Do NOT use Banfield Pet Hospital's wellness plan. It is a rip-off. It does not cover any serious illnesses or injury. Worse than that, after failing to properly diagnose medical problems, they sent you to a capable hospital so that your dog can be treated. In my case, my beloved DJ died. They are still billing me for the wellness plan months after the plan expired. The whole system is worthless for pet owners who are looking for competent veterinary care for their pets. Get a private vet and PLEASE stay AWAY from Banfield's alleged pet hospitals.
Sure, they point out the cancellation clause on the contract, they don't highlight the fact that you can't move the contract to another Banfield--at least not one close by--if you're unhappy with the services at the one you started out with. You know, when you have a sick pet and you have someone at Banfield pushing their insurance/preventative care/annual payments, whatever you want to call it on you, you don't always have time to look at the details. They're completely disorganized, their doctors don't know what you're talking about and often give conflicting information. If you've been using them for years and your pet has survived, congrats, you dodged a bullet.
We have had all our pets cared for by Banfield for years, and are VERY pleased, and with the wellness plan as well. When we had to have our collie put to sleep due to his cancer spreading, the Vet was even willing to come to our house and do it, but we did it there and all the staff was super sensitive and compassionate. And there was absolutetely no charge for the euthanasia. When I called to cancel his plan early, they were great about it and credited the remaining months. When we had the widfires here, they waived one months of fees.
My biggest pet peeve in the world is people who refuse to read something and then complain about it. The contract states in plain english that if you cancel you have to either a) pay for services you already received, b) pay the remaining monthly payments or c) pay the rest of what you owe in a lump sum. Also, it VERY clearly states that it will automatically renew in 1 year unless you call and cancel. At my Banfield, we have to clearly explain the contract to the client as well as highlight all the important information. It is not our fault if people decide to tune us out. It is the client's choice to sign up for a wellness plan, if you do not want it or do not understand what it is, DO NOT SIGN UP.
4. Written by Don't want to hurt anyones fee, on 20-06-2008 09:54
Does anybody on this planet read things before you sign??? Everything on that very legal contract very clearly states what the plan is, and isn't. It clearly states it is NOT INSURANCE. The duration of the plan, how to cancel, and how it works. You are basically paying off the services you use over a year instead of in lump sums. So even if your pet dies before the year is up you have to pay off the services you used. That is fair. The plan is for preventive care only. In hopes that taking consistent care of your pets prevents illnesses. You do however get a discount off other things not preventive. The contract doesn't claim to cover illness.When I worked at Banfield I had to force people to read the contract. Most people didn't want to be bothered. I also followed up by mailing them facts on the plan. Still ignorance is bliss I guess. The same people who didn't want to take a second to read where the first to throw a fit when something happened. I also made sure that people were sent reminders 30 days before the contract was set to renew so they could cancel it. No matter what was said to get you interested in the plan you still had the chance to read the contract. There is no excuse good enough as to why you didn't read before you signed. Im not saying Banfield gives the best service ever, but still READ BEFORE YOU SIGN. It would save you a lot of grief. If you didn't then don't blame someone else for your laziness. Oh and PS Veterinary medicine cost money! Most the diagnostics are the same as ran for people. Medicine is not cheap by any means. So please expect to spend some money if your pet is sick.
I realize now, that Banfield doesn't hire competant vets! Which is why I cancelled my plan. There is nothing cheap about having a preventative plan and still paying for regular treatment of an illness. You are almost paying twice. The problem is you won't get the service or expertise you need.
I will never use them again. I will instead put the money I was spening on the monthly service fee into a savings account to use when needed at a good vet hospital.
6. Written by YOU NEED TO READ, on 11-06-2008 22:41
Do you read what you sign?? It is an Wellness Plan... it covers preventive services.... it is not called a SICKNESS plan!
You also did not read the contract.. it states in the contract, that even in the event, you loose, give away or death , you are responsible for the remainder of the plan.
Simple you recieved your services, why should you NOT pay for them.....So do not blame Banfield for inability to read.
This message is for Smarter than you are--no, shame on you!! You were rude and insensitive to poster (not me). You obviously don't know what you are talking about. Responsible pet owners do take their pets to a reputable vet if there is a sign of sickness. Even with proper tests, physical symptoms are usually the first sign. I speak with knowledge, authority and experience. Go back to cleaning the kennels at Banfield but please stay away from the animals.
8. Written by Smarter than you are., on 03-06-2008 01:29
The plans they offer are preventive care plans. They are supposed to be used prior to your pet getting sick. They are used to tell the vet if there is anything going on with the pet because animals can not show physical signs until it might be to late. I'm sorry your pet died, but taking your pet to the vet when it's showing physical signs was a poor decision on your part. Maybe it's best you do not have a pet. You have to cancel the plan at the end of your year by contacting Banfield and telling them you do not want to renew it. It states that in the contract that you signed at the beginning of the year. Or did you not read it? If you do not read contracts, let me sell you some ocean front property. You say that you are looking for competent veterinary services. It sounds like you were trying to treat your pet the cheapest way you could. Shame on you!!!!!
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