Anonymous
map-marker Newark, New Jersey

More FAQ Regarding Banfield (And OUR thoughts)

BEFORE YOU READ THIS: I understand that some people are so very upset with their experience with Banfield, that you could care less what I have to say. Then don't waste your time. I feel that if you hate Banfield, dont go back and dont have anything to do with the company as a whole. Drop it, and move on. In the text to follow, I will provide answers to commonly asked questions, not just with Banfield, with all vets. The following statements are out of experience as I deal with Clients all day long and have multiple answers to very real concerns.

I posted the Concerns Regarding the Wellness Plans FAQ, and I would like to address some concerns regarding Banfield. I can't help but feel slightly sarcastic since some of these answers are very simple.

1.Why does Banfield push drop off appointments?The way drop off appointments are SUPPOSED to be: Drop off "Muffy" for routine vaccines and bloodwork, come back in thirty minutes and get him with everything done and a future appointment scheduled for 6 months.The Way They Really Are:Drop "Muffy" off for routine vaccines and blood work. The vet needs to see 40 patients a day and he/she had 7 dentals and 4 cutting surgeries to do, not to mention the 29 appointments scheduled for him/her only. Instead, he/she puts "Muffy" aside until he/she can get enough staff to help hold and compile the necessary vaccines, run a full exam and get blood work results. In between appointments (which are sick AND healthy pets) he/she sees Muffy, but oh my an owner ran in and his dog got hit by a car! "Muffy" is the least of his/her worries at the moment. Exhausted at the end of the day, they FINALLY vaccinate "Muffy" and call you to pick up.See the difference? SOME hospitals (cough cough Franklin Lakes,FL) can run Drop off Appointments the way they are supposed to be, but most just cannot handle the sheer volume. (And in case anyone didn't know, there's a nationwide shortage of veterinarians.) If you don't feel safe leaving muffy for a drop off appointment, then don't. Take the time out of your schedule and wait to see a vet.

2. Why does my vet hesitate/refuse to write me a prescription for Blah blah medication when I can get it cheaper from blah blah.com?For NUMEROUS REASONS!!!! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!A. One, plainly stated, said vet needs to sell the medication on the shelf they already have. Remember, though a vet is providing care, they are making a living as well.B. A Major concern is that the medication sold online may be faulty or expired. Now I do not bad mouth any company, I have had this happen to a client of mine already, but I understand the cost of medication is high. If these companies are in business, they obviously are doing something right. The issue is that these online companies contact a vet who has a surplus of medication and buys it at just above cost (Remember standard markup is 250-400% cost). The vet hands the medication to the company, and the company sells it as they see fit. The issue: they hand out medication without written prescriptions or necessary diagnostics. These online companies call me everyday for authorization to sell medication when the pet doesn't even need it. There are pet owners who have a years supply of certain medications, but there pet doesn't need it. E.G: Muffy is acting lethargic, is not eating/drinking well, vomiting/diarrhea, and to top it off, is limping on his back leg. Owner A would like to stop the limping because they are going hiking and would like to take Muffy along. "He's just got a bug" they say. So owner A goes to blahblah.com and places an order for Deramax or Rimadyl and gets a few months supply until they can afford to have diagnostics ran. Owner A gives Muffy the pain medication to stop the limping and a few weeks later Muffy passes away. Why? Because blahblah.com didn't know that Muffy had a renal insufficiency and the NSAIDS made it even worse. Muffy died of Renal Failure. See?(This is just an example, simple medications like HeartGard are sold all the time, and they don't even make sure the pet had a routine Heart worm test!! In case you didn't know, if a pet has heart worm already and they take the preventatives, they may die.)C. The vet does not want to be responsible for any reactions or injuries if you receive medication elsewhere, and though they aren't, your not going to get far with the company you bought it from. You're going to attack the doctor who suggested the medication aren't you? See?

3.Why is it that every time I go to Banfield, my pet seems to have something ELSE wrong with him?Well, on our part, every exam is thorough. We check EVERYTHING. So if Muffy has a weird growth that you weren't concerned about, we run a protocol to improve your pet's well being. Now you may decline whatever you want, but the Vet has certainly done their job in educating you of the possibilities this growth may run into later, and how to take care of it. If you paid when you didnt want to, then who's really to blame? You only pay what you agree to pay.

4. Why is my pet's health care so much more expensive then my own?Well, for starters, pet insurance, though on the rise, is not widely trusted by veterinarians at this time. In the future, your pet's will have insurance and it will be very comparable to your own (if you have a pet but you can't afford insurance for yourself then your not very responsible to begin with). Right now, however, you will either have to pay in full or in installments depending on which veterinary facility you frequent.Let's get this out in the open: Human health care is SOOO Much more expensive then pets.A standard XRay view is 30-60 dollars, where humans it is substantially larger. You may pay a copay of 20 dollars and get away with an MRI or ultrasound, but without it it would have been around 1k. So squash that one uneducated pet owner. Do your research before you start yelling at the vet.

5. Why is it I have an appointment but I sit here for blah blah amount of time before I am seen?A. Some people dont want to drop off their sick pet, and although they have every right to do so, they DO hold up the rest of the appointments.B. Some clients only want to see certain doctors and they will need to wait, but also hold up the rest of the appointments.C. Sick and healthy patients are seen at the same time. So naturally, sick patients take longer than non sick right? D. Again, Banfield doctors do not create their own prices, appointment times or amount of people they see within a day, so excuse them if they start to run a little behind under the stress.

The Main issue with the vet-client relationship:Vets are trying to make money by providing care for you pet. You know they need to make money, so you forget that they are still providing care for your pet. You dont respect vets as you would your own doctor do you? NO, because its not you recieving the vaccine/other care that your pet needs. You own the pet so naturally you understand everything about the veterinary world dont you? NO, you dont have a degree, so how do you stand there arguing with a board certified veterinarian? Leave as comments as needed

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4 comments
Guest

WOW! This person sounds bitter and angry - just like the vibe I always get from the vets at the Banfield I go to...

no matter how nice and respectful we are to them.

Maybe there should be more vets on staff to handle the volume of patients they agree to take on instead of making the pets, their owners, and themselves SO miserable. Yes, I am currently looking for alternative healthcare for my pets.

Guest

Great points. So many people just LOVE to complain about the cost of things and feel it is OK to take it out on professionals trying to do their jobs.

It's the same in auto-repair facilities. Sucks to pay out hard-earned money, but every pet (and car!) owner need to take that into account when you agree to take on responsibility as an owner

Guest

Yes Vets are there to make money too just as physicians. The diference is that I give a patient a prescription and they may have it filled anywhere.

I do not charge extra if they do not buy from my pharmacy. Banfield on the otherhand charges extra for the prescription if you have it filled elsewhere. As far as Heartgard, if you have aclient that is consistently going to your clinic and the records indicate that the pet had a negative heartworm test last year, there is really no need to retest the pet every single year. Even if a pet goes 2 to 3 months without the heartworm medication, it can still be given as long as it does not go into the 4rth month.

I understand you are a company person, and I also understand that some people here are ewxaggerating the story, but all in all one must say, that if you don't do your research, on diseases and diagnosing Banfield will get your money and play on your vulnerability at the time. There is no need for any veterinarian to have such a caseload as you desribe on any given day umless they are money hunngry or asre being pushed by corporate.

Guest

Your forgetting to state that banfield is traning people who are not techs and has no experinced techs working on the pets ... which slows things down.

I have my RVT degree and went to work for them..... They made me train there employees who had been doing this for 5 months while i was trying to do my job.

Thats just wrong.

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ramonakey
map-marker San Antonio, Texas

My English Springer Spaniel was made to wait for 2 hr. with me telling them he was bleeding .

my dog has been followed and taken care of at Banfield in Sa, Tx. for years. He is 11. I went there telling the lady he was bleeding frank red blood and needed to be seen immediately. I waited the 2 hrs thing it was more important for him to be seen by someone who knew him . He became listess and I got more concerned only to be tole agan it could be another 2 hours. I had spent thousands of dollars at this clinic and still my dog was ignored. I took him to the emergerncy hospital where he was in critical condition and had to stay days in the hospital . Needless to say I got a referral for another vet. This clinic lost a very good customer with 3 dogs and 3 cats who are always given wellness care. I am an RN and I know when people care about their job and their patients. These folks have idiots at their front desk. Thanks for the opportunity to ventilate.
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Loss:
$3000
Anonymous
map-marker Clarksburg, West Virginia

Veterinary Doctor review about Banfield.

Truth about banfield the pet hospital. This company is owned by MARS the m&m's making company. Now tell me how a chocolate / candy maker know about veterinary medicine. Well it is all about money making. whenever a corporation is involved it is all about making money. So Banfield is all about ripping client / consumers off in the name of veterinary medicine. It has poor quality medicine practicing principles. Trust me on this there reputation in veterinary colleges is so low that they are viewed as tarators. And also Banfield started in 90's not in 1955 --- a clinic owned by a vet was called Banfield in portland oregon -- so they paid him $1000,000 and continued with his business name. And now they are claiming it is since 1955 yeah right Mars (R). Some doctors are sell out but not all of us are. We care about Pets and veterinary medicine not about money.
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14 comments
Guest

i have a pending malpractice lawsuit against banfield in ohio they ruined my great danes ability to walk properly and caught them giving false diagnosises on her saying she had bad teeth but her teeth was spotless and get cleaned regularly and had been cleaned 2 week prior so my attorny said when this is over that banfield office will be closed i have video of her playing b4 we left and in the morning she couldt get up steps

Guest

Hi I worked at the Corp office in Portland Oregon for banfield there terrible they literally trained us how to scam clients and rip them off. All they care about is the money money money..... I work for them and wouldnt even take my pet in to banfield and its free for employees they damage cleints lives and pets lives aswell with there ill training and poor quality take it from me go somewhere else

Guest

you must be smokin crack, you have all your information incorrect. perhaps you should get the facts before shootin your mouth off!!

Guest

just like any company, some people prefer target some prefer walmart. you have to find what works for you, just because one isnt to your liking doesnt mean we all suck, I have been with Banfield for 9 yrs and I choose the vets I work with most of the time and

stand by my personal beliefs when I dont.

The majority of Clients I have delt with through the years thank their lucky stars for the Wellness Plan, if you are not happy where you are- transfer, you have that option.

Guest

It may be a business but it is one I think plays on the emotions of pet owners and will milk you dry. They get you when you are at your lowest.

You love your pet and probably don't understand a lot of what they are saying. I think they plan it that way.

Guest

We previously lived in New Mexico and moved to Colorado and I have taken my Lab to Banfield in both locations for her shots, for doggy daycare as well as boarding. The staff has always been wonderful, the prices reasonable.

No complaints here, in fact I recommend Banfield to anyone that has pets. :)

Guest

attn: bruno's dad, just to let you know banfield is owned by the mars company, i worked for the one here in tx, but they are a great vet clinic. i took my dog there all the time.

yea there prices are a little high, but at least you know your pets in great hands. i fully trust my pets with banfield.

Guest

sorry..but the original poster is right. Banfield/M&M Mars is only about the money, forcing it\'s employees to use scare tactics and outright misinformation on clients, nickle and diming every little extra expense they can think of all in the sake of the bottom line. Those of us that work there DO CARE about pets, we\'re just not allowed to do it without charging everyone for even the smallest of things.

Guest

After reading the complaint and then comments, I had to add my comment in as well. There is some truth to everything.

Banfield is now owed by MARS. Dr. Campbell was CEO. This all changed about 1yr ago.

Banfield is a business and the only way to keep a business going is to make money.

I don't know about everywhere else, but I know in my area, there are no vets that take payment plans or give free services. Banfield does have the pets best interest in mind.

Guest

To set record straight. If something bad happened in a Banfield in Texas or Washington or California, why would you assume that their is a poor quality of care for the other 700 hospitals.

The veterinarian above is well aware that if you took any other 700 hospitals and grouped together all of the complaints of those facilities, it would be no different. Everyone likes to beat up on the bully. As far as making money. Its a business!

Get over it. Of course, there is a responsibility to generate income. If there are vets pushing unnecessary vaccines or services, do you really believe that is because it is Banfield. That could happen at ANY hospital.

The wellness packages if used correctly can be the best deal ever. Some clients should be so lucky that they could get testing performed, or a dental cleaning, or basic blood and urine testing, and be able to pay it on a monthly basis. It is the client's responsibility to understand the terms of the contract and when it can be terminated. For all of those pets out there with chronic diseases and repeated visits to the vet.

You bet, that vet is charging a recheck fee frequently. With a wellness plan they are all part of the package.

By the way, I am not a Banfield veterinarian. In fact, I am a UC Davis graduate and I have been working as a veterinarian for years.

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markpbodnar
map-marker Alliance, Ohio

Banfield Wellness Plan

Do not go to Banfield Vet. Clinics. They're over-priced and under qualified. A smart vet would work for himself not some big corp. I thought the prices were high so I signed up for the wellness plan to save money. My kitten died a few weeks later due to FIP and they make you call the main office to cancel. I tell the rep my kitten died under their vets care and she tells me I now owe them another $150. Guess I didn't make enough payments to cover the savings the plan offered. Felt like I was dealing with some big HMO. We don't need that kind of thing in animal care. If you don't believe me compare their prices to a local vet someone you know recommends. Its not worth the convenience.
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3 comments
Guest

You can't blame the doctor when you get sick, so why blame the Vet? You are hurt that your pet has passed, and you want someone to blame.

I've been there. Do you know what causes FIP? Not the Vet. I guarantee that your kitten got FECV, which you did not address early on and it turned into FIP.

Your kitten probably had FECV long before it saw a vet. FIP is always fatal and there is not test to diagnose it yet. It seems to affect cats with low immune systems. Most cats with FECV don't develop FIP.

If you got your kitten from a shelter, that's your likely culprit for where your kitty picked up the disease.

To call a Vet underqualified is ridculous, and you are the one being just that. Before you start pointing fingers, you need to do your research!

Guest

hey tv guy... thats not the same situation- u must work for banfield... because I just had the same problem that markpbodnar had.

Guest

Lets see, if you bought a TV and it fell off the wall and broke would you call the finance company and say "well it broke, I am no longer paying you"

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Anonymous
map-marker Newark, New Jersey

Cat went in with eye infection,came home anorexic and deaf

My cat went into Banfied with an eye infection. She was 100% healthy & happy at the time except for that. Banfield said she had ear infections, dental tarter and need booster shots. Talked us into the Wellness Program. We kept her overnite to get all done. She was given general anesthesia for her teeth. We picked her up the next day and she came home lethagic, totally anorexic and DEAF! We had to force feed with a syringe. One week later we brought her back and she is there now. They are giving her IV fluids and antibiotics. After we left her here on the way home, the nurse called saying it would cost us near $500.00 for this event (which is their FAULT). We had already paid $270.00 for the first visit and $96.00 for the so called "Wellness Plan" and $22.00 per month will be taking out of our charge account for the next year. We could not argue as the cat was very sick and we love her. We do not know the outcome, but we feel they did something, maybe it was the anesthesia as to why she is deaf. WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL MONEY TODAY IF WE PICK HER UP. I am sure if we refuse, they will not give us back our cat! We need help and don't know where to go.
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3 comments
Guest

This place is a rip off and should be investigated by a government agency. They tack on loads of charges with their double talk wellness plan. Go to a local vet that isnt a chain and you will pay less and with better care.

Guest

**they cant

Guest

You need to argue with them and prove your point sternly. My cat has an infection also and we are also with banfield.

If this happened to me, I would argue that it was not my fault.

Make them prove to you that they didn't cause it (most likely you cant) so that leaves you to contact a lawyer..and oh, bring her to another vet ASAP. (Check reviews online)

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Anonymous
map-marker Temple, Georgia

Banfield in Montgomery, AL is rude and incosiderate!

I used to take my dog to the Montgomery, AL Banfield. The so-called "manager" Kristi is never nice, but always rude and condescending. It seems like every time I go, I get stuck with Dr. Albert, who makes me wait HOURS in a room without even coming to check on me. The last straw was when I brought my dog in for a resperatory infection, and I was in a room for two hours before Dr. A came in, and proceeded to talk and chat and act like I hadn't been sitting there forever! She kept getting off the topic of MY dog and told me stories about herself and HER dogs and HER husband and ***. I'm never going there again. I want someone that will help me and MY pet.
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Loss:
$200
1 comment
Guest

I find your comment about Kristi to be offensive and not true at all. She cares deeply both about pets and their owners.

As for Dr. Albert, yes she is very slow.

I will not argue that statement. I have recently visited this Benfield and had a very short wait and satisfying visit with a new doctor.

Anonymous
map-marker Woodbridge, Virginia

Banfield, vaccines and a swollen pup

I took our two dogs (chihuahua and rat terrier) to Banfield for their vaccines. My rat terrier had shown signs of allergy in the past to the Lepto vaccine so to thwart this we also covered the cost of medications to ensure no adverse reactions. Both dogs were given the allergy injections, very roughly I might add, and then given their vaccines. Once we got home our rat terrier began to swell like a water balloon. His lips were swelling so much they were purple and the animal I was looking at and holding to rush back to the clinic was not my dog anymore. The Banfield clinic was closed so we had to go to the emergency vet for another injection. The doctor at Banfield, when giving the injections, said he wouldn't charge us for one of the shots and didn't write it down so that when we went to the ER we had no record of what our dog had originally been given! Thank goodness when they started calling out drugs I remembered which one he said he was giving the dog or else I would have had a dead puppy. Do not take your dogs to the Banfield clinics.... I don;t even know if their "vets" are really vets.....
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2 comments
Guest

i dont get what was done wrong???? lol this is ridiculous not everything is 100% even with a shot of diphenhydramine they can still get a reaction u ppl just wanna find someone to blame

Guest

Of course their vets are vets. They only hire DVM's to practice medicine as with all veterinarians (except teaching hospitals, who use current students).

They certainly didn't cause an allergic reaction in your pet. They knew his past history with a vaccine reaction and acted appropriately by giving him an injection to hopefully keep it from happening again, likely diphenhydramine (benedryl).

Just because it didn't work doesn't mean they did anything wrong.

As for the Banfield doctor not "writing down" what injection was given, you said he didn't charge you for it (this was a very NICE thing to do), which is why it wasnt on your invoice. Had he put it on the invoice, many computer systems will not let you over ride the cost to zero, so you would have been charged.

I can only assume that since your dog was ok after another injection at the emergency hospital, that the reaction wasn't that severe. I don't mean it didn't look scary, but a bad reaction can cause anaphylaxis which causes the whole body to shut down.

Plsease don't blame a vet for a problem that was caused by your dogs own immune system. :(

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irvingdowell
map-marker Nashville, Tennessee

Dr., Nurse, Employees All Gave Poor Treatment and Very Rude!

I called 2 hours ahead with all info. needed, but upon arrival they had no idea what I was there for. I'm visiting TN from TX, so they said my Wellness Plan didn't apply, and I had to pay in order for him to be seen. I tried to explain I had spoke to Corp. before leaving TX, and what I was told. They immediately became rude and argumentative!! Instead of asking why I was there, they assumed it was for shots and so insisted I "Transfer" my plan, and pay the full fees...or they would refuse to treat him. When I tried to explain the visit was for an injury, and I had discussed coverage with both my Dr. in Texas and Corp., theri rudness and sarcastic worsened! They were downright mean-spirited!!! I kept asking them to call Corp. to review the policy - when they finally did, they lied by stating I "refused" to pay the fees, and wouldn't comply with the Banfield rules....then said Corp. told me to pay....so I asked to talk to Corp. and explain. Once I did, Corp. agreed with what I said and told them what they should have done all along...which as to treat this as "Traveling" care, not a "Transfer"! When I came back 1 hr. 45 mins. later, the Dr. tried to show me how to clean the suture, but she couldn't get it to work, so took my cat in the back and cut the wound bigger so she could stuff the plastic bottle tip into the wound...but still couldn't get it to work! When I asked her if she couldn't do it, how did she expect me to do it? Esp. since he was sedated, and wouldn't be when I do it. She took the solution away and said: "Forget it, since you're refusing to clean it". I stated that I NEVER said that, I simply asked how I was going to be able to clean it if she can't! She said "then don't do it, or I guess you'll have to bring him back everyday so we have to clean it". Then I asked why she didn't include pain medicine for him since this was a major wound with a drainage tube and would take at least two weeks to heal - and I was going to have to clean it twice a day by shoving the tip of the bottle into his wound...her reply was "he's just a cat"! On top of all this, I was overcharged (a hospital stay, which is only for overnight stays, etc.). And I had to insist he be given pain medicine. When I asked about the charges, the Nurse told me they can charge this for the few minutes they watched him before they released him to me. When I asked about Dr.'s Assist. charges, he literally reached over and pulled my cats injured leg up in the air, and said "this is what that charge is for! For someone to hold his leg up while the Dr. shaved his injured leg". I couldn't believe my eyes!! And now I was tearing up just watching how they treated him! Before it was all over, he told me "maybe you shouldn't ever come back there again"!!
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2 comments
Guest

I'm really sorry to hear that happen. I can say I have never been as rude!

Guest

I used to work in an animal hospital and this behavior is so unacceptable. Even if you were the rudest client, we would have been fired for treating you or your pet in this manor.

I have worked with a couple people who quit Banfield because of the attitude of the employees. I am sure not all Banfields are this way, (Some are privately owned and some are corporate) but they do have a bad reputation.

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cecitsr
map-marker San Diego, California

Renewed without my consent

I was scheduled to take my dog in for the third time within 3 months this year because they said they wanted to be up to date. When my husband took him in they renewed my yearly contract without even asking. Me and my husband have been planning to cancel Banfield as soon as the contract was done. When I called to cancel they told me my vet renewed for another year.

The reason I wanted to cancel was because the staff and the vet are so not interested on pets and so careless. My pet came back diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I know that he didnt get it AT the hospital but I could tell how he was being treated by the way he came back home in pain. He couldnt walk for weeks after every visit there.

I also told them in every visit to check for any type of allergy because he kept scratching but they never did. I still dont know why he scratches. I tried changing his diet, v3-omega pills, oatmeal and aloe vera shampoo, hot spot reliever, nothing works. Once, I told them to clip his nails which I paid for but they didnt and when I called they said they did.

There is no one at the front desk. Short on staff. They don't take emergencies. They are closed 2 days out of the week and I believe is self-owned vet. One doctor to my knowledge.

I hate them so much. I called the Banfield corporate many many times but they're all the same pieces of &*%$ type of people. I am bringing a lawsuit against them.

By the way, the Banfield Hospital Im talking about is the one in La Jolla, San Diego CA. The lady that keeps saying we authorized the renewal is Marta. It will come back to you for lying.

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Loss:
$300
9 comments
Guest

Dr. David Schlereth is horrible.

He is only in it for the money. He does not care about the animals. He is rude and man-handled my poor cat. He gets pissed off if you refuse his very expensive extra services.

I dont know why anyone goes there.

Horrible, horrible man. Stay away.

Banfield P

After reading all of your feedback, we want to extend the opportunity to you, our customers, to share your experiences with us. We strive to provide our clients and their pets with high quality medicine and exceptional client experiences on every visit.

We apologize that any of your visits to our hospitals were unsatisfactory. To address your specific concerns, and to help us improve our overall service, we would appreciate it if you would call us at 1-877-500-2288 to tell us what happened.

Thank you for all of your feedback. We do appreciate the obvious passion you have for your pets.

Guest

I called and made an apointment to take my new dog in, for a check up. When I got there, the receptionist was polite and I was happy thus far...the vet tech was also fine. But when the Dr came in, (long story) but, she was so rude and condescending to me and I about cried. I could not believe how she treated us and it was our first visit! I was shaking I was so upset when we left. I am not ussually one to complain, I have never complained about a vet before, but this was the worst service I have ever received.

I will NEVER go back and I will let everyone know to stay away from there! And my friends who go there, I will be sure to tell them to change to a diff vet!

The name of the Dr that we saw was : Simona Rikh, DVM

Guest

THEY KILLED MY DOG... THE WEST CHESTER, OH GAVE A NON NEEDED VACINE TO MY CHIHUAHUA AND IT ACTUALLY GAVE HER THE LEPTO IN WHICH SHE WAS SUPPOSEDLY VACINATED FOR...

I ADMITTED HER TO THE MASON LOCATION IN OHIO FOR WHICH I AM CLOSE TO THE VET DR. WOODALL SHE IS GREAT BUT SHE COULD NOT UNDUE WHAT WAS ALREADY DONE BY DR. HASSLE IN THE WEST CHESTER STORE. I INCURED A BILL OF AROUND 700.00 I WAS TOLD TO APPLY FOR THEIR NEW CARE CREDIT CARD SO MY BOYFRIEND DID THIS FOR ME AS HE HAS NEAR PERFECT CREDIT AND WAS ONLY APPROVED FOR $500.00 WHICH ONLY JUST ABOUT COVERED THE REG VISIT AND AN EMERGENCY VISIT AND THE BLOOD TESTS AND SOME IV SOLUTION ECT...

Anyway the money was not the issue so much as this was my baby they killed my baby!!! I have called corporate many times and was told someone would get back to me in 3 to 5 days!!! WTH REALLY??? You killed my dog and you don't care basically.

I WILL BE PURSUING A LAWSUIT.

By the way here is some more information... my daughter used to work there. And told me of the things that go on their...

Dr. Hassel at one time had handled a dog with PARVO and did not wash her hands at all on the way into another exam... my daughter asked her if she was going to scrub down and no reply and off she went into the room... on another occasion Dr.

Pachule the director Vet responsible for the Banfields was there on an occasion when my daughter was working also.., he is a wonderful caring vet as well... he allowed Dr. Hassel to perform a spay/nueter on a very large dog whith that size of a dog you cannot give them general anestisia... well he told her is she did not feel comfortable doing that he had no problem doing it.

She went ahead and the next thing you know she is extremely upset and calling for him... she nicked the bowel... not sure if you know but that is a MAJOR ISSUE she was yelled at and He took over and told her she better hope the dog makes it thru. WELL GUESS WHAT EVERYONE SHE WAS JUST MADE PARTNER RIGHT BEFORE I TOOK MY DOG IN FOR THESE VACINES, The room was filthy I let the table down myself and cleaned it.

I told this to the nurse as well as Dr. Hassel. No worries or reponses... I AM NEEDLESS TO SAY DEVASTATED AS I AM SURE ANY OF YOU ON HERE WOULD BE.

LAWSUIT ANYONE ARE YOU WITH ME??? Even thought there is NO AMOUNT IN THIS WORLD THEY COULD GIVE ME FOR WHAT THEY DID I WILL MAKE SURE IT IS NOTICED AND PUBLICLY TOLD..

I MISS YOU BELLA BOOP MOMMY IS SO SORRY... :cry :cry :cry

Guest

Can someone give me info about the class action lawsuit against Banfield. I would like to join--I am so pissed off at them and we need to make sure they are held responsible .

Guest

I would love to take legal action but I feel that it will be a waste of my time if I do it all alone. Could you share the website or guide me to join the other pet owners who already sued Banfield? Thanks in advance

Guest

Here's a copy of my letter to Banfield Headquarters (still no reply from them):

I am a disgusted customer of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Banfield. Having signed up our puppy in October 2007, he received all services and vaccines needed. In June 2007, the puppy had ingested rat poison that was dragged into our yard. His blood was tested, it showed that the clotting factor was very low, and he was treated with the antidote. We gave him two weeks of Vitamin K1, and brought him in for another blood test. It also came back abnormal. Each blood test cost us $120, not covered by the Wellness Plan. The Vitamin K1 cost $160/month. The average time for a dog to need to take the antidote before his blood count returns to normal is ONE MONTH. Yet, our Banfield vet kept testing our dog every 2 to 4 weeks for $120 each blood test, and prescribing more Vitamin K1 (“It’s ONLY vitamins” he told us). By September, we were told to bring him in for a yearly comprehensive exam, covered under the Wellness Plan, and his blood test would be included in the examination charges.

I decided to continue giving my dog the Vitamin K1 up until the comprehensive exam, to see if the blood count would still “show up abnormal”.

I brought the dog in for his exam, leaving him there at 7am. At 2pm that day, I was called and asked if I had administered the Vitamin K1 pills. When I told them that it had been three days since I had given him the antidote (which is how long they had told me to wait before bringing him in for previous blood tests), they very got agitated, and told me that the comprehensive exam would not be given, and to please come in and pick up the dog. Somehow I do not think that they believed me.

When I picked him up later that day, I was charged for $120 for a blood test. There was no comprehensive exam given.

The veterinarian called about two days later to say that the blood test came back normal, the dog was fine.

I was called by the nurse a week later and told to schedule my dog for his annual comprehensive exam!! (This message is still recorded on my phone answering machine for records).

I called the Banfield hospital to get a copy of my dog’s medical records. I was told that they will not give copies of these to the owner of the dog. “It is not their policy.” I wish to have all records to see the lab results for each blood test that was taken. It seems very suspicious that the doctor will not share this information with us.

When the comprehensive exam was supposed to have been given, our contract was due to renew. When I saw the monthly charge for Banfield on my next credit card bill, I called the headquarters and was told that it was too late to cancel the contract, it automatically renewed.

I FEEL THAT YOUR DISHONEST MANAGEMENT AT THIS PARTICULAR BANFIELD HOSPITAL HAS ALREADY STOLEN ENOUGH MONEY FROM US.

After talking to your customer service representative today, she suggested that I send in an email to this address, stating how much I am going to be billed for the rest of the year ($233.55). I am requesting that this charge be cleared.

I see that there are many other disgruntled pet owners who post their stories on the Internet, as well as at least 3 Class Action Lawsuits against your company. I do not wish to join these people, yet if I do not get any satisfaction with contacting you, I will pursue all avenues open, not the least of which will be personally relating my experiences with all local pet owners!

Guest

I couldn't agree more. Dr David Schlereth of the La Jolla, UTC location must have flunked out of regular medical school and holds a grudge.

The guy does not possess the love for animals that a vet should.

In no way did I pick up a "pet lover" signal from him and that is just scary.

They're more interested in selling expensive meds than in providing quality, compassionate care.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-45592

My regular vet is on vacation and unfortunately we saw Dr Schlereth and he's a total ***. He made me feel like I am the worst pet owner ever.

I came out of there feeling like a dumb female who took a car in for an oil change and got the dreaded call that the engine needed to be overhauled = $$$$$$ I have made notes of all the "recommendations" he made and will discuss with my wonderful vet Dr. Perry Diamond upon his return. RUN, don't walk, if you ever encounter Dr.

David Schlereth.

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banfieldsucks
map-marker Palestine, Texas

Beware of Dr. Sanchez at Humble, TX Banfield

Dr. Sanchez at the Humble, TX banfield is the most unproffesional vet I have ever met. She is never on time, doesn't provide accurate diagnosis of pet ilnesses and just doesn't care about her job. Additionally the staff at this banfield are rude, obnoxious, and not friendly at all. On top of that their wellness plans are one of the biggest cons going around. I got tricked into renewing my dog's wellness plan with them, but when I saw them for the crooks they were, a hard lesson I had to learn through experience, I gave them a piece of my mind and have never returned and instead I spread the news of their lowsy service and business practices. Go to a private vet who is personally invested in his business and who trully cares about pets if you want quality pet care.
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2 comments
Guest

Sorry about the rough time at your Banfield. I have to say however, that the staff and doctor at the Banfield here in Salem are fabulous.

Everyone is super nice, and the Dr. really seems to care about my Eva. I know that it is his job, but when she got sick a year ago he was fabulous. Even doing thing at discount or free for me since I'm a young single mom of two with little cash.

Eva's wellness plan more than pays for itself with the exams alone. I mean I pay twenty bucks a month, and I don't ever have to pay for an exam. Plus it covers all of her vaccines.

I can see why they may come off as 'a scam' but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Hope you find a good doctor within driving distance!

Guest

I apologize for the poor service you received there in Texas. Have you contacted Banfield Corporate offices yet? I highly suggest doing so. The wellness plans are excellent ways to extend your preventative care costs across the year. It does help many people save money in many areas of the nation where the costs are very comparable. There are many doctors within Banfield that are concern not only about your pet, but your pocketbook over their "margins". I encourage you to contact the corporation and even looking for another Banfield that may be more along your lines. While banfield may be a "corporation", they cannot control 100% of the doctors 100% of the time. Each clinic will have their own personality. Good or bad. However there are nice little checks and balances to help *** the bad out luckily. And I encourage you to voice your issues with those people.

Your wellness plan will be able to be transferred to any Banfield of your choice, just remember that your "year contract" starts upon the date of transfer. I encourage all my clients to talk to our vet before they make that final decision to go with our clinic. especially if they have had poor service with any other clinic, including other banfields.

I wish I could do more for you to help resolve this situation.

Here is corporate's main consumer number. 1-80*-***-**** I currently do not have the other number for customer satisfaction, however press zero Monday through friday and an operator should be able to guide you to that source.

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Anonymous
map-marker Niceville, Florida

Ex Employee

The Dr I worked for had a nasty temper and would blow off the handle for anything and everything. She has slung medical supplies of the Lab Table, Thrown Hoses and more. The nurses were very quick to get the patients "started" in the exam rooms while Dr D- would just leave them there for over an hour. Quite a few people got up and walked out. She has kept a small animal there for at least 2 months. This critter belonged to a client and she client signed for the animal to be EUTHANIZED and she Paid for the Euthanizaiton. We were told not to say ANYTHING about the animal still being alive and there. She also has another animal, a dog there which when I left- was told that we were NOT to say the dog was still alive. She overcharges and everyone working there knows it. Her service *** and Banfields prices are WAYYYY to high. Every Vet in our area has much lower prices.
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8 comments
Guest

Banfield hires people based on who you know and what you can do for someone. Also Banfield lets liars and cheats work for them. I have never seen this in private practice

Guest

And I've seen such treatment in private practice as well. This is not JUST a banfield issue.

You have "issues" wherever you go. Just there is more that someone can do to help better a practice beyond "leaving" to state your dissatisfaction like you have to when working in private.

Been there, done that in the past. Unfortunately.

Guest

Wow. to have something like that and not report it, it saddens me as an employee of Banfield.

There are many resources that you could have taken to prevent such behavior.

That is one of the nice things about being a corporation. there are much more checks and balances involved to help prevent poor care, treatment, and overall satisfaction for the pet, client and employees.

Guest

Sounds like this former employee is just a cry baby who needs a breast to suck on.

I hate whiners

Guest

Were u fired or did you get sick of the madness?

Guest

She is four? Well that would explain the temper tantrum displayed in this letter.

Guest

This "ex employee" is a bitter child that needs to go back to pre-school. I think she was fired because they didn't figure out that she was 4 years old until she started wanting her mommy and a nap.

Guest

What did you get fired for? You are just as guilty as the doctor if you saw this abuse happening and did not report it until you stopped working there?

Did this all really happen or is this just a temper tantrum. From the looks of the letter it looks like you were the problem not her.

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Annmargaret Xbr
map-marker Tampa, Florida

Banfield is absolutely terrible!

I took my 11 wk Dalmatian puppy in to Banfield b/c she had a small lump on her neck that seemed to be tender when touched. The attending vet looked at her & immediately told us it was cancer & said that it needs to be surgically removed IMMEDIATELY or that my puppies life was in danger. For some reason, in the back of my mind I did not believe the lump was cancerous at all. I had to ASK THE VET for an anti-inflammatory to try to bring down the swelling. The veterinarian was very rude and condescending when I would ask her questions about my puppies' health. She gave us a weeks' worth of anti-inflammatory & an antibiotic & we scheduled the appt for surgery, b/c we didn't know what else to do. During the course of the next week, the bump started to get smaller, so we decided to take Kali to another vet to get a second opinion. This vet was EXTREMELY thorough & even withdrew fluid from the bump & sent it to the lab to be tested, a procedure that the vet at Banfield told me was not possible. The results came back today, & the lab determined that the bump is an inflammation & has absolutely no cancerous cells whatsoever. Banfield wanted to put my 3 month old puppy through a surgery that was not necessary at all. They determined that the bump was cancerous based on absolutely no medical findings. I will never take Kali back to Banfield again!!!! Hopefully this review will save somebody from the stress & worry that I went through to find out her bump was nothing! Luckily she is all better & happy as can be
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2 comments
Guest

I took my puppy in during wellness hours when I was worried about a bump on his eye. The doc squeezed it and said it should go away. It worked.

Guest

How could she know it was cancerous without taking a biopsy... Strange. As with humans, you should always get a second opinion on something so serious.

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Meridian Wfa
map-marker Indianapolis, Indiana

Animals nor humans have rights to affordable health care

Its really very sad that it all comes down to the money issue. I really hope that human health care doesnt start doing the same thing. There are so many animals that need health care and cant get it just because their owners cant afford it. Why arent there institutions for animals to get health care at an affordable price or at least on payment. Everybody keeps talking about animal population is out of control but yet animal lovers like my self have a hard time paying for medical bills for animals. Especially when your a human and in bad health and they wont even help you. I really dont know what this world is coming to, it suppost to be filled with human kindness for all living things. I really dont see that anymore anywhere. World is becoming a big disaster!
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4 comments
Guest

To: A pet owner;

If you cannot afford to pay for a "child's" medical expenses, you should not have a "child." "Children" are very expensive to have.

And yet, I don't see anyone telling those people to stop having children. (You actually pay for those people to continue reproducing... Let me introduce you to a concept called "Welfare," a plan available because of the average, hard-working American's tax dollars.)

If you cannot afford to pay for "your own" medical expenses, you should not "go to the doctor." "Living" is very expensive.

And yet MILLIONS of people in this country, who don't pay into the system, go the doctor, get treated and go home...which leaves the rest of the people who ARE paying for medical insurance, who don't qualify for aid, to pay OUTRAGEOUS amounts of money for medical treatment.

So; Little more compassion. She is simply commenting on a situation that IS a problem; not asking for a free handout...like MILLIONS of people in this country. At least pets give back in the form of unwavering love, decreasing stress, increasing the life expectancy of their owners and the ability to bring a smile to the face of those with even the most hardened of hearts.

Maybe some of the BILLIONS of dollars that are being spent on freebies for humans should be redirected to aide for animal health and welfare. At least there would be a lot more joy in the world.

Guest

Pet ownership is not a right.

Guest

To all the comments.....Did you ever think that this person rescued the animal. Did you ever stop and think that maybe the owners circumstances changed, or the animal developed a chronic problem?

I think this person is wonderful for taking in a pet, when in fact the animal population is overwhelming.

Every creature has a right to live a happy and healthy life. Thank you lynn for sharing your thoughts and you are correct, there should be assistance just as there is assistance to people who don't work and keep reproducing.

Guest

If you cannot afford to pay for a pet's medical expenses you should not have a pet. Animals are very expensive to own.

If you can't afford a BMW why would you buy one? Same thing with pets!

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petec
map-marker Williamsburg, Virginia

Consumer's remarks here reflect indifference

In reviewing the remarks made on page 2 of some Banfield Hospital complaints, the writer commented about how "quality" medical care costs good money. At the end of her tirade, she advises readers that if "they can't afford medical care for their pet, they shouldn't have one" in the first place. What an ignoramous and grossly out of touch person she is! Have you ever bothered to consider how many elderly persons have pets as their only companionship because they have no family or relatives? Yet, most, even though they live on a very limited income DO provide adequate medical care for their pets and will make sacrifices of basic living necessities to ensure their pets health! Something you no doubt would ever even have to consider doing! You, no doubt are one of those individuals who've placed themselves on the "pedestal" of the "socially/financially ELITE" in this materialistic-oriented society of ours! You no doubt have the "luxury" of just waltzing into any hospital emergency room for treatment (for your own selfish self) for any old sneeze or sniffle and not have to even be concerned about the bill generated since you doubtless have exceptional health insurance and a 7-digit figure bank account to boot! I'd thoroughly enjoy letting you walk in MY shoes for a year and perhaps you'd acquire a little more empathy for those of us who love our pets and will sacrifice far more than you EVER will from what little we have to subsist on each month...particularly when one like myself is also battling cancer! And, with NO health insurance...only what minimal services are available from the government! Wake up to the real world! You may have a lot in the "material" sense...but your personality or "soul" leaves a lot to be desired! When's the last time you TRULY did something for someone else less fortunate with no thought of receiving any recompense? It won't be this country's economic situation that brings you down. If you want to see who will be responsible for that...just hold your hand up high and look in the mirror!
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Anonymous
map-marker Las Vegas, Nevada

Banfield pet hospital did not provide client service.

Banfield pet hospital did not answer their phone for days. There was no way to leave a message. I tried to cancel the Wellness Plan, to no avail. Now, they are going to send the balance to the collection agency. No client service at all for me or for my pet. I am broke. They provided no service. They cancelled and voided the agreement prematurely. There was no way to reach them by phone for days and days on many occasions. I tried to cancel, to no avail. They are unpleasant, unavailable, uncaring, only interested in additional money, and charged regular prices for my pet's meds prematurely.
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4 comments
Guest

I am having this exact problem. I am trying to cancel but the "cancelation" department doesn't answer.

I have been a good client for 9 years, but not I live two hours from the nearest Banfield.

Obviously, canceling is fair and appropriate. They better do the right thing.

Guest

i've had issues with my wellness plan, but i got it fixed. i was told it wouldn't go to collections unless you didn't pay for 90 days, that gave me plenty of time to clear everything up. don't blame your irrersponsibility on someone else.

Guest

I worked there and you will not have any resolution. They will continue to try to take payments for you and you have to jump through hoops to cancel the plan.

I don't agree with it and there are no excuses. :(

Guest

I'm sorry you could not get a hold of CTS. I know they had weather issues recently.

However, they do not cancel prematurely unless your payments did not go through.

I encourage you to try to get a hold of them to see what they can work out with you. I've seen some interesting deals created to satisfy many types of situations.

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