking my dog there he enjoys it too but I guarantee you I will tell everyone I see going into a Petsmart that has a Banfield that if they are taking their animal to a Banfield that they had better beware. Oh and by the way for the same exact annual shots and check up at a local veterinary hospital is only $68.00, not $353.00 I have to pay Banfield until the plan is paid up. And what the plan does does cover, is most of the time part of the routine exam at local vets.
I have worked for a Banfield Practice for nine years next month. I started out as client with one of my dogs and ended up volunteering there to find out if I wanted to pursue a career as a registered veterinary technicians.
Banfield is not perfect, but they have a standard in place for the practice of medicine to make things as consistent from one location to the next as is possible. The problem here is "choice." Clients can choose to understand that the wellness plan "covers" everything. It does not. These are packages of preventive care--they are not insurance policies. That's the biggest obstacle when it comes to educating clients. Veterinarians, whether at a corporately owned hospital, partnered hospital or chartered hospital can also choose and as individuals, they don't always choose to do the same things.
Any time a pet has an adverse event, whether related to a vaccination, an accident, sudden onset of illness, it is extremely stressful for a pet owner. And unfortunately, in those moments, most of us aren't thinking about what our individual knowledge base is about diagnostics being offered or treatments being offered--we just want our pets to be well. What is difficult from the practitioner's standpoint is that while there is the desire for the client's pet to be made well, there is not always the financial ability for us to provide what the pet needs and unlike in human settings, our patients can't tell us what's going on with them. Except the information our pet owners are able to provide to us, the only way we have to communicate with our patients is through physical exam and diagnostics. We're happy when we can tell you that lab results are normal, because this means we don't have to look at you and tell you that your pets have life threatening illnesses. The problem is most people don't like having spent money on diagnostics only to still be left wondering why their pet may be ill. I'd much rather have you disappointed that we didn't find "something" than to devastate you with the news that we did find something--because often, that's an experience we unfortunately face.
The other thing to remember about our pets is that they are living things--this means their conditions are not static. They're not like a car. It may be reasonable to expect that if you had your car at the dealer last week and it was connected to a diagnostic machine and nothing was found amiss and that this week you broke down on the highway that something was not done properly. Animals and people are not static--they're not machines, changes in condition can come on rapidly. Those of us in medical practice--human or veterinary--can tell you that what was normal last week may not be normal for a patient today.
At this point within the pet care field there is no perfect health care or insurance system--there's no perfect health care or insurance system for people. As with any other contract or document you sign, a contract for a wellness plan is a legal document and if you don't take the time to read through the document or ask questions if you don't understand, your recourse is the same with any other legal contract. My philosophy on the wellness plan is this--it's great for most people, because it helps you budget over a 12-month period for the things that are most likely going to be recommended for your pet. That said, if you as an owner will provide that care without a wellness plan--that's great too. The reality is that yes, the doctors, petnurses and client service coordinators do have their incomes supplemented by wellness plan enrollment, number of patients seen and revenue--but in all actuality, because the services on the wellness plan are provided to pet parents at a discount, we actually receive less for the services we provide on those plans than if you pay the full retail cost for those things. In theory, we reduce what goes into our own pockets as soon as you sign your wellness plan agreement--but as someone who believes in providing the same care for pets as I want for my own family, I'm willing to reduce what goes into my pocket if that means I don't have to tell you that your puppy has parvo virus because he wasn't vaccinated properly or that your child is at risk for hookworm and roundworm infections because you can't afford for us to run a fecal exam and educate you about monthly deworming through heartworm prevention.
I say to you, if you are looking for a panacea within the veterinary community, there isn't one. I can tell you that knowing what else is out there in the way of private practices--there are good and bad in both arenas. But I know what the anesthesia protocol is at a Banfield in California and I know it's the same in Springfield, Missouri. When I as a registered veterinary technician go to sleep at night, that's the reality I wrap myself up in--not in the perfection of the standard, but the first time that a standard has been attempted within this field that obviously means so much to all of us as pet parents and care givers.
As with any vet, anywhere, I could find one I don't like and one I do. I do work at Banfield because I actually believe in their Wellness Plans. They are a great plan for providing your pet with the preventative care they need without paying a huge amount every time you come in. Yes, Banfield does except walk-ins......would you walk into your doctor??? If so, I am sure they would either send you to the ER (an even longer wait) or let you wait in the lobby. Also if it was your pet who was sick or injured, wouldn't you want them to be seen first??? I do work the front desk. I do listen to people complain all the time. Mainly, they complain because they want a healthy pet, not a pet that costs them money. Would you do that with a child??? I will keep you because you are healthy. If clients were asked to comment on me personally they would all say I love their pets, and they are correct! I have never had a client say I don't want the best for their pets!!! I like my job at Banfield and hope that I will see young pets grow into healthy older pets due to Banfield's wellness plans!
I had an horrible experience with Banfield also. Please do not use this company, use your local independent vet!!
Okay this is really a joke right? You people want to sit here and complain about Banfield? I would bet that most of your bad experiences are not the fault of Banfield, your pet was probably sick for months before you decided to take them to the Vet. I don't know why that is are fault. Also, the team at Banfield is constantly trying to educate clients on things like vax reactions and all sorts of other things, the reason you don't here it is cause you are in too big of a rush or are on your cell phone. Besides, before you get a pet you should do some researh on pet health.
I would also like to point out that I don't come to your job at Burger King and expect free stuff so why do you always ask me? We are a buisness like any other,how ever unlike the little vet clinics you people like so much we have the most up to date technology and we actually care for pets. Also, please stop coming in 1 minute before closing and complain that we don't see your sick pet. Chances are you will be seen and not want any treatment anyways, and your poor pet will go on suffering like it has for the past 6 months. That is all i have to say about that.
The doctors at Banfield in Woodbridge killed my cat. My cat was operated on to remove an infection after being bitten by an unknown animal. He almost died during the first operation as a result of the anesthesia (he was 14) or the trauma of the operation, but miraculously recovered. We were actually told that all of the infection was removed and he would be fine. After we took him home, he was back to his normal self and was healing nicely. A part of his incision though began to open because (we now realize) the doctor did not have enough common sense to place a collar on the cat to prevent licking. We brought the cat back for the sole purpose of stitching the small wound opening. We were told to leave the cat overnight because the doctor (a different doctor from the original) was too busy to attend to him just then. We were apprehenisve about leaving the cat overnight - where the facility closes and he would be unattended -but we agreed being that we only expected that his small wound would dressed and he was due to have the remaining staples removed the following day anyway. We were then called the next day by the oringal doctor asking US what happened to our cat! We come to find out that he had been anesthetized and reopened again without authorization!! And after he almost died from the first operation! To make a long story short, we were forced to euthanize the cat - after presumably he suffered for an entire night following the operation alone in a cage. We still have been given no adequate explanation for why he was forced to undergo a second operation or how it could be that we dropped off a happy, active, healing cat and were told the next day he was dying.
As for the other posts presumably from employees of Banfield, we plan to take every action for redress, including legal action. We chose to also post on these websites in the hopes that it will save other animals from death as a result of unauthorized procedures and doctors too busy or too incompetent to review a medical chart before performing a procedure that is certain to kill an animal. I only wish I had read these blogs/complaint sites earlier.
Alright...I do enjoy reading feedback, good and bad, about banfield. I used to work there, not too long ago acutally. I loved my job, I worked at the front desk as a CSC(client service coordinator). I am very sorry to hear about all of the sick pets, bad experiences, and unfortunately unpleasing doctors and employees in general. Regarding the main story of the puppy and the lyme disease, that's very unfortunate. It's true that vaccine reactions can absolutely occur. being a first time client, and also being the first time that the puppy was getting the vaccine, the Banfield team should have told you about a possible vaccine reaction. But the thing is...when that does happen, the only thing that can be done is to bring the puppy back in...and basically be given a benadryl injection. Again, I am surprised they didn't tell you about that.
When I worked at the front desk, I knew a little about general pet health and important things. However, I learned so so much working there, as anyone would at any vet hospital. But please keep in mind that anyone could have the same bad experiences at any vet hospital. Since there are so many Banfields with so many different doctors, it's not right to label all banfield's as "do not enter" territory. I have seen my share of people come to Banfield because they didn't like there other vet because of price, attitude, hours of availibility, certain employees, etc.
But if you go to a certain Banfield and have a bad experience with a certain doctor, that is a little different. At the hospital I worked for there were clients who liked certain doctors, that's just how the world works. Some clients hated Banfield, some clients will take their pets there until the day they die.
The Wellness Plans are a great thing...it just depends on the health of your dog, the money you have already spent, if the dog is indoors or outdoors, the age, and so on. I would recommend wellness plans mainly to puppy owners or kitten owners. Think you are paying too much? Don't join the plan. The plan includes vaccinations, neutering/spaying, office visits, things that you would be bringing your pet in routinely for anyways. The things that the wellness plan includes is well worth the money that you pay for the plan. Some say it covers more than they need...fine...don't go on the plan. I do think that some hospitals act as if its the greatest thing on earth and try to push it on you, not all hospitals do though.
Please remember that all Banfields are different, as all vet hospitals are.
I just took my cat to Banfield yesterday for the LAST time! Shame on me for going back there after the first few visits. Every time I go in there I wait at least 1 hour, with an appointment. I could understand it for a walk in but having a 9am appointment?
A week ago I brought my cat in for a follow up visit for an infection he had on his lip (and two weeks before that he had a lump on his throat - both healed with anitbiotics). While I was there to get a check up, the vet tech told me that it was time for vaccines (rabies and distemper). They also tried to sell me the Wellness plan, which I was considering because of so many issues my cat Jenson was having recently. Before I go any further - I should say that they had his records wrong in the computer - and they are the ones who performed the first set of vaccines! I had to correct their records as I bring Jensons file of records with me when I go. So anyway, they take Jenson back in the mysterious back room to give him shots while I go check out Petsmart. About 10 minutes later the vet tech comes out to find me and tells me that Jenson has "an attitude problem" and they can't give him his booster shots! Jenson is a very mild mannered friendly kitty - and doesn't get combative even when I clip his claws so I was very surprised at this. They said they did blood work and then couldn't give him his shots and I'd have to come back next week! They charged me for the blood work which wasn't something I wanted - I complained and they did drop the office visit charge. Jenson was traumatized. He urinated in his carrier on the way home which he has never done before. Still, I brought him back for his booster shots yesterday. I asked to stay in the room with him so I could keep him calm and I can see why he would have freaked out when I wasn't there. The vet tech this time seemed terrified of my cat as soon as I explained what happened the last time. I had to explain everything that was told to me (none of the previous visit was recorded in the computer record). A different vet (there is always a new vet never the same vet here) came in and didn't introduce herself. I had to ask two times about the results of the blood work from the previous visit also. The vet tech grabed Jenson and pinned him down with a towel - a bit too violently and Jenson reacted of course. It was like he had never worked with a cat before. I told them that I would hold him - which I did - and there was no problem. Then after all that I had to wait 20 minutes for the receptionist to check me out (I was the only one in the office so there really was no explaination). The vet didn't tell me what to expect as far as reactions to the vaccines or anything - and when I first got my cat home he seemed happy to be home and very affectionate. I got him settled and then I went to work. When I got home Jenson was completely lethargic and staring off into space, not eating and acting very strange. I got worried. I called a different vet (a cat hospital) to see if this was normal, which they told me it was and what to watch for...but WHY didn't Banfield tell me this? I was going there because it is close to where I live and the car ride for Jenson is less traumatic this way - but I think Banfied has caused us enough stress to warrent changing vets. After reading all of these previous entries I am totally upset with myself for putting up with them for a year!
I had been told by Banfield for years that I overfed and didn't exercise my dog enough. That was their reasoning for my dog being overweight. I constantly told them I didn't overfeed her and she did get exercise. I found out what the problem was when it was too late to help my baby. She had Cushings disease. She got sick on a Sunday night, went to Banfield on Monday, was given medicine and sent home. By Friday she was back at Banfield and they said they couldn't help me. Told me to take her to an Emergency Vet hospital. They ran extensive tests but my baby was beyond help. By Saturday, 2 days before Christmas I held her in my arms as she was put to sleep. Found out all her problems were related to Cushings disease which Banfield NEVER diagnosed. The only thing they are constant in is taking money from your checking account for their wellness plans even 8 months after they kill your dog. Even dipped into my account this month when it was suppose to end last month. I'll be there tomorrow to get the money debited back to my account or I will be on the phone with my states attorney generals office come Monday.
Banfield gives WAY too many vaccines to dogs! They are supposed to give you a wiaver ahead of time explaining exactly what those vaccines are for and let you decide if your dog is at risk of exposure. Lymes vaccine which causes terrible reactions is for imbedded ticks form certain deer . Does your chihuahua who is never out of your arms really at risk of lymes disiease? I think probably not. How many imbedded ticks do you leave on her. Banfield overvaccinates these poor dogs as a blanket for all dogs including pampered poodles who live indoors for the same thing it would a hound tied to a tree in the woods. It is WRONG and your pet is suffereing for it with vaccine reactions where they swell up in allergic reactions. Don't believe me? Google in too many vaccinations for pets and see what the researchers have proved and most vets now recognize and practice. Stop letting Banfield poison your animals with overvaccination for things they don't need! Would you blindly walk into a doctors office and just let the doctor jab your child full of unknows without an explanation? Then whay are you doing it for your dog or cat? THINK PEOPLE!
Took my 14 year old Maltese to a Banfield Hospital in CA. because she fell over when she tried to walk. Vet said its because her kneecaps pop out and on her back some bones rubbing against each other. She has been having back problems and I took Katie there in June when they took Xrays and said she has a slipped disc. Anyway the vet send me home with pain meds - no blood work done, no Xrays just come back after the meds are gone. That was Friday the 14th in the afternoon - her BD. She slept most of the day on Sat. but still when she came walking out after a while she fell over. I got very concerned as those spells increased but Sun and Monday Banfield is closed. She walked, fell and then her breathing was very shallow. I usually picked her limp body up, talked to her softly and petted her. After about a minute she came out of it again. By Sunday evening it happened every day she tried to walk. Monday morning I called another vet close to the house and I took Katie in. They spend 2 hrs with me and Katie, took X-rays, blood work and called another vet who was not in the hosptial that day. The vet was checking out the X-rays for a long time with the staff looking too and he said there is a mass on the sacrum but he wants to wait for the bloodwork to come back. The next day he called and said they are pretty sure it is bone cancer and for me to come in to see his associate that day. I did and she confirmed that it was cancer and by that time she was in her bed most of the time. The gave me some stronger meds to get her through the night because I told her that I would like to do the right thing and have her put down. She was in so much pain we had the vet come to the house on Wednesday at noontime to gently put her down. She was in her little bed in our home very peaceful. Now atleast she has no more pain. I am so angry at Banfield for just sending me home saying it was just the kneecaps and the bones rubbing together when it actually was the cancer who ate her spine. I would have relieved her of the suffering several days before because by the time I did it, she was in so much pain even with the meds that she cried when she fell and she pulled her legs to her body in pain.
I am a Banfield CSC/Pet Nurse for a Location I will not disclose due to my safety. I would like to clairify that What happened to Thea is NOT an uncommon thing. Puppies that have never had the shot before are likely to have a reaction much like humans. I do agree with the author of this story that the Dr. and Nurse should've mentioned and made very clear that the puppy could have a reaction. That's one hospital in a million. it's not really the hospital's fault, it's the doctors. Of course it's in the best interest for all to find a doctor that works for you and your pet. My hospital has never failed to mention that to a client/patient. Please don't let this discourage you from seeing a Banfield Pet Hospital in your area and just remember that it is just as much YOUR responsability to ask questions as it is for the doctor to tell you. Espically if it is the first shots your baby will be receiving!
~A Proud Banfield Worker
I also had a horrible experience with Banfield in San Diego. They had my dog all day long for an ear infection and she has never been the same dog since. The vet was mean and unfriendly and I am so sad and disappointed. My dog can barely walk now. I would definitely recommend NEVER EVER taking a pet to Banfield.
I work for a veterinarian and I must say that the only thing you really have to complain about is if they really didn’t tell you about what to do in case of reaction. First of all any given doctor will see 30 pets a day and most of them, will call all their patients "He" or "she". The fact that he called him a "he" was more than likely out of habit then anything. Secondly when a doctor restrains a pet ITS FOR THIER SAKE TOO. Your dog may be as sweet as pie but that doesn’t mean he won’t freak out when they are doing a fungal culture or getting a vaccine and especially with a small dog. so many things can happen if you don't restrain them like they could try to jump off the table and end up breaking a leg (and you know if that happened you would expect the hospital to pay for it), they could fidget and get a needle through the ankle instead of in the hip. I saw a client once insist on holding their Lhasa while we gave vaccines and the dog bit the owner in the face. Guess who had to cover the medical bills? As far as the vaccine goes, Maybe you should have educated yourself on vaccines first I didn’t just walk into the doctors office with my newborn baby without doing research on recommended vaccines first. And if a dog has a reaction to a vaccine it has nothing to do the vaccine or who gave it. It has to do with your pet. If you went to a human doctor and He gave you a medication that ended up giving you a reaction you would have to go back and get something to counteract it. AND you would have to pay for it. This is my advice to everyone when thinking of getting a pet..... DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Find a pet that make sense for your situation (i.e don’t get a dog that has a high energy level if you live in a apartment where they don’t have the room to run. and if you do don’t get mad when they eat your slippers) Also find out about common health problems with the breed you choose so that you can make the right decisions early.
i work at a Banfield in Ohio, and im truley sorry for the experience that not only you but you puupy went through! But i can tell you that the doctors that i work for are NOT like that doctor!!! The doctors that i work for are truly there for the pets and their families when they come in.The doctor Always tells them that allergic reactions do happen at times, they answer all your questions the best way they can. I can not believe the way that doctor was! If he did not want to be bothered then he should no tbe working with animals!!!
I have read the reviews, and I noticed a common theme. You all mentioned how horrible the Banfield location was in regards to care, service, and price. However, the most important information was neglected. Who was the doctor? Who was the employee who treated you so badly?
As everyone knows when you pick your PPO or HMO Doctor it is up to you to ask questions about the person. The same holds true for any Veterinarian you decide to take your pet to for its health needs.
I use to work at an animal hospital. I was a Vet. Tech... I worked with three doctors. The one who owned the business, was about the profit margins, he rarely ever saw clients. His instructions to maintain a profit, was simple in the fact that he wanted us ask the clients if they wanted certain services, like dental cleaning, grooming and such. However, when it came to the medical needs of the animals - those were meet first. If a client came into the office, I would take the vitals, and collect information for the Doctor. Depending on why the client was there, I would proceed further under the instructions of the given Doctor. That would be the standard routine I would follow.
However, each Doctor was different. I was at the same place, same hours, but one of the Doctors drove me to give up the profession I was in just because of the heartache I felt. It still makes me sick to think about how rude, cruel and horrible he was as a Doctor. Yes, I made sure he was reported, and I believe he no longer has his license to practice.
But, the other Doctor was all about the client, and if I was working with him alone. I would probably still be there. He soon left to open up his own practice.
The owner of the practice as hired new Doctors, and I am not aware of how the treat their clients as of today.
However, my point is that when you see your Vet, it is up to you as the consumer, the owner, the care-giver to make sure your pets are well looked after. If a Doctor tells you, that you NEED something, it is up to you, to seek a second opinion, and challenge what he/she tells you. If he/she is a good Doctor, they will not mind you asking questions.
If you walk into an office, and you feel like you are being mislead, or treated unduly, pick up your animal and walk-out. Go to another Vet! Now, this may sound easy, for those run of the mill days. However, during an emergency it is another story. Because, of the life/death issue that might be occurring. As a pet owner, you should already have the Vet you like picked out. If you did a good job, the emergency should give you the confidence to know that the Vet will do anything and everything to help. If it doesn’t and you feel that you are lost, then you have not found the right Vet for you.
I hope this helps some of you, when it comes time to pick a good vet for your animal. One final note, DON’T just pick one in the Yellow Pages, do a little research, and remember to ASK QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!
I was a Banfield employee for almost 5 years, and I have to agree with most of these comments, if you do enough research you will find many Banfield horror stories. In the beginning Banfield was all about the pets and providing the best possible care, however now over the past 2 years there have been changes to the company, which in case you all didn't know is basically owned by The Mars co. and has a big involvment with Royal Canine, also a Mars sister company. (FYI support them, you support Banfield). Up until these past 2 years I loved my job, I felt proud of the care I was providing my patients. Banfield has since turned all it's energy on making money rather then providing good service. They have a major shortage of DVMs in California and Arizona, which basically means they will hire whomever they can get, quality medicine or not. I relocated to a new location a year ago, they sent me this new vet from out of the country, supposedly great w/lots of experience. She was basically lost, she had no clue half the time what she was doing, I made several complaints to field leadership and to our medical director, all which ended up getting me in trouble and threatened to be transferred elswhere, by the 8th month the vet realized she wasn't cut out to be a vet and she quite. Then again they sent me antoher dvm, this one a new grad, however she was very good. She knew her shit, being a new grad though they sent in new dr from out of state, this lady had been practicing in Illinois for over 10 years, and would ask my new grad for advise on cases...go figure. None the less there was a lot of head butting in our ideas of running hte hospital and eventually she won, I am no longer with the practice. It is a very unfortunate thing when a company that has the ability to practice quality medicine chooses not to do so. Don't ge tme wrong there are some very good Banfield Doctors out there, but as a company, these doctors are limited in the care they can provide.
That sucks you had a bad experiance, but that does not mean that all Banfields are terrible, I go to the Banfield in Fayetteville and I have had no problems. A dog at any age may experiance a reaction to lymes vaccine and other vaccines its unfortunate that it happend to your dog but the doctor could not prevent that from happening. Tonya
That sucks you had a bad experiance, but that does not mean that all Banfields are terrible, I go to the Banfield in Fayetteville and I have had no problems. A dog at any age may experiance a reaction to lymes vaccine and other vaccines its unfortunate that it happend to your dog but the doctor could not prevent that from happening. Tonya
With all these bad reports, especially coming from people who worked there, I will not take any pet of mine there. First of all I do not want them jabbed for every disease known, especially now it has come to light vaccines last a lifetime in most cases and that more frequent they are causing terrible allergies and ear infections. I don't want my pets to suffer on prednison their whole life so Banfield can make money with too many vaccines. I know they are a business and have to make money, but please, not at dearly loved pets expenses. No Banfield for me.
Personally where did you get your degree from where you learned about allergies and ear infections from vaccines? Almost every vet has several shots and they are to prevent diseases not make them sick, it is up to you what vaccine your pet receives they can't make you pay for all the shots.
I used to work at Banfield....until today...I know how they are there...If you don't sign up for a Wellness Plan, they don't care if you are broke they will add everything onto your estimate to make you THINK that you are going to save money with it and you won't!!! And also, if you transfer to another hospital, your plan starts over, if you want to cancel, you have to either pay in full for the rest of the year or you have to pay for another year monthly again. It is BS!!! Like on Saturday we had a cat come in that had upper respiratory failure and the doctor didn't even try to help it out any...it sucked royaly!!! I hated it!! So I basically just didn't even tell them that I was quiting I just didn't go in, they dock my pay 2 dollars an hour and on top of it all expect you to make a living with 400 every two weeks!!! who are you kidding!!! I love working with pets and all of that but I am sorry...I can get a better vet job, at a better vet hospital, and doing what I love making more money! DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS TO BANFIELD...THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF AND NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY ARE ASSHOLES!!!!!!!!!!
I was terminated from the Banfield pet hospital in Belair,Md.for bringing a concern to the office manager.A few days ago I witnessed a "pet nurse"get frustrated with a dog that was dropped off for it's so called comp exam,the dog was very anxious and was barking in the steel cage,this so called pet nurse kicked the door to the steel cage so hard that I thought she bent the door!When I brought this to the attention of the office manager I let her know how apalled I was at this persons behavior and thought said pet nurse should be fired immediately.She supposedly wrote this person up and sent her home for the day-big woop!As the former manager for another hospital I felt the need to go to our state vet board and print off the regulations regarding ethical treatment and the rule that all techs,pet nurse etc. work under the supervising vets license and therefore they could be held responsible for actions of their employees, I also printed our states animal cruelty laws that state "tormenting"or agitating an animal could be animal cruelty.Armed with my printouts I spoke again with the office manager,whom I might add has been employed with this company 5 years and had no idea that the pet nurses worked under the Drs.license,are you kidding me!!!!!!!on 12/6/07 After being at work for 2 hours I was told that I was being terminated immediately because I was supposedly not fitting in,yeah right just a little coincidental don't you think? Needless to say I will be contacting that pets owner to tell them what happened to their pet and pursuing being wrongfully terminated as a means of retaliation for expressing a concern over the welfare of these animals in their care.I WILL ALSO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE STATE LICENSING BOARD! THESE PEOPLE ARE REPULSIVE AND NEED A CLUE ON COMPASSION.
Banfield, Ann Arbor Michigan:
After Taking My dog there for what turned out to be only a pulled muscle, we weren't seen by the normal Vet, there was someone there covering for him. She ended up prescribing Turbutrol. My husband brought the medication home and showed me that it cost $140 after researching the medication on the net turns out is a mild form of Morphine that costs 10 times the amount. We already spend a small fortune on painkillers for the dog, I really don;t understand why we got this medication as well.
My husband says to take the medication back. Which I try and do but apparently their policy is they don't return controlled substances. Strange as they have done this previous. The assitant said she told my husband this but later said she never told him the policy. I called her a lying b***. Wrong on my part I know but I cannot stand being lied to and feel like we had been taken adatage of. There were also a few other choice words as I just quit smoking.
In my opinion don't take your animal to Banfield's. I think they are over priced and apparently they over medicate in order to get kick backs from the pharmacutical company. They really do not try to be affordable with there customers.
Banfield is just the worst, and I have had many problems with them over the last several years. (When I have time I will write a complete report that I hope will serve as a warning to all who might consider using Banfield.) I'm stuck in a 'wellness' plan with them right now, which is why I have continued using them even though I think their vets are substandand and their business practices are unethical. However, I will not use them after what happened this past weekend.
My dog Lucky had developed some hotspots on his back which I attributed to contact dermatitis from burrs (some had worked their way through his fur). I dropped Lucky off in the morning and an hour later got a call that Banfield wanted to run masses of tests that would cost me over $300. This is $300 even with the top tier wellness plan coverage I pay $36/mo for. I said not to provide any treatment and I would come and pick him up. (I had already decided to take my dog to another vet, quite frankly, having little faith the Banfield vet would figure what was wrong. Banfield vets' favorite diagnosis is 'flea allergy dermatitis' - that's so they can sell you Frontline for tons of money).
I picked him up, only to find out when I reviewed my invoice several hours later that they had gone ahead and given him 3 vaccinations that over the last two years I have expressly forbidden them to administer. I called them to complain, only to be told that "[I] had signed for the vaccines in the 'treatment plan' " when I dropped my dog off.
Now, it is bad medical practice to give a dog (or cat or human) vaccines when they are ill. The tests that Banfield wanted to run on my dog ran the gamut from fungus tests to thyroid to vaccine allergic reactions to what have you.
So what led the vet to give vaccines to a dog he presumed was ill?
And why?????
I realized the answer to why Banfield is always so keen on giving vaccines is because it pads the 'savings' you are supposedly getting with the wellness plan. If they give a bordatello vaccine that they claim would have cost you $40 (and which you can buy yourself for $5 from Foster and Smith) then it makes the supposed wellness plans' 'savings' look better.
They care virtually nothing about the animals, and less than nothing about your pocketbook, except to see how much they can get out of it.
After this incident I will be submitting a complaint to my state's veterinary board and to my state's attorney general, as this is both medical malpractice and price gouging.
I am very pleased with the way our pets get taken care of at the Banfield Pet Hospital in Woodbridge, NJ. I wouldn't take my pets to any other pet hospital.
BANFIELD HAS AN UNSATISFACTORY RATING WITH THE BBB (BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU) IN OHIO. THE VOA LOCATION......WHAT ABOUT YOUR LOCATION?? WWW.BBB.ORG
I have a bad experience with banfield hospital here in Sugar Land, TX!!! I took my dog to the vet to get her shots done, signed on the wellness plan and they took my dog into the other room. When I watched them take the blood from her paw they pulled it so bad that my dog snapped at the doctor. I have a 3year old pug, she is the sweetest dog ever, she loves everybody and I believe everybody will agree that if the dog wouldn't be hurt she wouldn't bite!!! So basicly they gave her a shot that she didn't need and wasn't required by law. The next day I discovered my dog shaking and limping. Called the hospital, during the office hours and they told me that the docs and nurses are gone, so go to the ER. Basicly after ER I ended up paying about 100$ at banfield for their stupid shots and wellnes plan and then 200$ at the ER and then after I tried to solve it in a good way, instead of saying that they screwed up and tried to fix it, they told me that I was lying and that I changed my story when I talked to the director and in front of the nurse, and now I am thinking about legal procedures..
Okay, so when you as a person have blood drawn it must feel good to you. The dog can't say stop or ouch, your dog is a good dog im sure but if it hurts what do you expect, and at banfield you have to sign an estimate for what shots your pet is receiving if you didn't know what the dog was getting why didn't YOU ask???
What a bunch of whining, uneducated, uninformed pet owners. Let's see, you had to wait...hhmmm, every time I have to go to the doctor, I don't even see the inside of an exam room until at least 40 min. after my scheduled exam time, then I have to wait another 30-40 min to be seen by the doctor! Then, you blame an animal hospital because your pet happened to react to a vaccine...that YOU requested. Sorry to inform you, but that happens in pets and in people, and can be from any medication, not just vaccines. They should have informed you that that might be possible, but you stated that the pet had already had some vaccines...didn't any of the other docs or techs discuss the possibility of reactions??? Sounds like the Banfield staff acted appropriately to stop the reaction, but you are mad that you had to pay.
It sounds to me like the vet didn't have a great bedside manner, but pets do need to be restrained for their own safety, as well as the people working on them. Just like parents...everyone thinks their own pet is great, and "would never bite", but everyone working on your pet has been bitten and scratched multiple times by someone's "great pet".
Some of these posts sound like they are from people who take crappy care of their pets, and then are looking for someone to blame when bad things happen. Get educated, be a responsible pet owner, don't let your 14 year old pets run around outside where they can get attacked by wild animals and develop massive infections before you take them in and expect miracles, have your pets vaccinated at recommended intervals so they and others are not at risk, and develop a relationship with a veterinary team that you trust, whether a little "mom n' pop" place, or a large, sophisticated animal hospital...there are the good, the bad, and the ugly at any of these.
And if your puppy has a reaction to a vaccine that will prevent a potentially fatal disease, doesn't it sound wise that he still get the vaccine, but be given medication beforehand to help prevent any potential reaction, and also monitored closely in the hospital in case medical assistance is needed??? How does this not make sense???
Wow, really....
My dog died while at a Banfield Pet Hospital. She had an ear hematoma and the vet said that she would be put asleep while they cut and drained it. I was called an hour later and she didn't make it through. She was a very healthy Yorkie and didn't have any health problems
I live in Willoughby Ohio, and I have to say that my Banfield staff is absolutly wonderful. My dog was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago, which was the first visit that we had with them. They spent two hours with me doing tests, explaning what was happening and how to prevent low and high blood suger. I also signed up for the wellness plan, and I have to say it has saved me over 4 thousend dollars over the past two years between the numerous visits (that are free on the plan), the meds (I recieve through Banfield, and I did price shop), and the glucose curves that are needed since his blood sugar dips or soars depending on his activity. The staff recognises him on sight and hugs him every time we walk through the door, and they call me twice a day when I have to drop him off to do the glucose curve. They've even opened the door a half hour early for me and waited at the end of the day to answer all of my questions. It sound to me like everyone here who had a bad experience just haven't found the right vet, the most expirenced vet, or believe that you should be the number one priority. And to create a web site to bash people who work there and who are so friendly is a little high schoolish. I'm sorry to those of you who have lost pets, it's horrible, but just like with humans, they have allergic reactions that you don't realize that they have until it happens. The problem is that they are dogs and can't tell you that they don't feel well.
I work in the pet care industry (I work for a private practice) and am a huge advocate of pet health and care. I am truly sorry for all the bad things that have happened to you all. Not all Banfields are bad, just as not all private practices are good. It's not inappropriate to call a number of Vet Clinics and ask them questions. Google search the vaccines your dog is to be getting and please realize that 99% of people who are working in the pet industry love animals, otherwise they would have chosen other career lines. Seeing sick animals daily is very difficult and you have to truly care about animals in order to handle this.
Please go into any situation remembering that you are speaking to a human being, not an evil corporate robot. No one wants your dog to be sick, no one is taking sadistic pleasure from it. Do not curse out a receptionist, most companies have a policy in place that would require her to hang up (cussing out a person is verbal harrassment and should never be tolerated). If you feel you have been wronged, don't just complain on a random blog, contact your local ASPCA or Banfield's corporate department.
Also, please understand that groomers and vet care workers have to restrain your animals to avoid hurting your dog. Also, puppies cry when they're not happy, in otherwords getting a shot, a nail trim, a teeth brushing. It's not the vet or groomers fault. It's not hurting your pet. What child doesn't cry for their first booster shot?
In the end, you should review the available vets in your area, even interview them, request their credentials. If they don't have the time or aren't willing to talk with you, then just keep calling vets until you find someone your happy with--at a Banfield, ABC (another nation vet chain), or private practice.
Good luck.
I don't think you understand what Banfield is trying to do for your pets. Banfield is trying to give them the BEST care possible by offering all possible vaccines to prevent as many diseases as possible. If your pet is vaccinated for all of them then that will lessen the chance of them EVER getting sick. If you do the numbers on the cost of the vaccines and office visits the Wellness Plans are awesome. If you use it and then try to cancel the Wellness Plan of course you won't receive your money back and possible owe money. They must deduct the cost of services given to your pet at the wellness plan cost (usually free) with the money you have already paid for the plan. If they allow you to cancel with no cost then YOU just cheated Banfield and they would eventually go out of business because of the amount of money you use. In regard to no one telling you about reactions and medications, your invoice explains it to you if it is read. And like when you take your own child to a doctor for immunizations it is YOUR responsibility as a Parent to ask all the possible questions you can. You must also understand Banfield is a FULL SERVICE HOSPITAL meaning they have emergencies going on MOST of the time while your puppy or kitten is JUST THERE FOR A SHOT.
Obviously the visits to banfield either have been wonderful or awful. But since i have been working in the vet department for the last 7 years and at banfield for almost 2 years i know that people with no vet experience would not understand what procedures and precautions that we have to go through inorder for us not to get hurt and to help your pet. Which i am a firm beliver of teaching clients about illness and how to keep their pets healthy. But i dont understand why people who have no vet experience think that they know best and we are stupid. In all seriousness people who work at a vet clinic arnt doing it for the money by any means. We are doing it for the love of animals. Sometimes we have to restrain pets and of course they arnt going to like it. Sometimes they might strugle so much that they might hurt themselves.
Do not blame us for you not training your pet on how to behave. There are pets out there that will sit there and let us do whatever we want. I explain to new pet parents that they must socilize their pet and teach their pet that it is ok to be touched, yes, some pets freak out when we just touch them. If you dont train your pets then it does start to get expensive because we have to sedate them everytime they come in because they will not let us touch them. This is true from little chihuahuas to great danes. I dont blame the pet i blame the pet owner. The pets are only has good at the owner teaches them to be. And as for you lyzardly i even make the mistake of calling male dogs or cats female. It is a honest mistake and i'm sure he didnt mean anything by that so GET OVER IT. I think you are just wanting something to complain about. I would like for all of you who are complaining to work at a vet clinic for about a month and then blog about how awful banfield or other vet clinics are. I think you would have a new outlook on the life of a vet tech. We work our A** off to keep your pets healthy, and what we get in return are pets trying bite and scratch us (yes i have scars up and down my body) and you complaining about how we over charge and arnt doing out jobs right. I say we arnt charging enough to deal with your spoilt animal who would rather kill us then look at us. You dont have to aggree to any services and just leave your pet expose to the elements that they are destined to have. I strongly aggree to the wellness plan because it does help you to budgit what services they need to stay healthy. And if they get sick then you do get a discount on services that arnt included on the plan. Now tell me what family owned vet clinic will do that. I wish ya'll will stop complaining about the general banfield and relize that you cant spit with out hitting one. Go try another banfield maybe that one will work out for you. And i would advise to us a partner hospital because they actually benefit from your happyness. Dont go to a associate hospital because the doctors get payed the same if they see your pet or not.
Windy R.V.T.
I have had 3 years of experience with the Banfield in Paramus, NJ. Dr. Frezzo there is amazing. We love her. We just moved near Watchung, NJ and have an appointment at this Banfield but now I'm seriously reconsidering this. I'm wondering if driving the 45 minutes north for our visits is worth it to keep Dr. Frezzo. Is this Watchung, NJ Banfield really this bad?
Just wanted to at least say that we've never had a problem with the Banfield in Paramus, NJ.
We took our 3 dogs to the Long Beach, CA Banfield and were told we could transfer our records to the Buena Park office whenever we wanted. They clipped my one pug's nails and one nail came completely off. The vet (who seemed very young and inexperienced) said it's fairly common and that they just bandaged it to stop the bleeding. A couple hours later she started having a severe allergic reaction to her shots and we had to take her to another hospital (VCA). The doctor saw her paw and asked what happened. When we explained that the nail came off he showed us that the inside of the nail was still sticking out and needed to be removed because the nail would never heal properly. We paid them to do this mini-surgery and also they dealt with the allergic reaction. A week later I took our other dog to Banfield Long Beach for his vaccines and told them about the problem with our pug's nail and they acted as if the ER vet didn't know what he was talking about and what they had done was fine. "It may have taken longer to heal but it would have healed eventually".
After reading several complaints I decided to transfer to another nearby Banfield hospital and was told to contact Headquarters to find out the extra fee (??!). So I did and then asked who I could talk to about the poor care we had received in Long Beach. The woman (Carrie) at headquarters said "we are not a complaint department" and that I would have to talk to the office manager in Long Beach.
I asked if Corporate had no quality control office and she said no. I said "so you really don't care if we have problems at a specific hospital" and she said "sorry, but no". I was shocked! I guess the moral is to find a good Banfield that you are happy with their care because if you get a bad one, too bad!
Ok I work as at a Banfield in Long Beach and what ypu all are complaining is ridiculous. Forst of all do you even know how busy it is when pets come in for an emergency or some kind of emergency operation. I realize that some of your comments included people being rude and i understand that Vets and vet techs should never be rude or shove the plans down your throat. I understand that. But the first person who posted a comment, Lizardly? Yeah, small pets have reactions we can't control reactions it's an unknown factor. It's actually a good thing that it has a reaction so we know ahead of time when to give it medicine. And it souynds like to me that that vet helped your dog very much. It has to take an hour to watch over the petso see if it comes down from the reaction. Its unbelievable the way you people talk about banfield. If it's so incovinient to wait to save your pets why don't you take a step in the back be a vet tech or a vet for a day and see how busy it is. You might get an emergency or stictch up a pet. God forbid that we let an animal bleed to death that give your pet one measly shot. That's all i have to say and that's coming from an actual employee. Oh and btw about your pet whimpering, well that' sthe general reaction of ALL small dogs. It's like were fucking strangling the thing. Most small dogs ARE babies.
Interesting comments. I have four dogs, one small the other three are large breeds, on Banfield wellness plans and have never had an issue with anything to date.
The doctor treats them very well, answers all of my questions, and I have not been charge for anything extra outside of my plan.
The vet techs always take the time to explain the med dosages to me and if they do not know something they tell me so.
I think that responsible pet owners need to take it upon themselves to make the people providing their vet care accountable BY ASKING QUESTIONS. Just like you should be doing when you go for any medical care.
If you are not satisfied with the answer--then take your business elsewhere, just like you would for yourself or a human child.
There is good and bad everywhere--it is YOUR responsibility to educate yourself on what questions to ask and to keep asking them till you are satisfied with the answers.
Also, if you have a complaint against the vet or a vet tech or the clinic business practices--take it to the home office, file with the BBB, and file a complaint with the governing regulatory organization: http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/DLR.aspx
Listing a complaint on a BLOG helps you vent, but if enough people lodge official bonafide complaints, especially in the neglectful care of an animal then something can be done.
Wow,i've read most of these comments from some of you and I am overwhelmed with mixed emotions. In regards to the Banfield in Watchung, NJ, at first when I started going there (4.5 yrs ago) I had a vet that was so pleasant w/ my dogs and w/ my wife and I. We were pleased to take them there. I put my dogs on the 'Wellness Plan', then she left Banfield w/o notice to apparently pursue her own practice - we were sad to find this info out. The new vet came on board and I was taken back by his actions, his shortness, as well as his character. He seemed cold, a bit aggressive - but after analyzing him better, I took the time & patience to actually look at his situation from his perspective, I was civil and did not treat him like most patients/clients do. He responded to my kindness (which most people these days aren't, much less in a stressful situation who has the self control to be patient and collective) but anyway, he was receptive and took the time to respond and answer all my questions. It is important to have the proper communication with these Vets, nurses, untrained help, or assistants etc who work there, most who are young, untrained, & new to this industry. This specific Banfield has a couple of issues: it's usually understaffed, they are always looking for experienced help, and every time they hire someone new they don't seem to stay, not sure the reasons but that's another story not known, it seems there's a shortage of people in this field. Although it's very difficult at times of emergency or concern - it is you who are representing your pet and it is important to be very specific about the details, and if your manner, attitude or communication skills are lacking then it will make for a difficult time at the Vet's office. Sure we all feel that our pet's (who are really our 'furry kids') are more important than others and we shouldn't wait b/c we want attention immediately etc. We need to understand that it takes a certain type of person to have the skill of being a Vet and be able to be a people person too, if they have that quality great your one up on the world. All that said, the vet at Banfield has been excellent with my two Yorkies, who are spoiled like most little dogs are, maybe more than others. He treats them great and so do the staff, they actually adore my dogs and are so attentive to us, there a few people there whom we just love b/c they are really good to them. Some of the horror stories you people have mentioned happen anywhere even at the 'great vets who were recommended', and any other facility like Banfield. Shit it happens at the human doctor's offices and hospitals as well, even some of the best places. In the end you never know what may happen as we cannot predict the future. Sure the fee's are out of control but I have never had a bad experience with Banfield, or the vets who work there. When my female yorkie got sick two yrs ago (she was a 1 yr old puppy, 5lbs) she swallowed a toy piece and it got lodged in her system, she couldn't eat or drink anything and threw up all over the house, to the point of bile and a little blood, we were mortified and didn't know what to do with ourselves, we took her to Banfield b/c they were open, we had the plan etc, and they attended to her immediately, since she was still pretty active and jumping around we just monitored her, when they x-rayed her you could see the mass of the piece of toy she swallowed and they advised us that they would give her nutrients via an IV and hope that she would pass the toy either by vomiting it or the other end, in any case they didn't want to open her up immediately (as that would be last result - and thank god for that b/c she ended up throwing up and it came out with a little blood from the irritation of her stomach and esophagus, so be careful with small toys and toys that break off easy) Anyhow, we had to leave her there for observation and they allowed to stay with her for as long as we wanted until they had to close. They watched her and cared for her a great deal. I have to actually say that this place has been nothing but excellent with my dogs and it saddens me that many of you have had bad experiences with this company. In all these years they have always attended to my pets and have always been top notch. Look not all pets are the same, and they also do not react the same to medications, in most cases any of the meds prescribed from the vet to give my dogs have been on point, and once the dogs were fine I called the vet and he advised to take them off them, not to continue them 'as marked on the package' - all in all it is you who has to collect yourself and ask the proper questions, be very specific in describing the problem no matter how it sounds whether it's stupid, silly, obscene etc. The more info the better the diagnostic. Think about if you went to the doctor and couldn't communicate this info, you'd like to have someone who tells your story to be clear concise and collected so you can get better. It is a truly depressing event when your pet gets sick, passes or needs treatment for something and when we hear about these stories it sickens us. Keep in mind that there is never a stupid question (so always ask no matter what) there's never a problem with being over-concerned (so be nag about getting answers to all your questions) and remember think about what you need addressed and answered, put yourself on the other side of the question, think that if it's something you may or may not have the answer for as a professional, that the person asking will ask you correctly. And yes do the research!!! In conclusion maybe everyone should write Banfield and the BBB or whomever and have them look into the quality of work there, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if not change the way the practice is run???
It is not Banfield the entire hospital (due to the fact that theres thousands of them)-people have these experiences at all hospitals. It is the people that work at the hospital that should be blamed-do NOT generalize to just Banfield.
I personally work at Banfield myself and know for a fact that all our clients are educated on vaccine reactions, before & after. And the repeating things is necessary---we never know what clients are actually listening to, though they should have repeated much more. And the lack of courtesy is also not all Banfields...so STOP FUCKING GENERALIZING!! Next time I have horrible service at a restaurant it does not mean that I won't go to that same restaurant at a different location. Just take that all in mind....
As a consumer dispute resolution counselor, here’s what I advise with regard to Banfield if you want to get resolution and possibly compensation for your Banfield billing and animal care experiences:
1. Join in on one of the THREE class action lawsuits that are being considered or in preparation against Banfield Pet Hospitals by going to the law firms’ websites and listing your complaints. Definition of a class action can be found at: http://www.claiminformation.com/classactions.htm The more people that sign-up, the greater the resolution and possibility that you’ll be compensated for your emotional distress down the road. The law firms are as follows:
http://www.schneiderwallace.com/PracticeAreas/ClassActions.htm
Once there clink on "Inquire About Your Potential Case" and fill out the online form giving specific details of your problems regarding Banfield. Please, make sure that you include either your phone number or send them an email on the link within the "Inquire" link.
http://www.price-law.com/CM/FSDP/PracticeCenter/Personal-Injury/Class-Actions.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.
http://www.barronberry.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.
Please, make sure that you share your experiences regarding billing issues, pet care (or lack therefore of), names of staff, location of hospitals and if you've ever written to the corporate offices and if so, what was the response if any. Remember, the more people that join the class action lawsuits, the greater the chances of resolution and restitution (financial compensation for your losses and emotional distress).
2. Go to www.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and file a very quick online complaint. Make sure that you give any contract numbers, names of staff, address of the hospital that you used, leave out unnecessary details and get to the point (short and sweet) and name the CEO as the contact person: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook
Portland, OR 97213. The FTC will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.
3. Google your state’s Governor’s Office or Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Most will allow you to do this online. It’s quick and easy just include specific names, addresses, dates, details of problems (short and to the point) contract numbers, if any, and your contact information. Consumer Affairs will
4. Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards by calling 1-877-698-8482 or http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx and ask them for the website, phone number and/or address for the regulatory board for your state, then file a complaint against Banfield’s license in that state.
5. Write directly to the CEO of Banfield (or at least print and copy all of your complaints to all of the agencies above and mail a copy to: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook Portland, OR 97213 Phone 800-838-6738 Fax 866-477-5120 email: scott.campbell@banfield.net
6. Post these instructions on every complaint forum and website mentioning Banfield that you can find on Google.
7. Remember there’s strength in numbers. If you’re not going to take the time to file a complaint then don’t take the time to post a complaint. Change only comes through efforts to make change.
8. Contact the CEO of PetSmart and let them know that you’ll NOT shop PetSmart until they kick Banfield to the curb. They are separate companies but who would want to support a store that allows another business to operate using such bad business practices while being inside their stores? Contact: Philip L. Francis, CEO, PetSmart, Inc., 19601 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85027, phone 623-580-6100.
Revised Data (Banfield)
As a consumer dispute resolution counselor, here’s what I advise with regard to Banfield if you want to get resolution and possibly compensation for your Banfield billing and animal care experiences:
1. Join in on one of the THREE class action lawsuits that are being considered or in preparation against Banfield Pet Hospitals by going to the law firms’ websites and listing your complaints. Definition of a class action can be found at: http://www.claiminformation.com/classactions.htm The more people that sign-up, the greater the resolution and possibility that you’ll be compensated for your emotional distress down the road. The law firms are as follows:
http://www.schneiderwallace.com/PracticeAreas/ClassActions.htm
Once there clink on "Inquire About Your Potential Case" and fill out the online form giving specific details of your problems regarding Banfield. Please, make sure that you include either your phone number or send them an email on the link within the "Inquire" link.
http://www.price-law.com/CM/FSDP/PracticeCenter/Personal-Injury/Class-Actions.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.
http://www.barronberry.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.
Please, make sure that you share your experiences regarding billing issues, pet care (or lack therefore of), names of staff, location of hospitals and if you've ever written to the corporate offices and if so, what was the response if any. Remember, the more people that join the class action lawsuits, the greater the chances of resolution and restitution (financial compensation for your losses and emotional distress).
2. Go to www.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and file a very quick online complaint. Make sure that you give any contract numbers, names of staff, address of the hospital that you used, leave out unnecessary details and get to the point (short and sweet) and name the CEO as the contact person: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook
Portland, OR 97213. 800-838-6738 Fax 866-477-5120 email: scott.campbell@banfield.net The FTC will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.
3. Google your state’s Governor’s Office or Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Most will allow you to do this online. It’s quick and easy just include specific names, addresses, dates, details of problems (short and to the point) contract numbers, if any, and your contact information. Consumer Affairs will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.
4. Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards by calling 1-877-698-8482 or http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx and ask them for the website, phone number and/or address for the regulatory board for your state, then file a complaint against Banfield’s license in that state.
5. Write directly to the CEO of Banfield (or at least print and copy all of your complaints to all of the agencies above and mail a copy to: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook Portland, OR 97213 Phone 800-838-6738 Fax 866-477-5120 email: scott.campbell@banfield.net VP of Operations direct line 503-922-5244 fax 503-922-6244.
6. Post these instructions on every complaint forum and website mentioning Banfield that you can find on Google.
7. Remember there’s strength in numbers. If you’re not going to take the time to file a complaint then don’t take the time to post a complaint. Change only comes through efforts to make change.
8. Contact the CEO of PetSmart and let them know that you’ll NOT shop PetSmart until they kick Banfield to the curb. They are separate companies but who would want to support a store that allows another business to operate using such bad business practices while being inside their stores? Contact: Philip L. Francis, CEO, PetSmart, Inc., 19601 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85027, phone 623-580-6100.
Banfield has provided us Excellant care for over 2 years in CO. Our vet is fantastic! I am so sorry you have not had the wonderful experince that my 2 dogs and cat have had.
I work for a banfield the only gripe is this...
I am a trained registered schooled technician. I know what I am doing.
The girls they hire do not or have never even touched a pet let alone given it a vaccine.
They do not train the girls properly and throw them right into anesthesia etc.
Things die this way. This is just stupid.
THey also make me train the girls and im not hired to do that.
wow, I have read most of the comments, how sad that each one of you has had such a bad experience. I LOVE Banfield, I have been bringing my dog for two years, and he has had the best of care. I was so impressed I started to work with Banfield and trained in South Sacramento where they care so much about the pets, that I know the Vets treat dogs that the owners can not pay full price right on the spot. I guess each Banfield is different, and each one has a different Vet, but South Sacramento, and Elk Grove California is EXCELLENT and the care, and the service, you are given is the way each Banfield should be. I am so sorry to hear you have had such bad service .
A six month old puppy will squirm and wiggle and though it may be upsetting to see a doctor be tough on the puppy, he needs to do his job. You failed to mention if you had given your puppy advantix, which you should be and if you had consistantly and correctly given it to your puppy would most likely not have had any ticks at all. Lime is a tough one in even medium size dogs and they should have told you that. It is, however, expected that whenever your dog gets a shot you should watch to see if it has a reaction. Lime was the only one of all her shots she had a reaction to. My advise, whenever your dog needs a shot from now own (depending on the size) give her some baby benedryl. The vet will tell you how much to give your dog. Get the liquid kind, the lick it right up. This will help prevent MOST reactions beforehand. We use banfield in Plymouth, MA and the staff is friendly, knowledgable, and very helpfull with any questions we have. They always follow up with phone calls they day after every visit and always are able to fit us in last minute (even though we have to wait a little while sometimes - this is not a drive through, you should expect to wait especially when making an appoint the day of). I do not think all Banfield's are bad, but they are a franchise so find one your happy with. By the way, the puppy plan pays for itself ten fold.....
in wATCHUNG,NJ (INSIDE PETSMART)
awful experience ,the vet was late 40 mn ,did not appologize,REFUSED TO GIVE MY CAT SOME ANTIBIOTICS because i could not pay $375 that he ask me for a diagnostic,THET DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING,AND DO NOT LOVE ANIMALS ,DO YOURSELF A FAVOR IF YOU LOVE YOUR PET DO NOT GO TO BANFIELD!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe that you guys are sitting at your computers and ragging on this company! Wow good job telling off a company over the internet...that's like winning the gold in the Special Olympics...DeeDeeDee. Nice one retards! And the one with the whole Lyme vaccine reaction...you got what you deserved!!! Chicken shits!
Hello, I am a former banfield vet. I have experienced some of the things in every comment it seems like. I think it is important to find a vet that can communicate with you when you first meet them. I think most owners get a good sense of this on there first visit. If you don't feel comfortable with something then you need to speak up as it is your pet. I have been in private practice now and do relief only for banfield. Prior to vaccines on a very small pet it is important to offer a benadryl injection if they are high risk and yes there is a fee for this. Don't over vaccinate if you don't have to. ie if your little poodle lives in a 14 story high rise and never sees ticks then your chances of lyme dz is lower. Same for giardia. I understand your complaints and I do everything I can to be the best vet I can be ESPECIALLY when I do relief work there. And remember there are bad human doctors, bad lawyers and inexperienced/bad veterinarians . Thanks!
I just started working at a Banfield in Illinois about 2 months ago and have found it to relly be a mixed bag. I can say for one thing that every single one of us absolutley loves animals, it's not a kind of job you last long in if you don't. Also, I can see where alot of people are coming from with these complaints, tought I believe that most of these instances are because people are uninformed. Wellness plans are not ment to help if your pet is sick, they are not called insurance but preventitive care plans. Meaning that doing everything covered under the plan will aid in preventing the pet from getting sick in the first place. They really are ment only for people who plan on keeping they're pet in the best possible condition. It is proven that clients that have wellness plans spend more money than those that don't, but that is due mostly to the fact that people who are interested in that kind of care are more willing to go the extra mile even if it makes a dent in their wallet. Preventitive care helps catch things that an owner themselves might not notice.
Example: Sunny's owner has had him on the wellness plan for 2 years now and keeps up with his vaccienes and exams. She dropped Sunny off one day for a comprehensive exam, this is not an exam because the pet is sick, think of it more as a physical that is done every 6 months. The nurse upon the inspection of the skin and coat noticed that there was a hard mass under Sunny's armpit and had the doctor look at it. The doctor told me that she wanted to do a biopsy and to call the owner and get approval. This is a somewhat costly procedure and when I first presented the idea to the owner she declined saying that she just couldn't afford it. About 20 minutes later the owner called back and said to go ahead and do the procedure, she'd borrow the money from her mother. Upon getting the results of the biopsy it was discovered that the mass was indeed a cancerous tumor. Further tests were done and we found out that the cancer had spread deeply into several of Sunny's organs, had it not been caught then the cancer would have taken Sunny's life in about 6 short months. Sunny was only 2 years old and a strong energetic little guy so he hadn't shown any effects of the cancer spreading through his body. We removed the mass and started chemotherapy treatments for Sunny. I was not there when all of this began, that was about 2 years ago, but this is how I've come to know about it. Sunny and his owner came in about 3 weeks after I started working at Banfield and after having battled with very widespread and vicious cancer for 2 years Sunny was still a sweet, happy, loving pet. He had a light in his eyes that I will never forget. The cancer, despite being beaten back constantly had creeped into Sunny's lungs. He couldn't breathe very well and you could tell he was in pain. His owner had brought him in knowing what was going to have to be done. He had fought with all of his heart for 2 years and now it was finally time to let him rest. When it was finnaly time to euthanize Sunny he wasn't just in a room filled with doctors and nurses, he was surrounded by friends. I walked over to his owner, tears in both our eyes, and hugged her, saying that I was so terribly sorry for her loss. I will never forget the look in here eyes when she said "Don't you ever be sorry, you gave me two more years with the love of my life, never be sorry for that." That's what the love of a pet is about, this woman probably spent thousands of dollars on giving Sunny just 2 more years but you can't put a price on love.
Hi Lyzard- I'm SO glad your puppy is OK, that could have turned out badly. Basically any shot has the potential to cause a reaction, and any pet should be watched for a while before being released. I'm so glad you got her back in there.
There's a reason those vets work for a chain and not as their own boss at a private practice. Maybe they're just getting started out of college, maybe they aren't good with people, or maybe they don't like animals (eek!).
P.S. "Stephanie" and a few others that don't get-it are probably paid bloggers that help counteract bad PR. Kind of tacky, but lots of companies hire them.
I'm a veterinary student and am trying to figure out where I want to work after graduation. There are a couple of things I would like to say in order to give you guys some insight. First - I'm not a fan of Banfield. It's not because I believe they are criminals or quacks or corporate hooligans. It's because they have a really hard time attracting experienced veterinarians. Most of their vets are fresh out of vet school. I wouldn't feel comfortable going straight into practice without some kind of mentorship by a much more experienced doctor. For general shots and diagnostics, these vets are fine. But for anything out of the ordinary, and for things like experience with client communication - they are way underprepared (it is a skill to learn how to communicate well with clients). Second, I do agree that your experience was inappropriate. You should always be warned about potential dangers of any treatments. Next I would like to talk about money. I understand that a lot of people have financial constraints. But what I don't understand is why you would get an animal that you can't afford to take care of? Do you not realize that animals get sick? That they have reactions? That sometimes their toenails split when being trimmed (this is NOT neglectful treatment). It's like getting a manicure and getting nicked a little too close on one cuticle. It happens sometimes - we can't get it 100% right every time - we are human. Having been a veterinary technician prior to entering veterinary school, I was shocked at how clients approach veterinary medicine. When I sprained my ankle, my insurance was charged $3000 for emergency room costs. I had to pay $400. It's a bummer, but I wouldn't storm the hospital and demand lesser charges. $3000 is less than most veterinarians charge for major abdominal surgery. Believe it or not, veterinarians and their technicians are grossly underpaid. Your $300 visit does not go into our pockets. It costs a lot to keep a hospital/clinic open and running. It seems there are so many people that are more concerned with money and getting cheated by veterinarians, than they are with thorough treatment of their pets. I recommend getting pet insurance from the time your pet is very young. If you get it early, it will cost about $20 per month. Then, you don't have to make decisions solely based on finances. It's not as good as standard human health insurance - but when your dog gets hit by a car...you don't have to think about whether your dog's life is worth the cost of saving him. Can you imagine getting a "free" doctors visit (even for follow up) in human medicine? Please think about your pet care before you get an animal. Don't go to the "cheapest" place (Banfield) around. Find a veterinarian you can trust and feel comfortable putting your pets in their hands. They are not charging you money for their own benefit. Increased costs are usually a testament to quality of instruments and equipment in the clinic as well as experience! Veterinary nurses and doctors get paid more with more experience. This translates to increased costs. Would you look for the cheapest doctor for yourself? Also, get insurance if money is going to be a big factor. Veterinary Pet Insurance is still very reasonable (it will probably get more expensive once people start using it more). I promise you that nobody goes into veterinary medicine for the money. I could go to med school (cheaper tuition, easier to get into, same time commitment, and 3x the pay when I graduate) if I wanted to make money. I love animals and being able to advocate for them. Imagine how frustrating it is for veterinarians to be constantly hassled about the costs of already undercharged office visits and asking for free care when something doesn't go right! If an antibiotic prescribed to you was ineffective, and your doctor prescribed a new one - would you ask for a reimbursement of the first prescription?? Medicine is not exact - sometimes plans change and outcomes are unexpected. Perspective: I can look forward to making $40,000-$60,000 per year when I graduate. Someday, I may make up to $100,000. I will have $200,000 debt to my education. I will work tirelessly for animals and be rewarded with one of the best careers there is. I will not go work for Banfield - because I will do my research. I urge you to think about your pets and not your pocketbooks when it comes to decisions based on their health and well-being. Banfield is not evil. It is just inexperienced. And corporate is not evil. Look at VCA - they have a business model that actually works.
I would like to add price guaging for prescriptions 8x more then if you order online for the same exact product. Really push the meds and tests at Banfield and misdiagnosed my dog. Dangerous drug combinations. Banfield could not order enough unnessasary meds!
I know this post is way old but Im sorry you had such a bad experience!
I am actually a NURSE at a Banfield (not the one you wrote about) and sadly we do have some doctors like that. Some Drs are very 'rough' and short with pets. Its infuriating for us nurses too.
But just for peace of mind, know that most of us DO care and ARE nice.
You just have to get the right Dr. I hope you have good luck in the future with your pup!
ok honestly im 18 i have been volunteering with banfield since i was 10 ive worked with many dr.s and many nurses i honestly feel like ive seen alot. and i just went over to watchung and seeing the other side of things yea... they charsge for things that sosme vets wouldnt but you must remember that going there is going to a corperate biz. you need to be aware we dont charge bc we feel like it....but bc he HAVE TO and the dr.s did graduate from vet school for a reason ive worked at watchung since july and love it.... i bring my pets there b.c i do see what goes on in the back and i am part of banfield so i think i do a damn good job along with everyone else thank you and have a nice day!!!
Banfield has more than 400 hospitals nation wide and I'm sure that not all hospitals and employees are created equal. to simplify that, not every employee, doctors included adhere to the Banfield philosophy. I know this this because my wife works for their corporate headquarters and deals with a whole region of employee relations. Yes they do weed out those that do not fit into that philosophical thinking and for various other reasons. Unfortunatly there are times when one may experience such an experience unto their liking at such a hospital. Condem one particular hospital based on one experience, ok but lets be logical and be fair not to out the whole practice. Instead of complaining on a blog, one should bring up any unpleasant issues with first the hospital itself and if that doesn't resolve matters, contact the corporate headquarters here in Portland Or.
I work at Banfield and I will say that while some of the people on this blog seemed to have had a terrible experience, not all Banfields are bad. The Banfield that I work at in New Jersey is a great place. The csc's(receptionist) and the doctors and nurses all do their best to make sure that the pets that we see have a good experience as well as the clients. Granted some clients are not happy because of the prices or because they feel as though they were "tricked" into a wellness plan. However, at least in my location, clients are told time and time again that the Wellness Plan is a year binding contract just like any other contract. if anything happens to their pet, they are still responsible to pay that contract. Clients are told this by the csc at the front desk, the nurse AND the doctor in the room AND THEN by the csc AGAIN when they check out. I know that I can not speak for other locations, only mines. The clients are also told about the prices of whatever it is that they are getting done BEFORE it is done. So it confuses me when clients act surprised when they are quoted their price for that days visit.
All Im going to say is stop fucking complainig!!!! Do you have any idea how fucking anoying it is as a csc for banfield to sit at the front desk all day and listen you ass holes either call in everyday or come in everyday and complain about some shit thats your fault to begin with? For example, if your pet has been throwing up all day, dont call at the ladst fucking min. and demand that your seen. If it was you or a family member, yall would have had your asses there at the doctor office early that morning when you first started throwing the fuck up. So if you truely hate Banfield do us a favor and stop coming in and take your pet some place the fuck else and annoy someone else with all your bitching!!
I lookedup up trubutrol which is used for a variety of itching and small infections. Naseau and vomiting is a commpn side effect to this commonly used and inexpensive medication which could have just been administered orally with food. There are non many anitibiotics for pets and one of the creams or gels used for ear infections can be used for bites and other irritations. The only thing about this treatment that is outrageous is the price. You should have gone to a vet or animal clinic. The bill would have been a lot less. Most tick bites do not require this type treatment. Since you self diagnosed that your pet might have lime disease and did not want to go to a regular vet then you paid a high price for it.
Maybe it just depends on WHICH Banfield you go to? I go to the Chesterfield, Michigan Banfield at PetSmart and they staff there are AWESOME! They are friendly, answer all of my questions (which sometimes are many) and never rush me. And they've been extremely nice to my puppy, Jack (a Yorkie). Especially Dr. Iacobelli, Jennifer Ward (the PetNurse) and Chris at the front desk.
Patricia Fons (and Jack)
Chesterfield, MI
There is ALOT of comments about this issue. and some are great and some are just horrible from what I have read far! and im sorry but honestly, I dont really know what to tell people that have to say that Banfield is just so horrible. I'm sorry, but some of yall are A. bad owners B. stupid or C. just way too dramatic and need to get over it.
How should I know? im a petnurse for Banfield, myself.and I feel sorry for the receptionists that have to face half of you guys as clients. man, of ALL of crap i have to listen to..... I am not going to start pointing fingers and im not letting anyone know where i work.... but just because you have had bad days (not talking to clients that have lost there furry friends...just only to the pathetic ones who complain over the little things) doesnt mean all of the Banfield company needs to be put in shame. Yes, I have issues with the company myself but they are little and are continued to improve for the sake of getting better. and that is so called "business" people. companies all over have that problems and nothing is perfect. its just like people that have their differences
For that person who states the Banfield in Chula Vista, CA, is a pleasant place to take your pet is wrong. I have had terrible experiences with that location. One was when my dog was released to go home after removing a tumor from his hip, Guess What??? Once home I realized that under my dogs bandage, the idiots at Banfield had left the IV needle in him. I was extremely pissed off. I could not believe what I was seeing. I immediately called the idiots and the Vet suggested I remove it myself since they were about to close....I did remove it, but I couldn't stop the bleeding. I just had absolutely no desire to ask the Vet to remove it himself.
To all those employees of Banfield placing their comments on this site, please don't...If you don't like what Banfield customers are saying, then that's too bad, all of you employees for some reason feel the need to express how difficult it is to deal with customers of Banfield, then get another job where you dont have to deal with the public. You are obviously in the wrong profession and it should be obvious to you all that we do care of about our pets, that's why you are in business. Don't forget that it's because of our MONEY that you get a paycheck.....FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO DO WITH YOUR TIME RIGHT NOW AND WITH YOUR PROFESSION.
I just wanted to agree that Banfield is a horrible company. Do not waste your time or money. All they want to do is steal you money. The customer service is horrible, especially Jenny in customer accounts!
Banfield of Oxnard CA has two wonderful, experienced vets and have give my dogs excellent care for over 8 years. Their staff is always professional and courteous - as good or better than many vets I've visited here, in Seattle, and in 5 other cities and states. Diane R., Oxnard, CA
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