Ramses Bdo
map-marker San Antonio, Texas

6 month old schnauzer goes in for spay in great health comes back sick...

On 5/30 I took my brand new miniature schnauzer to Banfield, Hurst, TX. I bought in to the Wellness Program and got her rabies shot & an exam. Exam showed a healthy pup. She had NO issues. They recommended that she be spayed before her first cycle. So the surgery was set for 6/8/09.

6/8/09 - Bella goes in for surgery and I pick her up at 5:30. That night, while sleeping, she wet my bed - she was out of it and I attributed it to her having had anesthesia.

6/9/09 - Bella drinks water voraciously! She is ravenous with thirst and wet her bed. And the uncontrolled urination has not stopped to this point - 6/17/09.

6/11/09 - took her back to Banfield with my concerns, they couldn't get a sample and told us to try at home. If we were successful, bring it in and they'd do a urine analysis.

6/12/09 - collected a urine sample and had it to Banfield within 30 minutes of the time of collection. Test did not show any bacteria etc. But the vet, knowing how upset I was, said that even though the urine test didn't show anything, he'd go ahead and send me home with some medication. He prescribed Clavamox Drops 62.5 mg twice a day.

6/15/09 - Bella is still unable to hold her potty and is constipated. I tell Banfield that I brought in a healthy pet and I went home with an unhealthy pet and it is their responsibility to fix it. The only thing they did was the urine analysis again which now showed "bacteria". They did not agree to find out why or run any additional tests - they wanted to charge me yet again. I've paid in a lot of money and again I say that I took a perfectly healthy dog to be spayed. And I picked up a sick one. They also prescribed another antibiotic - Cefpodoxime Proxetil 100mg. She takes 1/4 tablet per day.

I also noticed that they gave her a shot which was not discussed with me. Copnvenia Injection 80mg and the note beside it said "not medically necessary". Then why was it given to her??? She wasn't throwing up nor did she have diarrhea. In fact, she was having trouble with pooping!

6/16/09 - I resorted to buying diapers for my dog to wear. This is an unacceptable situation. She was uncomfortable and irritated. She ended up chewing them off during the night which meant that for the 9th night in a row, she slept in her own urine.

I'd like to know how a perfectly healthy animal goes in for a routine spay and comes out *** all over herself and our rental home.

I'd like to invite Banfield Hurst, TX to lock themselves in a large pet taxi with no way to relieve themselves and wake up in their own urine.

I've paid a ton of money and they refuse to do anything. I'm filing as many complaints including the better business bureau.

This is simply not acceptable. And it certainly has something to do with the surgery. Nothing will convince me otherwise. If she were middle aged and her spay occurred years ago, then that would be one thing.

But she was healthy at 7:00 am and she's been sick ever since.

I am extremely upset because if this doesn't get corrected now, I will have to put her down. It is that far out of control.

And I am extremely upset that Banfield hasn't accepted any responsibility and has made no attempt to find out what happened. They just give her medication which isn't working.

Devastated in Texas

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4 comments
Guest

Kgflores62 - Since it has been sometime since your puppy had the surgery I was hoping yo could tell us how she is. Did she grow out of the incontinence?

I had mine schnauzer puppy spayed & had a hernia repaired at the same time. She had no problems with the spay. It did take sometime for her hernia repair to heal, but she's great now. I'm a schnauzer lover too.

I've got 4 of them. Hope yours is doing okay & she grew out of the incontinence.

Guest

Well if you are not wanting to hear anything how can they tell you anything if won't believe otherwise. If those test were done and there was no bacteria well then there was probably none I am a rn myself and working at a hospital I feel bad for that doctor. I'm sure going to school for 8 or so years and performing spays on a daily basis that the doctor knows what he is doing..

Guest

It is possible that your puppy may have developed what is called spay incontinence which can happen in female dogs any time after being spayed whether a day, week or years. Typically they are responsive to estrogen supplementation and if this is the case this had nothing to do with the surgery or the vet that performed the surgery.

It happens to be one of the possible complications after surgery that can occur.

Its also possible for a young puppy under stressful circumstances to develop a urinary tract infection again a possibility that has nothing to do with how the surgery was performed. I'm sure the vet performed preoperative bloodwork and if bloodwork postoperatively was performed and the kidney function is also normal, spay incontinence is the most likely problem.

Guest

The CONVENIA injection was not given as it was made "not medically necessary." Whether it was because you declined it or the doctor did not see fit to give it.

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lbammer
map-marker Denver, Colorado

Banfield Pet Hospital

Although we haven't suffered the loss of a pet at the hands of these folks, I do want to note their complete lack of customer service. Due to some family issues, I needed to take my wife's dog in for a Bordatella update on short notice. I called in and was told to come at 2PM for walk-in service. I got there at 1:45, checked in and told the receptionist I was in a hurry to get back to work for a conference call. I finally saw the vet at 3:15 who completed the procedure in under 3 minutes. When I complained, both the vet and the "nurse" simply shrugged their shoulders and said next time I should make an appointment since they had been busy taking care of "sick" animals. In other words, just getting a quick squirt to the nose was not a priority regardless of the problems that it caused me for missing an important business call. Not earth shaking I admit but if their attitude of indifference to their clients is that blatant, I don't want to take a sick dog in there and really need service. We will find a vet that actually listens and responds to client requests.
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2 comments
Guest

I have to agree with Terry. Bordatella, at least when given at my vet lasts 6 months.

I KNOW when it is going to expire, so I look into my schedule book, pick up the phone and make an appointment that does not conflict with my other life happenings. (if it does, then I reschedule. no reason to stress over it) Walk in service us just that, walk in & they'll get to you ASAP. Now an appointment is something entirely different (but even then when I did use them, I was there for 2-2.5 hours with ONE dog, waiting and waiting.) In perspective though, if BAH had an emergency, then of course the Bordetella "squirt" really is not as important.

Just because you had a "important" business call does not constitute an emergency on BAH or anyone's part.

I have learned that one cannot rely on others to respect that ones time is important, so do not try to do much of anything on a lunch break or while at work between calls. Their attitude may have been of indifference, but what was yours towards them?

Guest

Gee, have you ever called your family doctor and said "I know this is short notice, but I just cut myself and I would like to get it looked at" And the nurse says, sure come on in and we can see you. And you get there without an appointment and you wait and wait until the doctor has a free moment between SCHEDULED appointments to see you, only to say "It looks good, just keep it clean" That takes about 3 minutes. Do you get on here and complain about that?

The treatment your dog got should have been scheduled, it expires not all of a sudden, but a YEAR from when it was first given. Now all of a sudden you had to have it done right then, so you got a stand by appointment for when the vet could work your dog in and you were told this.

If your dog was the sick one and had an appointment you would be here griping about how this walk in dog got service before you did because your dog was sick, and this guy just walks in and gets seen.

Complain about something that is worth cmplaining about, not how long you had to wait on a walk in visit to the vet. It is people like you that bi**h to just bi**h about something. I bet you complain if your paper is 15 seconds late getting to your door :(

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Ice H
map-marker Saint Louis, Missouri

Price gouge, rude and billing is outrageous, they billed me double and for shots my pet did not get.

They inflate their bills, the vet is rude, they make you wait a long time. They give you this piece of paper that they checked everything on the pet from head to toe but I know for a fact they did not. They also contradict themselves on what they tell you is wrong and what they enter into their computers. They did not expect me to get a full printout of the x rays and physical.MY pet supposedly had two x rays but I was told I could not have them, it was against their rules. Here is what they put on the bill; office visit; physical exam (this was not done); radiology package; radiology interpretation; radiology exposure; radiology set up & handling; again radiology exposure for the second film;Medical waste fee (which I was told is the chemicals for the x rays); radiology package;lab work package ( they did not do); antibiotic injection (which they did not do); Treatment plan created ?Prednisolone syrup. People watch out if you take your pet there ask to see everything that is put on paper and question it then. Better yet find another vet.
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Anonymous
map-marker Cincinnati, Ohio

The best interest of the pet or the money

I started bringing my dog to Banfield in West Chester Ohio when he was only 6 weeks old. At 5 months old he developed a skin condition. I conintued with Banfield and the Vets came and went.I followed all recommedations and treatments. Finally told to go to a Canine dermetologist. Which I followed faithfully by the letter for months and months. Almost 5000.00 dollars later much going to banfield I made the decision to put my lovely dog to sleep, When we arrived at our appointment we were told to bring the dog to the back door, We stood in the heat for over twenty minutes, Eventually hearded into the store to wait to be put in a room , anouther 10 minutes. Finally a very young Vet who I saw eating twizzlers and laughing with her assistant came into the room and said she reviewed all the medical records as well as the dermatologists records. She looked me in the eyes as I was histarically crying and told me that I had not done enough for my dog and that she could not sleep at night knowing she put my dog to sleep with out examining him and testing him for herself. All my tears and begging to put the dog out of his pain only lead to her rolling her eyes and telling me she would work me up a estimate for treatment she thought was appropriate, Treatment that 4 vets and a specialist apparently missed. obviously pissed I left the store, was told I could not leave out the back door and had to walk around the entire shopping center to get to the back with my ill dog in the heat. Not before they chased after me wanting the money for the visit. Banfield is after your money and does not give a *** about your beloved pet.....West Chester Ohio
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1 comment
Guest

One thing I want to know is if the vet is experienced how could they not know what is going on? I think they just suck you dry and still not tell you what is wrong. I am in the middle of the process now.

Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

Banfield animal hopsital

BAH continues to draft my checking account. I am stuck in a contract(This is the 4th year of a 1 year contract!)They have drop off appointments for services (with no comunication) they are never available for sick or emergency visits. They always find a procedure, treament etc. in addition to "covered services so that every "in plan" check-up costs me $60- $300.00 more. They removed the wrong lump requiring a second surgery and acting like I should have been grateful they didn't charge me for putting my poor dog through anesthesia again. The last time she had her teeth cleaned it took 3days to recover from anesthesia and although " eye abnormality was noted on the apperwoork this was never communicated and coatand skin were "normal even though the reason for the apointment was hotspots (I had to have a drop off "well checkup" for them to see her) It took a threatening email before the Vet returned my calls about this I have yet to hear from Banfield regarding any of this. My advice is to stay away from "chain store" vets
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4 comments
Guest

I have a wellness plan with them and you can cancel it at any time. all you need to do is call the corporate head quarters.

You must not have read any of the paperwork you signed. they tell you it will renew on its own if you don't cancel it.

Guest

Banfield is not a chain vet store like that. There are many of them; but they are not connected in any way.

Guest

Banfield is not a chain vet store like that. There are many of them; but they are not connected in any way.

Guest

If it is a 1 year contract and they continue to draft on it, call your Attorney Generals Office in your state to file a complaint. If that does not work, as much of a pain as it may be, get a new checking account.

That is why I never signed up for the auto-pay plan, I feared something like this occurs. Good Luck.

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BIGJand H
map-marker Barnegat Township, New Jersey

Dr. Candela Of Banfield Is a ***!

We had an extremely bad experience with Banfield The Pet Hospital in Manahawkin NJ.

We were initially very satisfied with Banfield, they conned me into the plan, what a waste of money that was.

The 3 cats contracted a skin disorder, and after hundreds of dollars to Banfield that were not covered, they were still having medical issues.

My wife in the mean time started to have the identical sympyoms as the animals, and after 3 monyhs back and forth to the Dr. and the vets, was finally diagnosed with ringworm. Banfield, and Dr. candela once again charged us for these services to attempt to diagnose the cats, not covered by the "Plan" of course, and literally accused my wife of giving the cats Ringworm. Note to self, the cats had the problem a month and half prior to the wife.

I would not bring a dead animal to a Banfield Hospital after this because they would have me purchasing a wellness plan, and spend thousands on tests to find out what is wrong with the pet, hint it's died!

Maybe some Banfields are good, but the one in Manahawkin NJ, they're hacks.

JT

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6 comments
Guest

There are too many complaint on different on line sites about Dr Condella, and his greed and rudeness.I just wish I had researched this facility before I wasted my time and money.

Guest

I agree wuth uh, It is preventative care and all the things you paid for were discounted. Read what you sign and learn from your mistakes.

Guest

Had simlar exsperience.You should have read all the complaints about this facility before you went. You should have ran for the hills when you hear this vets and banfields name you would have done yourself a big favour. The staff lack knowledge,he proberly hires his staff at minimum wage as they have no proper training except to try and push an insurance discount plan.

Guest

i have a 4 dogs and 2 cats and we take them to dr. Candela.

He loves my animals and they seem to love him. I love Candela's calm energy that he gives off. I have never had a bad experience. My puppy just got fixed and when we picked him up after the surgery he seemed like he had been recovering for days.

His stitches looked as if they'd been healing for a good week or so on the first day! Amazing.

I have saved tons of money by putting my puppy on the wellness plan. Especially with how much i've saved on visits, medications and his surgery.

Guest

I agree with BJ and Littlemickey!!!!

Guest

It is unfortunate that the vet said that to you. However,if you would read the contract you signed it states what is covered and what isnt.

It is a PREVENTATIVE CARE PLAN.

Your pet's skin is not prev care, but an illness. People should read things before they sign them......

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ricjen
map-marker Newark, New Jersey

Scammers and Theives!!!!

Paramus NJ- RUN do not walk away from this poor excuse for a vet.PetSmart has also lost my business. Our Lab cut his pad so we called and were told we could bring him. After telling us about the Wellness plans I finally just asked how much for a visit. $45 plus any meds we may need etc. Upon arrival the very first thing the nurse spoke to my husband about was their wellness plans. Aft chk up Dr says its not deep at all just needs to be cleaned and glued he seems like a good dog shouldn't take long. Dr says to nurse Did you talk to him about the Wellness plans? Then says well be right back with a price. well they came back with a price alright. $423.00!!! They were not happy when we left with the dog and said no thank you.
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11 comments
Guest

:( ... In my personal experience ALL banfield wants is your money and keeping your pet alive so they can continue to overcharge you.

When my plan is up, I am out. I'm tired of having a 400$ vet bill every 6 months when the wellness plan was supposed to save me money.

Guest

I raise 3 children and paid all med bills for their preventative care. Now I have 3 babies that will be with me until the day they leave this world.

Thus, I have 3 wellness plans. I have problems with one clerk doing the register/invoicing and not knowing what the vet said to me. I am very assertive and read everything before signing, paying and leaving. This frustrates the clerks, but I don't care.

The vet is thorough and gives excellent instruction. I do not buy prescriptions from them and buy them from 1800PetMeds for half of Banfield's prices. I am broke, but happy.

These are my babies and the wellness plans are preventative care. My babies are healthy and happy because of Banfield in Roseville, CA

Guest

not that i dont disagree with your negative comments about banfield. but i agree with many of the comments.

you are being unreasonable, 400.00 dollars is nothing. however i will say i dislike banfield because they seem to be more business driven. i understand that they have to offer the wellness plan but in my case... my shepherd/husky mix, we found out she had parvo, but for some reason instead of caring for the dog and saying it would be smarter to take her to a 24 hour hospital, the doctor recommended that i take her there during the day and to a night clinic after they close.

which really didnt make much sense to me. and this showed me they cared more about money then helping my dog

Guest

So after reading a few of these revies it became very clear to me that some people are simply just not reasonable. Yes you may have had an appointment but how often do you go to any Doctors appointment and see the doctor as soon as you walk in? Im sure the nurse at your Doctors office has asked you to sign in and have a seat not telling you when you will be able to pay and leave!

Guest

Wellness plans are the backbone of their business. They are required to talk to all new clients about it, like it or not.

You can always decline, as it appears you did. As for the bill, I have no doubt that it was not pay $423.00 or get no treatment. The price does seem high, but you can pick and choose what you want and what you don't. In addition, you can also choose to leave and go elsewhere, which you did.

Yes the price is high. I still fail to see how this was a "scam" or "thievery". The made an offer. You refused it.

Don't like their prices, then don't go there again. But the prices are set by the corporation and they can do nothing but offer you their services at the costs indicated.

Guest

I agree, Banfield Paramus is a fraud. I was told a price of $365 to get my dogs tumors removed.

He's on the wellness plan, so he was gonna get his teeth worked on at the same time (took over 3 weeks to make the appointment) The day before I called to confirm, and let them know there is 4 tumors, not 3 (an extra one popped up in the three weeks) And they told me the price was now over $800.. I told them the original price, and then Felix (I think that's his name, the manager) told me no, it's going to be $600 something..still where did the $800 come from, and then the $600 something? I cancelled the surgery, as I do not trust them to perform surgery on my dog, if they can't handle simple math and an invoice. In fact I wouldn't even let them express his anal glands.

Bunch of liars. If you do end up going to Banfield get your price quote in WRITING first! I wasted 3 weeks with them, took the day off of work and now I have to wait a couple of weeks for some place else. If it does end up being cancer it's lots of time wasted, when they could have been treating my dog.

Our first visit in there cost $400, not sure why. But the manager called me up afterwards and said they charged me for a test they didn't perform. At least they were honest about one thing. Other than that, I would say go to a real vet.

This place doesn't save you money and likes performing extra services to make extra money. They act like they make commission.

Guest

Our experience was totally negative, and will never happen again! It also is very much a parallel to the OP's experience, and others on this board:

Quote for spay of female dog at Banfields in Lexington, KY - $427

Time waiting at Banfields for them to see dog (despite having an appointment) 45 minutes.

Actual cost for spay of same dog next day by a local (non-Banfields) vet - $85 (yup eighty-five dollars).

Decision to never use Banfields? PRICELESS!!!

Guest

Banfield does tend to be high, there's no question. They should have at the VERY least explained what they were planning on charging you for. What a shame.

ricjen

Lauren do you have one of the plans? If so that would probably explain why your cat only needed Neosporin, if they had to cover it.

I will say this, upon leaving an employee quietly came up to us and said "I don't know how deep the cut is as I didn't see it, but if its not too deep you can just put some Neosporin on it." She also said sometimes they can go alittle overboard, meaning with what they say/charge.

As soon as the other employee (the one that wanted us to purchase the plan over and over again) came back out she got quiet as if she was never talking to us and walked away. At least someone has a conscious there.

Guest

I agree with the other commenter...I had my cat there today, with a severely torn up face after running through a barbed wire fence (indoor cat who escaped). Not only did they tell me that Neosporin would work just as well as anything they could prescribe, they didn't charge me ANYTHING for the visit, and the vet techs and vet spent at least an hour evaluating him.

I have no problem paying for anything this cat needs medically, but was astonished that there was no charge whatsoever. VERY pleased!

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Anonymous
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

Banfield Vet. "too busy" to aid my pregnant Yorkie, lost 4 puppies!

Called Banfield Vet. when puppy born in distress, was told by receptionist Vet. was with another "client". Took my name and number and 20 minutes later (another pup had been born in distress) the receptionist, not the Vet. returned my call, telling me, "Dr. said there was nothing he could do for C.,my dam" My reponse was "well, then I guess I need to find a Vet." and hung up. Called emergency clinic, drove 20miles, (less than 2mi. to Banfield) to that vet. I hold Banfield potentially responsible for loss of 4 puppies, #5 puppy born at emergency clinic, doing well. Banfield fine for "shot clinic" but if you need good vetrinary care for your beloved animals, look elsewhere!
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4 comments
Guest

I'm sorry for your situation but if the vet says he was too busy, then he probably was. You have no way of knowing what was going on at the clinic.

He himself could have been in surgery or working on another type of emergency. When the vet is working alone, he must triage his cases. They were correct in sending you to an E-clinic since it sounds like it was a valid emergency.

To hold them responsible is ridiculous. It is not their fault that the location was so far or that you chose to wait for Banfield to call rather than just rush to another clinic.

Guest

Banfield Hospitals, while affliated with PetsMart are independently owned. With that in mind, the particular hospital you called may not be equipped to handle the situation.

I have used our local Banfield for 3 years for our 5 dogs and have had nothing but the best service from vets & staff. I know if I call with an emergency they will be ready for our arrival.

Guest

most veterinary clinics are not equipped to deal with an emergency situation such as yours. if they were your dogs regular vet they may have had a course of action for you. otherwise, it was right to send you to an emergency care place.

Guest

Was this Banfield your dog's regular veterinarian?

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Anonymous
map-marker Plymouth, Minnesota

Poor service and money extortion

Banfield is a huge scam! They've diagnosed him with heart defects (suggested surgery), cushings disease (suggested $1000s to test), diabetes (which they keep coming up with new ways to charge $100s each visit, just to name a few. I have followed the dr's ordered since we got our puppy (now 13), he has health has continued declining but banfield keeps saying I need to more...The service stinks, the dr's are a scam and my biggest regret is ever signing up for the "wellness" plan which has been anything but. Save your money, don't use them.
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2 comments
Guest

and why we choose to stick with the neighborhood vet too !! They have proven to generally CARE about our pets !!!

Also, sometimes even less expensive, much more realistic than Banfield. I pondered the wellness plans too..glad I chose not to paticipate !!!

Guest

I also used Banfield. I was told that my 3 year old Mini Schnauzer needed his teeth cleaned.

I was skeptical because I did not see tarter on his teeth. I got another opinion and that vet asked me what needed cleaning? He could not find anything that was bad. He will be 5 next month and I just had him to a new vet.

That vet said he must have some great genes because his teeth are perfect. I also purchased that Wellness Plan.

All that proved to be was more expensive than if I just visited the neighborhood vet. Not worth the money whatsoever.

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lauren Mjq
map-marker Sacramento, California

Banfield pet hospital not a good vet

we adopted a puppy,signed up for the banfield wellness plan. A few months into the plan I was told that they were shutting their offices that week, and that the plan would be transferred to the nearest banfield clinic to carry out the remainder of our year contract. Unknowingly, they managed to slip a new wellness plan agreement into the other documents we were signing for consent for treatment and are now being charged double membership fees. Banfield has stated they will not cancel the membership or the membership fees for the plan from the hospital that closed. double payments for one plan... ridiculous
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Loss:
$300
3 comments
Guest

I have been with Banfield for about 1 week, I already greatly regret my decision. I will admit that I baby my animals a little bit, but they are my babies.

:) I have a 3 1/2 year old black lab(fully vaccinated and not a patient of Banfield) and a 6 month old black lab/boxer/springer spaniel mix. Needless to say, it was the 6 month old that was enrolled in the Banfield Wellness Plan. When presented with this plan I was amazed at the money I would save compared to other vets locally. But Banfield is definitely getting that money saved out of me.

I started a new job recently and therefore have been unable to take my babies for walks on a daily basis like they are used to. So over this last month they have been nowhere but the backyard...fenced backyard. The 6 month old went into Banfield on Friday to get her first vaccinations and shots, (this is about 3 weeks after we got her) and on Monday went in to be spayed. Wednesday morning she started presenting with the symptoms for Parvo.

I took her into the vet on Thursday morning, about 28 hours after she first started throwing up. The vet REFUSED any possibility that she could have contracted the virus there. The only way to get Parvo is through direct contact with an infected dog, or its ***....SHE HADN'T BEEN NEAR ANY DOG OTHER THAN OUR VACCINATED DOG!!!!! ...except for while she was there.

so, Thursday i paid almost $200 of the money i was 'saving' by using their wellness plan. Oh, and their 12-month wellness plan CANNOT be canceled or transferred, so if our baby doesn't make it through the Parvo, we will be paying for all her shots, vaccines and anything else she ISN'T getting for the next 11 months.

Needless to say, after 1 week, i am a VERY pissed consumer!!! :(

Guest

It does not sound like a lie, it sounds like your a Banfield employee. Possibly they were upgraded to a higher level in the plan.

Guest

that sounds like a lie. i've transfered my plans in and out of state with no problem

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pisseddude
map-marker Reno, Nevada

Banfield Pet Hospital is a Rip Off!!!!

I had Banfield for my dog since when he was a puppy. I recently moved to a city where there is not a Banfield Pet Hospital and wanted to cancel the service. Just so everyone knows even if you move to a city without a hospital you continue to pay the the monthly fee until the end of the contract. So in essence you are paying for a service you cannot use! They are useful when there is a hospital you can use. But just beware the customer service is poor if you want to cancel your account. They will charge you the rest of the year.
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3 comments
Guest

Yes I agree they are and techs treat customers like we are cheating them when actually they are scamming us! they refused to give me my evolution for my other cat, lied and swore they gave it to me.

and told me to use my other cats evolution. calling me a liar !! I am not tolerating this at all, I don't care if they do charge me.

I am not paying and am canceling and never to return to these *** again Hixson Tn. Victoria

Guest

I work at a banfield myself and have a lot of grievances with the place... HOWEVER, the person who posted this thread is the epitome of the client that *** me off most.

You are TOLD when you sign up on a WP that you are paying in installments for care that you are going to recieve over the course of a year. If you have already used your allotted services, do you really expect the company to say, "Oh well, we know you used $400 worth of services, and we've only recieved $30 of that, but since you were too *** to research where you were moving, we'll just eat the cost"?

Come on now. And even if your hospital didn't tell you (which they SHOULD have), you should be smart enough to read your *** contract before signing it.

Guest

I just quit a Banfield and can tell you that behind the scenes, all they care about is money. I have seen animals suffer because of overbooking.

I even saw Pet Nurses joking around with a cat that was put to sleep. TERRIBLE place.

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Anonymous
map-marker Hudson, Ohio

My pet was injured and is now lame

I took my pot bellied pig in for a standard hoof trim. When I got him back he was unable to walk at all and as of two weeks later is still basically unable to walk. Even though his hooves were fine he sustained some type of injury affecting his front legs. His neck and front legs were diagnosed by another vet as being bruised and swollen. Two weeks and $400.00 later the hospital refuses to accept any responsibility. My animal can as of now no longer walk!!!!!!!!!! The sad part is....the vet was willing to accept the responsibility but the hospital administation refuses.
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Anonymous
map-marker Mission Viejo, California

Lets Do a Class Action People !! My Pet was Mistreated also

In short I took my cat to a Petsmart Bandfield In Foothill Ranch Ca. He had a blood running out his mouth. The Dr. who saw him informed me she was schooled at a Animal Cancer Collage And just by "Looking" at my cat in one second of her walking threw the door told me he was dieing of cancer. No test where run, she didnt even look at him closely,only from the door way !! she made this up by just walking threw the door that he had cancer and he was not going to make it.I demanded med's , which she gave me after a 30 min ordeal.I wiped my cats mouth off in the room and took him home.His bleeding stopped and he was fine by morning and still is ! It was his tooth had broke off. I went back to talk to the Dr.. but she wouldnt see me. I asked for her report which took me 3 times of going back to get it. On the report it says nothing about cancer, It states he was in "Perfect Health" Humm where's the cancer report ? This was 6 months ago and my cat is still fine. NO cancer ! Never had it in the first place ! I asked her how this so called tumor could come up on his face with in a hour and also vanish just as fast ? She informed me cancer just works that way. When I asked to speak to her in person she was always busy yet I would see her threw the glass sitting there . She called me once to see if she could make my visit better some how .. I said NO. The reason i want to close this place down is because as i was there this little old lady came out with her dog in her arms and oaid a huge bill !! I am 10000% sure it was all un-needed..I felt so bad for her . I want this place shut down for that reason. This little old lady is who I am fighting for along with ALL the animals who also need our help. How can we ALL get together to make our stories heard ? Any idea's people ? We together can make a differance.
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10 comments
Guest

I'm writing a letter to Banfield corporate and copying the attorney general and the WA State Insurance Commissioner. And I too will spread the word on Banfield's immoral and incompetent practices that killed my beloved cat.

Guest

I will join in a suit against Banfield they need to stop all of these testing, they didn't treat our dog they just wanted to run up the bill and sign us up on the plan to save money.lol meanwhile my pet was not being given the insulin she so needed so badly. The vet said it was urgent. But they didn't even have insulin in the office.

We had to put her down.

Guest

We got a 4 1/2 month old sheltie from a breeder. We had 48 hrs to have her checked or the breeder would not be responsible for any congenital abnorm. The vet said she was in perfect health, but they needed to repeat all vaccines and deworming because the breeders often store and administer vaccines improperly.

I new it would cost us about 100 to get a neuter at our local vet which didn't cover any pre-op blood work so, when they mentioned the wellness plan I thought it sounded like a good idea. We returned 3 wks later for booster shots and after giving them and preparing to set up his neuter before the 6 month date they informed me the dog had a heart murmur and they wouldn't operate unless he received a heart ultrasound that would run at least 250 dollars.

I don't know if the dog has a heart murmur but I will have that checked at my vet.

I wish I would have checked into this place before going there. I arrived for my 9:00 appt. along with one other person and heard them check in 2 others. Do not sign up for the wellness plan!!! If you do cut your losses make sure you cancel 30 days in advance in writting by registered letter. Don't let them *** you.

Guest

I would like to be involved in the class action suit. In February, I took my puppy in because he was vomiting. I waited 3 hours before I was seen, and then when I finally got in a room they told me that I was going to have to leave him because they needed to do x-rays. I was told that the cost would be $300-$350.

2 hours later I go in to get my puppy and was escorted into the back. The doctor basically performed other tests that I did not authorize, and then bullied (saying I am a bad dog owner and irresponsible) into getting other tests done.

The final cost came out to be $653; and boy was I upset! They told me my puppy has acid reflux and to give him Prevacid everyday. Really? All the time and money I spent and that is all they come up with? I signed a paper telling them to stop treatment and contact me if the price exceeded my estimate. Anyone else have a problem with them?

Comments (3)

1. Written by om, on 17-03-2010 22:06

acis reflux can cause vomiting in babies why not dogs?

Report

2. Written by veryupset, on 13-03-2010 15:14

I actually just left Banfield with my sick dog (she has been vomiting and has had diarrhea for several days). I took her in 2 days and they did some tests which totaled about $150. All the tests came back negative, so they prescribed a medicine for upset stomachs and a follow up exam. I went back this morning, ended up spending another $240 only to find out that those tests came up negative. Now they want to do X-Rays, but in the meantime have prescribed two more medications in the hope they might help, one for bacterial infections and one for viral infections. In other words, they have no idea what is wrong and are blindly prescribing her medication. You would think that $400 later one would actually know what was wrong, but still they want me to come back again. I think I should just switch vets.

contact me about brownjn2@***.sc.edu

Guest

I would agree that the veterinarian diagnosing cancer immediately was odd. I would recommend not using her any longer, as I'm sure you've already done.

But to assume that this little old lady paid a lot of money for nothing is preposterous. You have no way of knowing why her dog was there, what was done and why. There are plenty of reasons why a dog may need a lot of diagnostics and some owners are fine pursing them in order to find out the cause of the problem.

I am fine with you stating facts, as you have. But don't be fighting against imaginary rip offs when you don't have the evidence.

Guest

I want to enter into the class suit. Please email me info if you are going to start one at: socalstar88@***.com I have been taking my 7 month old Great Dane there since I got her at 3 months old.

They have broken two of her ribs during her spaying process and we only found this out after she got an xray done at an emergency vet and they pointed it out that it happened two months prior which pinpoints it on them. The wanna-be vets have no clue what they are talking about.

You pay monthly yet your animal doesnt even get a full check up when your there. It is such a scam and I would love to bring them down!

Guest

I used to take my cats there but never liked the staff and paid a ton of money for their Wellness Plan. And if your pet gets sick after hours you have to take them to an urgent care facility that is not covered on your plan. Go to other reputable places.

Guest

EVERYWHERE I GO I TELL PEOPLE DON'T BRING THEIR DOGS TO THIS PLACE, THEY KILL DOGS, IT IS ONLY A GINNEA PIG FARM THEY HAVE INTERNS WHO PRACTICE ON YOUR PETS WHETHER THEY LIVE OR NOT IS NOT OF INTEREST, YOUR PET IS USED FOR PRACTICE. EVEN THE QUOTE "DVMS DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING", THEY WILL ACCUSE YOU AND MAKE YOU FEEL GUILTY THAT YOU DIDN'T PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR PET JUST SO THEY DON'T TAKE THE BLAME.

THEY TELL YOU THAT YOUR PET DIED BECAUSE THEY HAD OTHER PROBLEMS, WELL GEE WIZ, WHAT DID WE TAKE OUR PETS TO THEM FOR QUOTE ON QUOTE "HOSPITAL WHERE YOUR PETS ARE TREATED LIKE FAMILY, AFTER ALL ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU PAY THEM FOR SO THEY CAN TELL YOU WHAT YOUR PET NEEDS" DUH !IDIOTS THEY ARE. THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT YOUR PET AND FORGET ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS. OH!

AND DON'T BE THERE WITH YOUR SICK DYING PET AND THEY HAVE TO LOCK THE DOORS THEY WILL KICK YOU OUT AND SEND YOU TO ANOTHER CLINIC WHICH YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR UP FRONT OUT OF YOUR POCKET. YEAH WE NEED THE CLASS ACTION SUIT STARTED, I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY GET AWAY WITH IT.

Guest

BANFIELD KILLED MY BEAUTIFUL DOG, THEY STRANGLED HIM. I WILL JOIN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT IN A HEARTBEAT. ITS BEEN CLOSE TO A YEAR AND I HAVE GOTTEN ANOTHER DOG BUT STILL AM DEPRESSED ABOUT MY BEAUTIFUL BIG BABY THEY STRANGLED.

Guest

I am in a very angry place right now. June 10, 2009 I took my darling Precious in for a routine dental cleaning.

The nurses told me that she would be "foggy" for a day or so. June 13, 2009 she wasn't any better. In fact, she could barely walk, would not drink water or eat, and would barely respond to her name being called. I took her to the Banfield with Urgent Care and they could not figure out what was wrong with her.

They did some x-rays thinking that she had GVD, and they were negative. They gave her an IV trying to keep her hydrated. I left there wondering what the *** was wrong with my dog. I had just spent $318 and had no answer.

Sunday afternoon she was worse. I took her to the Banfield by my house and they thought that she had pancreatitis. They ran the test, and it was negative. At approx 1:30 she was given a shot of atropine because her heart rate had dropped down to 50.

So I went from having a very lethargic dog with a low heart rate to a lethargic dog with a fast heart rate. They sent me on my way. They said the shot should last about 12 hours. Well, at approx 3pm on that same day, we were back at Banfield.

They gave her an IV and another shot of atropine at 4:30 because her heart rate had dropped again. I took her home still not understanding. About 6:30 her heart rate dropped again. Because the Banfield by my home was closed, I drove across town to the Urgent Care Banfield.

We discussed possible Addison's. The doc suggested that I take her to Gulf Coast Vet Specialists here in Houston. She was given another shot of atropine prior to our trip across town to GCVS. I arrived at the ER of GVCS and she was admitted for observation and then Monday morning transferred to ICU.

I left there at 11pm and was back at 6:30 Monday June 15, 2009. (My birthday) I was able to sit and cuddle with her for about an hour before moving her to ICU upstairs. Once in ICU I got to speak with the doc. From the get-go, they were concerned that she had a stroke.

I went ahead and signed all the necessary paperwork to have all the tests under the sun taken. Including hte $600 Addison's test. I left Precious there in ICU and came back at 4pm to visit with her. She looked alittle better, but was still in the "fog." I came back Tuesday morning and she seemed worse to me.

But the docs explained that they had worked her pretty good that morning and was exhausted. I could see that! So, I left and came back at 4pm Tuesday afternoon. She was SOOOO much better.

She was still "foggy" but she was responsive! I got the results for the Addison's test, and they were negative. Thank goodness!! The doc mentioned that if she keeps improving like she was, then I could take her home Thursday, June 18, 2009.

** Please know that I took video of my darling Precious every visit!! ** So I left Tuesday night with a lot of hope!! Before leaving I made my 10 am appointment to come by the next morning for a visit with my girl. I received a call at 8am from the nurse and she said to not wait for my 10am visit, and that I needed to come by ASAP.

She explained to me that she was not eating and that they had started to notice some head tremors. Of course, I RUSHED to GCVS. When I got there, they brought my girl in. She was not really with it.

The doc said that she could walk because she is strong, but she was not coordinated at all. so the doc left us alone. I went to a corner and called my Precious to me. She walked the 3 steps but not very well.

I inturn walked to the other side of the room and called her. She had a hard time turning around and then once turned around, she ran into the walk and then walked along the wall with her head tilted against the wall. After that, she was done.........exhausted!! I laid her down and then I saw for the first time her head start to tremor.

She started having little seizures and I called the doc in. She said that she could give her anti-seizure medicine, but she will not get any better. Right then, I knew that I had to let my baby girl Precious go. I laid behind her and snuggled her and told her how much I loved her and that I was sorry.

The doc came in and administered the meds and then my baby was gone. The doc thanked me for allowing them the opportunity to do everything they could to help her. GCVS was absolutely fantastic. I wonder if Banfield would have sent me there sooner, if Precious would have made it.

My Precious suffered for days while the docs at Banfield scratched their heads. GCVS said that Precious had a stroke while getting her teeth cleaned and that she did not receive the proper amount of oxygen which caused the stroke. I am in such an angry place right now. I spent approx $4000 from Saturday June 13, 2009 to Wednesday June 17, 2009 and she is still gone!

I am all about joining some kind of lawsuit against Banfield.

Their Incompetence caused me to lose Precious. My loss is totally indescribable!!!

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Anonymous
map-marker Palm Springs, California

Ripped off/don't take your dog there!

I took my dog in for an abcess and they charged me 150 dollars to send out one fluid sample to be tested since they do not have there own lab! Not to include 45 dollars for the visit. They also perscribed an antibiotic that cost 55 dollars. Then they perscribed another antibiotic that was 96 dollars. I left feeling really ripped off so.. I looked on the internet sites for the two antibiotics which claim their perscriptions are half price it would have cost me 45 dollars! But if they were full price they would still have only been 90 dollars!! Banfield charges 3 times the amount you could buy them for on the internet!!! Soooo....SHOP AROUND FOR PERSCRIPTIONS and take your pet somewhere else not Banfield!!!!
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4 comments
Guest

you are the ***. Buying something off craig's list and buying something from an online e-tailor are two different things you moronic Petsmart worker.

Guest

Sounds like there's a few Banfield homers onboard. I understand, they're defending their paychecks...

Guest

Banfield does not have a "lab" that your pet needed, because the lab work that you dog needed, has to be done through an outside lab where there is a pathologist. You know, there are speciality doctors in vet medicine too, just like human.

And as far as the cost, it is because Banfield does practice a much higher quality of medicine than other vets!

You get what you pay for! And the meds were prob cheaper online because they are not reallty meds!

Guest

LOL go ahead and order all your meds online. You may not get what you need to make your dog better.

And Banfield does not sit there and tell you that you ARE taking these meds. You signed an estimate. You agreed to allow them to care for your pet. You paid for those meds.

If you had a problem, you should have declined treatment. Thats like me going to an att store to buy a phone but then finding it on craigslist considerably cheaper and then *** at att for not selling their phones for the craigslist price. Seriously...you are dumb. PS If you have a problem paying that much for abscess treatment, prevent it from happening.

Its called responsibility!! ***.

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collograph
map-marker Reston, Virginia

Negligence in Willow Grove, PA

Banfield ---- Willow Grove, PA

I am doing this as a service to other animals lovers. Stay away from them at all costs. I have a 4 year old cat who is on a prescription diet (suggested by her vet- a legitimate one, not Banfield affiliated) for allergies. She also has heart issues. It was suggested to me that I go to get her prescription diet here.... Was told that the cat had to be seen prior to getting a prescription card- had no problem with that...it was reasonable. The vet suggested I get her teeth cleaned (scaled)- again, not a problem. My cat does have issues with her teeth, so this was not new. Here is where the trouble began---- I dropped her off at 7:45am the morning of the 'cleaning'. I was told that I would get an update in a few hours. No one called. I had to call them at 2:00pm to find out what was happening. The nurse said the surgery was 'overbooked' but my cat would be taken back (..never would have left her if I was told the truth). Got a call at 4:00pm saying that my cat is 'out of control', 'very upset'----hmm, you think so, no food or water since the night before...I would be upset too). I get down there- no apology, no explanation-- I had to demand what happened! No one would answer me. From the explanation I got, people were afraid of her....very sad, considering she is only 10 pounds. If you are 'scared' or can't deal with a cat like her....then why are you even working with animals? To top it off-- they gave her pre-anesthesia, while she was angry!- I called the Vet emergency service that I use --- to run this by them. Shocking- those jerks could have killed her. Incompetence....giving medicine to an agitated cat with heart problems. Even better, I was told to leave her overnight- they 'claim' my cat will calm down once she is used to the environment. I find it HARD to believe....so another day with no water/food...and they expect her to calm down? Whatever vet programs admitted these fools need to be fined- they are capable of killing someone's beloved pet. The icing on the cake was that Julie (a doctor?) suggested that if I don't like it, take her some place else.... So I said, a professional--- you bet...should have done it in the first place. I just found out that they lied about calling her cardiologist- can't put it into words what I am feeling- liar doesn't begin to cover it.

I intend to take my cat to a speciality center that I have used in the past. Looking at the blood work, I doubt that it is even her....they have her listed as a dog, when she is a cat! Even if the papers are correct, I would rather put out the money again just to have piece of mind.

Also- my cat needs HP 23 (prescription diet- allergies)- is there any other way that I can obtain the food without putting her in harms way (..dealing with people at Banfield). Another vet (competent, caring, etc..) has been unable to carry the food, and am looking for other options (or even substitutions?)....Can someone help me? Am open to all sugestions.

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Loss:
$250
6 comments
Guest

:? I had an awful experience with Banfield. I took our brand new puppy there and purchased the Wellness Plan to have all her shots updated. Needless to say they immediately told me she had an eye infection, so I purchased medicine that was not included in the package and gave it to her, then brought her back the next day to see if it had gotten any better, the Banfield Doctor said it did and instructed me that everything else was fine and to just watch here eye. The next day my puppy died, banfield was the only doctors that had seen my puppy, when I rushed my her to the emergency when I found her not breathing, i was told that she had 4 bold clots(1 in her throat) that stopped her breathing.... How could Banfield not have told me that. Then to top it off that would not let me cancel my payment to start the Wellness package. The doctor was heartless, when I called back to tell her what had happen. I have not been able to get another dog yet, But when I d oI would never go back. They really trick you into paying the $25/month wellness package, but honestly my dog paid the ultimate price.

BANFIELD NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN> and FYI

I'm looking into purchasing a new puppy and they will not deal guarantee anything if you take your new pet to BANFIELD.. What does that tell you...

Sorry to all those out there that suffered at their cost.

Guest

I have to say I am very pleased with Banfield. I was nervous b/c of so many negative reviews on this and other sites, but I had an emergency on Sunday with my dog and this was the only place that was open.

They were so nice to me and my dog. The price was much cheaper than my regular vet, and I was very happy with the service I received.

Two days later I had an issue and spoke to the vet at length over the phone- something my regular vet never did. I'm now changing all my vet care to Banfield.

Guest

First off- I made the mistake of going to Banfield. The only reason why I went here is because my cat's prescription diet is cheaper ($50.00 for a bag vs. $38.00- Banfield was cheaper at 38). Normally I woud not have bothered but since the price of food went up, I made the mistake of going there- lesson learned (the hard way). FYI- my other cat (by the way, he lived to be 20 years old) had his share of health problems before he died, just like my present cat... So yes, I know how to care for a pet. I hope you don't have children....hate to think of what they would learn from a 'person' who jumps to conclusions without knowing facts. Mulch- get the facts before you make an assumption....(probably wasting my time- since you have no sense)

For the person who loves their job at Banfield....you care to explain why the policy is to sedate a cat who is already angry/pissed off- especially one with a heart problem. I spoke to my vet (..the ones who know what they are doing)- was told that my cat could have been KILLED from the negligence. I also found out (from the doctor who is competent- not negligent) that my cat's teeth were OK.....bottom line- Banfield tried to rip me off...and that is not counting the fact they almost killed my cat.

For "me"- thank goodness everything was straightened out. Lesson learned the hard way though (but am grateful my cat is still alive).

Guest

The cat needs a specialist, break the bank & go for it! Also, have you ever dealt with a "angry" 10 pound cat?

I have been hospitalized by those little *** twice. They are mad, fast & have sharp teeth, which harbor lots of debris. Maybe the cat was fine until the pre-meds were given. A sedated cat is verysensitive to light, sound, movements.

She could have gotten bad after that fact. Luckily she is okay.

Hopefully, you were able to get everything situated & her teeth are sparkling! :grin

Guest

Most of the time, if you take a valid perscription from your vet TO banfield, they should give you a medicard. They cannot refuse a valid prescription.

If that doesn't work, make sure you have to perscription, and go to Petsmart when banfield is closed. Petsmart can still sell the food without a medicard, they just don't like to do it.

Guest

Get a hamster.

Good lord you have delt with, had good experiences with other places, yet you go elsewhere? How much were you looking to save?

A CAT IS A LIVING BEING! Living beings need food, water and at time medical service. All that costs money. If you are not ready to spend money then you should not be allowed to have a pet.

If you have children I wonder how much you plan to save then they have a broken arm if you get your neighbor to set it instead of a real doctor.

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