Simply put, Banfield's charges are ridiculous. I signed up for one of the wellness plans two months ago and have spent roughly $1000 since, for two reasons. One is that, aside from the vaccines covered by the plan, none of the services my dog needed were covered. The second is that Banfield apparently charges for EVERY LITTLE THING, which makes that "savings" total at the bottom of your bill seem great until you actually look at it. For instance, they charge for things that normally would be included in an annual vet visit; $25 for a "neurological exam," which is basically looking into my dog's eyes for two seconds (I didn't have to pay that, as it was covered by the plan; whew! Honestly, I have never, ever been charged for this at any vet, so I didn't really "save" it, either), similar situation for all other "exams" that make it look like I've saved a ton (dental, etc.). $20 to "clean/flush" a wound (one small hotspot on my dog's leg), $25 to express her anal glands -- both of which would be included in a regular vet visit for around $40-50 TOTAL.
Today, she had to get x-rays to see if/why her stomach was blocked. This cost $300 for the x-ray stuff alone, including almost $100 in "interpretation" (look at it for a minute!), and $40 each for positioning/restraint (my dog is THE calmest in the world) and handling! Are you kidding me?!? It's your job to handle animals! And this afternoon, I've checked with two other hospitals in the area, who do the entire x-ray package for $100 (up to 4 exposures). After this was done, they sent me to an emergency vet because they didn't have the stomach tube needed to decompress my dog's stomach. Thank you very much, Banfield!
I've read a lot about staff incompetencies and attitudes, so I will say that the staff at the Towson, MD, branch is great. They've been very nice, genuine, and helpful. They just happen to work for a racket of a corporation that takes advantage of loving pet owners who would pay anything for their pets if they had to (and they convince you that you have to), while under the guise of treating you and your pet like family.
Long story short, avoid Banfield and stick with your small, local vets! You'll save money, heartache, and frustration, while giving your business to the people who do, actually, give a ***.
Why would someone get paid commission for saying a pet needs tests? That's just ridiculous! And a toenail trim isn't $20--it's $12, the same price you would pay if you went to Petsmart groomers.... make sure you know the truth before you talk, please.
They even cover your pet when they are sick! I pay the same on VPI as I pay for Banfield, and I get to choose my own veterinarian, instead of going to some rookie vet. I think they get commision for the tests they say your pet needs.
They even cover your pet when they are sick! I pay the same on VPI as I pay for Banfield, and I get to choose my own veterinarian, instead of going to some rookie vet. I think they get commision for the tests they say your pet needs.
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