Anonymous
map-marker Madison, Ohio

Schuyler First Shield Trio Flea Control Review from Madison, Ohio

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Once Frontline Plus active ingredient fripnol made it past the patent point and a lot of other flea meds with the same active ingredient in it, Frontline Plus started to be ineffective on my dogs. I went to Banfield and purchased First Shield Trio, which has the exact same active ingredients as Advantix II (Advantix has a higher concentrate though), my dogs were immediate relieved of fleas again.

Just like a human, every animal has its of specific allergies. My large dog gets skin infections from certain shampoos, or fresh grass. Therefore, it is possible that your dog may not of been allergic to the active ingredients rather the inactive ingredients. I have scene quiet a few dog burns online due to topical medication.

However, the pill form of flea meds cause my parents Jack Russell to become ill, and hospitalized to flush his system. It was a completely different vet.

So don't judge a vet based on a product as we all have allergies and your poor baby may have just had an allergic reaction. Sorry to hear of your experience.

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Reason of review:
Good quality
Anonymous
map-marker Arlington, Texas

Good experiences so far

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I have 2 pets on wellness plans at Banfield, and I make sure to use all the services offered. As it was explained to me, the plan is not intended to be an accident/illness plan, but rather it is for healthy pets to be used for preventive care. However, at least the office visit is waived for sick visits if you have the plan. Some vets are better than others, for sure. This is true for any place. I actually was at a private practice before my 2 years with Banfield. I actually paid more at the private practice over the course of a year than I do at Banfield. One thing I suggest...ask your vet if there is a generic drug available or if s/he can write you a prescription for a cheaper alternative. I had a really good vet who would often write me a prescription and recommend buying a generic at a pharmacy (some drugs are the same for humans and pets, some are specific to animals). I guess my complaint about some of the comments on this site is this...if you don't want to spend any money on your pet, then don't get one. Dogs, like humans, need periodic medical care.
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Reason of review:
Good quality
Anonymous
map-marker Willoughby, Ohio

It's our pet

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I have found both good Vets and not so good vets here - much like I have everywhere else. It's our pets and we have the final say as to whether to accept the vets suggestions or not. Often we choose to get our medications from another source where the same meds are cheaper. We have always had a favorite vet at Banfield - they move on sometimes. We have always had a least favorite vet at Banfield and they too move on. We like the care plans offered because we do some rescues and foster care. We have Giant Breed Dogs and not everyone is good with 200# dogs. As to the staff - just like the vets - we have our favorites and our not so favorites. But needing a Sunday visit or an unexpected crisis - the plan we selected works for us. We tried to follow one of our favorite vets when they went into private practice - we simply couldn't afford the same services we had on a plan. That and the hours available - Banfield works for us. On two occasions we took dogs to Ohio State Veterinary Clinic for specialty care - we were referred by the Banfield Vet who was a graduate. At Ohio State - We spent $5,000.00 on a hip replacement for a Newfoundland - we aren't rich. We spent nearly $1,000.00 on ruling out cancer or auto-immune disease on another dog. Again we are not rich. The plan allowed us to diagnose and intervene early to get the care we needed for our dogs before it was too late. That's the benefit of a wellness plan.
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Pros:
  • Hours and selection of professional staff
Cons:
  • Some of the vets push too hard for expensive options
Reason of review:
Good quality
1 comment
Guest

I wish more people were like you.

Fact is, yes, there arebad vets out there and not just at Banfield. But a majority of vets out there, including Banfield, truly care about the pets and the owners.

Vets and techs aren't rich.

Not by a long shot. The whole vet staff does so much more than what people see.

Jream Rqk
map-marker Tulsa, Oklahoma

Price of services

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I see numerous complaints about the unnecessary charges and it is on these reviews for a reason, they are not isolated incidents! Banfield needs to take a step back to the basics and care about their customers and their pets and not just try to make an extra buck!

I have mixed emotions about Banfield, I have been a customer for 12 years. I like that I can call them for questions and the quick no charge service for issues that do not require extra work (x-ray, lab etc.). The staff has overall has very friendly over the years and treats my pets with love. However, I do not agree with what they would call a discounted price for customers with the Banfield plan that you pay for monthly.

Anytime I have an issue, they try to upsell service's to me. I understand that this is a business but I don't want to feel like if I have an medical issue that they turn into the untrustworthy car repair man and try to get you to do unnecessary and costly work done to my pet to meet a goal for the month. My dogs are my family and I take it seriously, I want to trust my Vet and have a good relationship where I don't feel the obvious upsell that they have given me over the years. Yes, I have stayed for the free services that I pay monthly for and not having to pay for the annual check up, but when my dogs in the past had cancer I took them to a local vet for a 2nd opinion and their costs were always less and this is after the office visit cost was included in their price.

Our office visit is supposed to be free, why are they charging more without a office charge and our discount that we are supposed to have been given? As you can see this is a problem that the corporate office needs to seriously evaluate and consider. I see numerous complaints about the unnecessary charges and it is on their reviews for a reason, they are not isolated incidents!

Banfield needs to take a step back to the basics and care about their customers and their pets and not just try to make an extra buck! Respectfully, Banfield Customer of 12 years

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Pros:
  • I both like and dislike
Reason of review:
Pricing issue

Preferred solution: Re-evaluate your pricing to meet the area standards and be more competative. Re-consider the upsell that you push Vets this is unprofessional and untrustworthy.

4 comments
Guest

What many clients don't realize is that they are under no obligation to purchase prescription medications, flea / tick products or hart worm medications from their vet's in house pharmacy. Nor should any vet or employee automatically fill and bill any in house prescriptions without the clients permission and availing the client of the total costs.

The majority of prescription medications, hart worm and flea & tick products can be found elsewhere for a much more reasonable cost, providing the client does a little price comparison shopping at their local pharmacies and big box pet supply companies. If the vet can't price match, request the vet write you a prescription and get it filled somewhere else at a lower cost.

Guest

Vets aren't charities. They have to 'sell' in order to pay the Dr's, their nurses, their receptionists, pay their rent & for lab equipment, utilities, medications, insurance etc etc.

If a business isn't profitable it will shut down. I don't know why so many people expect for vets to be super cheap, it costs a LOT to run a Vet office, those costs have to be paid for somehow.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1133219

THANK YOU

Guest

I understand exactly what your saying. However, its not just Bandfield that does upselling.

I use several vet services for my pets depending on what level of care is needed and every vet has their own upselling tactics. Some a bit pushier then others, but never the less its upselling of additional services, medications, vaccines etc.

I'm not one of their easier clients to deal with as I have a medical background and I'm fully aware of medical terminology and what I'm being told and what's trying to be sold to me. However, the medical field is a business and any additional sales and or services provided are financially beneficial in order insure a successful profitable business.

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Helga Sjx
map-marker West Palm Beach, Florida

My dog developed 30 lumps following surgery.

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When my dog needed surgery to remove 5 tumors, I assumed she would be given preventative antihistamine before surgery to protect her from the side effects of the surgical removal of possible mast cell tumors. The tumors had not been biopsied, but there was the probability that some or all of her tumors were mast cell because she had had mast cell tumors removed several months ago at a different veterinarian's office. Three days after this new surgery, Suzie, my pug, developed three lumps and I took her back to the vet at Banfield immediately to be examined. The vet and his assistant could only feel one lump and said it was small and told me to watch its size and come back if it gets bigger. Day after day Suzie developed more and more lumps of varying sizes and I suspected they might be hives from the release of histamines from the low grade mast cell tumors. When she had her stitches removed there were only three small lumps, but I took her back to the vet when she had over 30 lumps. The doctor did not think they were hives, but suggested I make an appointment at an animal dermatologist and allergist for a biopsy and exam. I am very upset that she was not given antihistamine before the surgery and do not like the idea that we have to wait so long before finding out why she has developed so many lumps under her skin right after surgery.
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Pros:
  • Seeming knowledge of doctors and assistants
Cons:
  • Dog getting sicker after care
Reason of review:
surgery revealed good results
Anonymous
map-marker Schaumburg, Illinois

Banfield Pet Hospital Preventive Care Review from Schaumburg, Illinois

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We used First Shield Trio twice on our dog (Bully breed). The first time was when she was 7 months (about 55lbs) and the 2nd was at 8 months. Both times she had skin burns on the back of her neck (starting point of application) and shoulders. She also would chew the tip of her tail (end point of application). Told Banfield and were just told to stop applying but still being charged for it monthly until our annual contract ends in a few months. Got stuck paying for the years worth.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Cash Mri
map-marker Menifee, California

Billed for "future appointments"

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I was moving after losing my job from Portland, OR to So. Calif. I cancelled my Wellness Program with Banfield as I could no longer afford it. After that I kept getting calls about paying for the remainder of my program which the person told me was almost $500. I told the caller that I kept up with the payments while I was on it. I told him I didn't owe any money and he said "Yes you owe for future appointments". I said 'future appointments, I'm not paying for future appointments". So now it's on my credit reports. Just great!
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Loss:
$500
Cons:
  • Paying for future service after canceling
Reason of review:
Problems with payment

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

5 comments
Guest

Make a consumer complaint to the Attorney General's office in the state for which you signed the contract. Send them a copy of your contract.

Also, check laws for harassment by creditors. Cancel your credit card or close and open a new checking account. File your story with the Credit Bureau.

Also, there is a Class Action in the works against them. You might want to join.

Guest

Your monthly payment takes what you got and spreads it over the year. You were paying for what you already got

Guest

its in their contract that you signed. read what you sign.

they have shady business practices just like any big corporation, so you have to be really careful what you sign, just like a cell phone, rental or cable contract. you can't sue because you signed it.

Guest

File a complaint with you local State's Attorney's office.

If at the time you signed up for the wellness plan and were not told that the plan could not be cancelled under any circumstances and you would in fact be liable for any and all monies owed. You were misled by the individual at Banfield that signed you up for not fully explaining the Wellness Plan contract policy to you.

Guest

Banfield fails to tell people their Wellness contract is going to continue and payable in FULL whether you use all the Wellness plan benefits or not. If your on the monthly payment plan you will continue to be billed until the plan is paid in full and if you pay in full at the onset of the plan and fail to use all the benefits yes, you can cancel the plan however, you will not be refunded any monies of the unused portion of the Banfields wellness plan.

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Kimmy Vdw
map-marker Mountain View, California

Banfield Pet Hospital - Pet Vaccination Review from Mountain View, California

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My dog had worms, tapeworm I think. Took him to petsmart I asked them over the phone, how much they said like $50 to $80 I can't remember honestly. Well I get there, they they needed to do a test, I'm like fine no problem, they asked if I had proof of shots, I said no, but my dog did have his shots just no proof. They said they needed to give him shots before the would see him, I said fine. All was good I'm thinking 100 to 150 tops. came back and said swipe your debit card here, I said I only use cash. They said it was $450 if I didn't set up a payment/wellness plan. I'm like wtf seriously? They are extremely lucky I didn't cause a scene. They told one thing on the phone after all is done, it was something else.

I was passed!

I'm lucky I had $600 in cash on me! But what if I didn't?

Well I was pissed swore, I'm never taking my dog there again, they kept calling me and I ignored them. But finally I picked up, they said my dog was due for shots, I'm like sorry but I'm not paying y'all hundreds for shots. She said no it's free because of your plan so that was a relief. But they are nice at both locations I've been too, other some *** clerk accusing me of stealing my dog from her friend, seriously like your friend is the only person with a blue nose pit bull in Dallas, I rescued my dog 2 hours away from the store. That also pissed me off.

But whatever.

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Reason of review:
Pricing issue
3 comments
Guest

Truth, you only needed a stool sample...100 percent true. However, if your dog hadn't been seen there before legally they do need to do an exam.

Also, they definitely should have given you an estimate or at least suggested calling to get your dogs records. For obvious reasons they can't just take your word your dog is up to date on vaccines, but that information can easily be obtained so they should have offered that to you.

Guest

All they really needed was a stool sample. You didn't even need to bring your dog into to be seen.

If they had refused to just test the stool sample, you should have contacted a privet vet's office in your area.

If in fact your dog was up to date on all of his/her shots. They most likely over vaccinated/dosed your dog with unnecessary vaccines just to make a few bucks.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1020296

agreed

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Anonymous
map-marker Belle Isle, Florida

My dog spent over 6 hrs at Banfield for a routine exam!!

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I made an appointment in Orlando, Florida For my dog for a comprehensive exam & was told they now only make drop off appointments. She was the first dog dropped off at 8:45am and was not ready to be picked up until 6 hrs 15 min later! In the past this exam would have taken 10 min. But today she had to stay locked up in a cage with no food for over 6 hrs. I did not even get a consultation from the vet. My consultation was with the person who called me to tell me she was ready to be picked up & her blood work was normal. I didn't even receive an exam report! After I got home I had to call Banfield to find out the result of her fecal exam. The receptionist looked through her records & couldn't figure out why there was no exam report given to me or even in her records. I have always been very pleased with Banfield in the past but today totally changed my mind!! My dog is a rescue & has anxiety so for her to endure having to sit in a strange cage with no food for over 6 hrs is cruel!! I will not renew her wellness plan going forward & I would not recommend taking your pet there!! Going forward I will take my dog to a real vet who actually cares about the pets!!!
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
2 comments
Guest

They killed my Charlie on a neuter surgery on 6/19 visit #Justice4Charlie on Facebook

Guest

Many private vet's offer wellness plans less expensive then Bainfield's plan.

Call around and speak to local vet offices in your area or ask a friend who has a pet who they use as there vet. Many areas also have mobile vets who come right to your home for your pets medical needs and their prices are right in line with other vet's and clinics. The mobile units are fully equipped to handle most if not all medical and surgical procedures.

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Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

Wellness plan good and not so good points.

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The puppy wellness plan has some financial advantages and some financial disadvantages depending on the medical services your NEW puppy may require. The wellness plan does cover the cost of scheduled office visits and the puppy's routine shots. i.e DHPP (distemper, hepatitis and parvo) usually given in a series of 3 to 4 injections over a period of several weeks and a - 1 year Rabies vaccination & a general check up each visit. Also included in the wellness plan is spaying or neutering of your puppy however, Banfield prefers to spay and neuter prior to the puppy reaching 6 months of age and not exceeding 50 Lbs in weight as there will be an extra charge for a puppy/dog in excess of 50 Lbs. Prior to signing up for the wellness plan. You need to consider the overall cost and actual medical coverage you'll be paying for upfront. Remember, the plan has limited medical coverage and any other medical procedures, RX medications will be an additional charge. In so far as medications go. You have a choice where you purchase your medications from. i.e flea & tick, hart worm and general RX meds. You are not required to purchase any of these items from Banfield. You just need to ask the vet to write you a prescription or tell the vet you'll have the RX called into him/her for approval. Many general RX medications are a lot less expensive if purchased from your local pharmacy or pet supply company i.e Foster/Smith or KV Pet Supplies as opposed to purchasing these items directly from the vet. Especially when it comes to flea & Tick and Heart Worm meds. The pet supply companies offer a variety of brands and price ranges on these items. Keep this option in mind and you may very well save a lot of extra out of pocket expenses at Banfield. Also call a few of your local vet's and ask what they charge for spaying and neutering. I was quoted spay/neuter prices ranging from $275.00 to $350.00 And keep in mind many of your local county and community animal control and shelters offer discounted spay/neuter clinical services as well. Some as low as $75.00 to $100.00 So before signing up for any pet wellness insurance plan. Do your home work, ask questions and weigh the overall costs and coverage's.
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Cons:
  • Exploitation of services
  • Wellness plan and treatment of pet
Reason of review:
Pricing issue