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2.3 526 Reviews

Banfield Pet Hospital Complaints Summary

174 Resolved
348 Unresolved
Our verdict: Engaging with Banfield Pet Hospital, which has a below-average resolution rate, demands caution. Thoroughly assess their service reviews and explore how they handle unresolved complaints. If you encounter issues, document your experiences meticulously and be persistent in seeking resolutions.
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11:07 pm EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital only care about profits

I took my cat to Banfield today, and I knew almost immediately that they were trying to sell every test possible to make money. The nurse came in, and he was actually decent — knowledgeable and caring — he talked to me about my cat's fur loss and explained that they have seen a lot of this due to allergies. He also swabbed her ears and said she didn't appear to have an ear mite problem because her ears were too clean (my cat does not go outside and has been indoors for nine years).
Then the doctor comes in, smelling like he had too much alcohol the night before, and immediately starts talking about testing for hyperthyroidism despite the fact that the cat was normal and showed no other symptoms of this (she clearly eats well and does not show any other symptoms of this problem). He then launched into the heart murmur problem, and stared off in space at one point, apologizing and coming back — probably a hangover brain freeze. I later found out was fairly normal, but he made it sound like that was the real issue, and we need to talk about procedures for this problem. I then brought him back to the real issue of her fur loss.
He said she should have fungus cultures, skin tests, and skin impressions, and blood work-up without telling me what any of those things did. Oh and he said she needed an ear mite test, but when I said I was sure that she didn't have mites and that the nurse even said he didn't think she had ear mites, the doctor looked panicked and said he completely disagreed. I should have seen that as a sign of his being scared of losing money.

When some manager lady, a completely condescending woman, came in to explain the costs, I asked her what these things would show about my cat's skin, and she used every word over my head that I couldn't understand. She made the mistake of saying that the skin tests would rule out bacteria and other problems which the fungus culture might find. I asked her if the fungus culture was for more than ringworm (because I know what that is and have had a cat with this and knew that wasn't my cat's problem) and this manager woman said, "Ringworm and a bunch of other fungus types I cannot even begin to start listing." Whatever. I made her take that $30 plus charge off and she was pissed off and rushed out of the room to do this. I agreed to only the skin tests and ear mite test because she and the doctor assured me that this was the only way to determine ear mites by some $30 test.
Well, the good nurse comes in to tell me the results (after I sat for over 20 minutes), and he says that the cat didn't have mange, and I said, "What the heck? Is that what the skin test showed? I just paid $25 to find out what I could have told you people? He said that the ear mite test came back negative — hmmm, he and I knew that before I agreed to the damn fee, so that was not surprise.
Then the nurse asked if I wanted to try the fungus test which he clearly stated,"checks for ringworm."And I said oh heck no — my cat does not have ringworm, and I am not paying for a test to come back negative.

So the doctor comes in and wants to get on the"same page" and says the cat needs blood work up and testing for hyperthyroidism, and I exploded on him saying that I would not trust him because of the BS tests they made me pay for and the one they wanted me to pay for.

Ringworm, ear mites, and mange have been around for decades — you mean to tell me that doctors cannot identify those by close observations anymore — I bet old time, down home, experienced vets can — they don't need fancy tests after seeing multiple cases of these. Tests, tests, tests for money, money, money — it's like the crisis with the human health care for profit system.

I was so stupid not to check all of the multiple bad reviews this place has received from pet owners and former employees. What a joke.

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Banfield Overbills People
Staten Island, US
Apr 29, 2011 9:30 pm EDT

They only pay the vets commission on each bill 20%.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YugT3uDpinA

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3:48 pm EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital vet error/greed led to death

Brought my dog in for an ear infection and complaints of weight loss. Dog was eating, walking etc but did not seem to be gaining weight. Immediately after a vet whom I had never seen before at this location suggested firmly that he needed a dental with many extractions. The estimated bill was $1600. When I asked about the ear issue they offered to clean them while he was under. The dog had eaten that morning so I thought it was odd that they wanted him to have surgery within a few hours of this.
I was pressured by the vet tech to open a credit line to pay for all these expenses. I refused. But unfortunately I let them do the surgery. When I picked him up that night he did not look right. He was not really moving. Things went downhill from there. I brought him in the next day because he wouldn't eat, drink, pee etc. The vet did not seem concerned but I was. She pressured me into buying food that was 'appetizing' to dogs as well as all new drugs in a liquid form instead of pill. I took him home. The next day I brought him back in and was desperate for help. This vet printed up an estimate of things she wanted to do and when the dog started losing control of body functions before her eyes she said it was time for him to go. So basically this dog suffered needlessly for 3 days for a procedure he did not need. My dog was a walking dollar sign to them. He could not recover from surgery. If they had said he was ill or old and in failing health to begin with, I could accept that. But to put him, myself and my wallet through hell for days on end with no help. I feel someone needs to be held accountable.
This was not the first time I had been pressured into buying services and products for my dogs. Each time I went I felt as if I was with a used car salesman instead of a doctor. They upsold me every single time I ever came in. Even if it was for a simple vaccination. I was tied into their contract so I couldn't really afford starting over with a new vet. And I wish to god that I did, and got another opinion.
My dog died on Monday after 3 agonizing days that were completely UNNECESSARY.
I can be contacted at [protected]@aol.com.

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RestlessHeart
Madison, US
Dec 31, 2009 7:54 pm EST

You cant blame the vet because you lost your backbone somewhere. WHY did you let them talk you into something you couldnt afford and half suspected something was wrong with the diagnosis in the beginning? I hate when people ATTEMPT to pressure you into things...but it is still YOUR responsibility to say NO...if you dont...whose fault is it then?

Sorry you lost your dog thru it all...that sucks

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11:08 am EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital competency

We brought our purebred Alaskan Malamute puppy in for her spay. The doctor performing the spay inadvertenly removed some tissue that she did not identify before removing. The parts were thought to be connected to her bladder and their removal would be certain death for our puppy. When asked about the removal of the tissue before identifcation, the vet responded with "It was too late by then." My puppy has a 8" incision on her abdomen for a simple procedure. We do not know what the vet removed from our dog or the function of that tissue, vital or not. I will be filing a complaint with the board.

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8:30 pm EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital wellness plans

I had been with Banfield for many years and although I find their vets comparable and in some cases better than others it is a large corporate business and the staff is pretty well hamstrung by company policies. Be careful and know what their wellness pplans cover and ignore the savings they claim which are in my opinion inflated. They offer an examination covered by the plan and show up to a $120 saving for a physical, neurological etc evaluation. A normal vet charges 40-50 for office visit/exam and is at least as thorough as Banfields. So that is a pretty false saving.

Their premium plans offer Xray but then add in costs for a vet assistant to stabilize the pet if needed. Well of course it is needed so add a bill for 30 on check out. Teeth cleaning - covered BUT you'll have the vet insist on antibiotics before and after (not covered) plus they will prescribe additional monitoring etc during surgery - again at increased cost. Thus you are faced with a few hundred dollars in addition to the cleaning or you forgo the "covered cleaning". Their price schedule is pretty high unless you belong to the plan and once in the plan there are ways to make sure you in effect save nothing except being locked into them for the duration of the plan.

Just beware of the hidden costs. As an example of their non savings the discounts they give do not apply to flea and heart meds which are available from mailorder but beware Banfield will either refuse to verify a mailorder pharmacy or charge $14 for a prescription. In Medical and Optometry this type of practice (requiring prescriptions to be purchased from prescriber) is outlawed by some states - not so for vets.

Again some very good vets some not so good - just like everywhere else but beware of the "hidden costs" from the corporate monolith that sets the policies individual offices must follow. Shop local buy local and for most of us Banfield is a local office of an out of state company. Support your local vet.

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phorse
, US
Jan 26, 2010 3:46 pm EST

Actually, my optometrist charges a prescription fee for 1-800-Contacts because he still has to pay his staff to get the prescription and call it in. Makes sense to me. Those companies are horrible, and many vets will not deal with them because they have been known to 'use' vet signatures to order drugs.

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3:00 pm EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital poor expensive animal care

I took my schnauzer to get his rabies shot.When we arrive home my dogs started acting funny. I examined him and he was red full of bumps, swollen and had welts all over his body. He started scratching and just seemed very agitated. I rushed him immediately back and they said he had an allergic reaction. I questioned why would he have an allergic reaction when he has taken this shot for 4 years without any problems. They charged me an additional fee for some diphenhydramine to conteract the shot. Banfield always changes veternarians everything is about money and they need to be exposed for the fraud they are. As soon as they look at him they quoted me a price which I objected to because they were the one's who had give him a bad dosage of the vacination in the first place. I would advise everyone not to take their pet there if you truly love your animal.

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VetStudent12
Ithaca, US
Oct 15, 2010 12:32 pm EDT
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As a veterinary student, I can tell you that an allergic reaction to a vaccine can happen any time. It is unrelated to who/where it was given. Your veterinarian did the right thing by treating with diphenhydramine.

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phorse
, US
Jan 26, 2010 2:11 pm EST

That would occur at any hospital. If you got an IV injection of benadryl at the hospital, you would also be charged for it. What is your point?

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11:42 am EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital puppy wellness plan

I paid for the puppy wellness plan back in July 09 for our new addition to the family. The plan was well over $400 and I paid in full at the time of serivce. I was told I was no able to go to ANY Banfield location free of charge. In Nov 09 I bought a house further away from our previous home and located the closest Banfield to us. I contact my original location and they said they would send over my dog's file and account to the new location no problem.

When I arrived at the new location for a visit ( animal was sick ) I was told that I had to restart my year at the new location and had to pay the remaining balance for the additional 6 month term. ( several hundred dollas more ) I was shocked. This was never disclosed and is the first time I ever heard of suck practice. I contacted my old vet and they AGAIN assured me the "transfer" was free and we can go anywhere NO CHARGE. The old and new offices even spoke on the phone with each other but the issue was never resolved.

I then contacted the customer service department [protected] to try to get to the bottom of the issue so my dog could be treated. They did agree with the new location on the policy that I was going to have to pay the extra 6 months ( they would credit the already used 6 months to the account ) to start the year over at the new location. I WAS LIVID. I dont have nor would I pay anymore money for something I already paid for.

When I tried to ask for a supervisor or someone to make a complaint to I was told that if I was given wrong information in the beginning too bad. I was disgusted at the lack of customer service I was getting. I hung up! I have now sent in complaint letters to any contacts I can find on Banfield and am going through the proper channels to file a complaint with the BBB.

My poor puppy is still needing treatment and we are now forced to take of work and try to get down to the original location three days before Christmas! I will never use Banfield again. Please beware if you are looking for a plan for your animal. Banfield is not a good choice. They are only in it for the money and from my experience will say anything to get it. NO one is willing to work with you nor so they show any signs of compassion or empathy to any issue that might come up.

I am a college student that just started her life and has little money left over so this was a huge investment for me but it was something I felt would protect my animal and be worth every penny I had to come up with. In the end I ended up spending more money I didnt have to make sure my puppy received the proper care from another vet. office. My puppies are a part of my family and there is nothing I wouldnt do for him and her but I truely feel like Banfield exploits that very raw attachment for their own selfish purposes.

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Banfield Pet Hospital
Banfield Pet Hospital
Kansas City, US
Nov 17, 2011 3:06 pm EST
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Dwreck24, we apologize that you are unhappy with your experience at one of our hospitals. We strive to provide our clients and their pets with high quality medicine and exceptional client experiences on every visit. To address your specific concerns please call our Client Advocate Team at [protected] so we can gather more information. Thank you for your feedback.

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Dwreck24
Gilbert, US
Nov 03, 2011 12:27 am EDT

Sounds like I am not the only one who has had horrible service with Banfield. Its amazing you walk into a pet hospital and it is like you are walking into a used car lot. This place is the biggest rip off! We signed up for the Wellness Plan when we got our puppy because it included spading. Little did we know after the puppy was spaded would we pay $30 a month because the dog can no longer control her bladder while sleeping. We ask to speak to a supervisor and this "child" is the one in charge and basically says to bad. During this visit room is dirty, dog hair on the floor, urine on the floor, and the table was dirty. I will NEVER recommend this plan to anyone.

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Banfield Overbills People
Staten Island, US
Apr 29, 2011 8:54 pm EDT

They only pay the DVM's commission on each bill!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YugT3uDpinA

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1:36 am EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital Malpractice??? Neglectance, money for pet's suffering

anyone who is interestet to join in the class action and reporting Banfield, please email: [protected]@excite.com

To: John.[protected]@banfield.net and his Executive Assistant Gina Sienia at gina.[protected]@banfield.net.

Subject: Banfield Pet Hospital: Complaint
To: [protected]@gvma.net
Cc: scott.[protected]@banfield.net
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 12:04 AM

To: Georgia Veterinary Medical Association

Cc: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital

Regarding Banfield Pet Hospital in Midtown:
650 Ponce de Leon Ave.,
Atlanta, GA 30308
[protected]

Please, consider following for the license evaluation of the Banfield Pet Hospital and Doctors: Rene Freshwater and Jana Cargile.

6/10/2008 I took two of my dogs (Benji – the mother approximately 3 years old and her puppy 5 months old) to the Vet. While waiting too see the doctor, I purchased their wellness plans for my dogs. I explained my concerns about my dog being playing with my neighbor’s puppy that got sick with bloody diarrhea and vomiting at around 4pm on 6/09/2008 and died by the noon of 6/10/09. Dr.Freshwater said that it may be rat poisoning, hit by the car or possibly parvo. I told that I don’t think anyone is using the rat poisoning. It may be the car, but I really doubt it. There is a good chance of Parvo. I asked the doctor to make a test for both of my dogs, but she refused and said, that since my puppy does not look sick, I should just take my dogs home and keep eye on them. I asked to start parvo treatment and told, that I am ready to pay, but Dr. Freshwater said that it is against their policy. I’ve been bagging for anything to prevent possible sickness. But she told that the only she can do is to test on parvo the fecalies of the dead puppy, and even if the results will be positive, she won’t start treatment of my puppy. In 3 days my puppy came down with parvo. Parvo tests became available for both of my dogs that day. I spend nearly $1000 for the treatment. Researching parvo decease on internet I found Amber technology products: Victabra (antibiotic) and Parvaid (herbal food supplement )that seem to be very successfully used to prevent parvo, after exposure to parvo and even to treat sick puppies. The cost is only about$60. There might be even more medicine to prevent parvo after exposure, but my puppy hasn’t gotten any chance to avoid suffering. May be the doctor was fallowing the procedure of the parvo treatment. However there are Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA. II.A Veterinarians should first consider the needs of the patient: to relieve disease, suffering, or disability while minimizing pain or fear. Was it against the procedure to try to avoid Parvo suffering?

In August I took both my dogs to get spayed. Their associate called me at 3pm and said, that surgery was performed at 11am, and my dogs are ready to go home. When I picked them up at 5pm, both dogs were in terrible shape.

The Association of Shelter Veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs: If possible, surgical incisions should be examined to ensure that the skin edges are clean, dry, and well apposed.134, 158 .Cats and dogs that are not ambulatory should not be discharged until they are recovered.

Does it take 6 hours for a dog that had puppies and is slightly overweight to recover after her belly was open from her tail to her chest? When I carried her into the house, she fainted. Her belly started to bleed a little. Dogs are very pain resistant. However, Benji was walking whole night (after all pain killers they gave). I was up as well.

The Association of Shelter Veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs: Animal owners, caregivers, or their agents should be provided with clear instructions for postoperative care. Written instructions are required in addition to oral instructions. Discharge instructions should include resources for handling questions or concerns about postoperative complications and emergencies.

I found much latter by myself, that after surgery, pets shell be kept in small enclosure, but nothing in Banfield instructions.

Small things, like treating hot spots are impossible for vets there. I spend hundreds dollars on medicine, that did not even help. After quitting Banfield and experimenting, I found the good treatment in Kroger: Benadene. Redness and itching was gone over the night.

After all the bad experience, I’ve got really concerned for the health of my dogs and did not take them to Banfield after their stitches been removed (and personnel was trying not to give me back my Elizabeth’ Collars, that I purchased).

I did not mentioned here the rudeness of their stuff (seems such a small thing in compares with professional torches.

And I don't know what was going on behind closed doors. I had more than dozen visits, but saw the doctor Freshwater only twice, and never Jana Cragile.

I was paying Wellness plan two more months (last payment 10/10/08), after I quit going to them. Their Billing department got concerned immediately (doctor did not care about my visits, or dogs). They gave me the number of their complaint department. I told them what happened and asked to investigate. Their office manager Amanda called me and said about parvo situation, that she was offering me to make the test, but I refused, because did not want to pay. And that was pure lie: I have met her for the first time, when was taking my puppy back home, after parvo treatment.

The Dr Jana Cargile called, and repeated that even if my puppy would be diagnosed with parvo on the first day, they would not do anything differently, they would not start treatment until it got symptoms.

I was waiting for their complaint department decision (as billing department kept sending me letters, I expected the letter from the complaint department as well). I have never got anything from them. Instead they turned me into collection agency.

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RawhideRocky
Palatine, US
Aug 25, 2010 6:39 am EDT

We have had our GSP hunting dog in the Top Wellness Plan for years.
Last year these Hacks, butchered our dog. Removed a cell mass, and only put in a few stiches.
Leaving their office the dog bleeding would not stop.
Next day they needed to put in staples, as they should have to begin with.
The bleeding still continued, I called they said he can't move or it will still bleed.
Next day the staples began coming out. During these days of recouperation, I had to hold the dog not to move at all just to stop the bleeding.
After the staples came out, the wound would get bigger and bigger every day.
I called daily asking what I needed to do next?
After 5 daily trips to their office, they said now we can only treat it as an open wound.
Now it is 3" by 4" square of open wound. Treat it as an open wound was their only cource of action?
After a week of this, I took him to the Specialist and had a real Vet. DR. redo the operation.
Another $1, 500. to correct their hack job.
Staples were again used to close the wound. This time put in correctly, and they held and healing began. Bleeding was never an issue.

Thinking this was only one bad operation, we stayed in the Wellness Plan.
Yesterday he went in for his update, shots, X-rays the whole deal.
I dropped him off at 7:30 am. Expecting to pick him up after 2:00 pm. as directed.
12:30 they call me, "we can't mussel your dog, can you come in and help?".
I drove right over to find my dog running aound their kennel area.
I asked, What 's the problem? They said he just growels at us, and we can't mussel him.
I put his lead on and took him outside, where he took a pee as soon as he got out the door.
Two more steps and he began pooping. I thought he had all his business taken care of before I dropped him off at 7:30 am. But I guess 4 HOURS in the kennel waiting for treatment was too much time. He has never in 10 years of life ever done his business inside and never in his kennel.
No there was not any emergency treatments going on, they just knew they had all day to their job.

THESE TECHS CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOG THAT NEEDS TO GO OUT, AND AN AGRESSIVE DOG? Where do they get these people?

Our GSP is a lover of all. And has never snapped at anyone.
I went back in to talk to the Vet., and discussed What took so long? And why hadn't treatment started. He said, "I don't know? They said they couldn't put a mussel on him?"
I said, "Why don't you have any system in place to put a mussel on? If that's want you need"
He had nothing to say.
Now I need a new Vet. We only began at Banfield because our family Vet of 15 years with other dogs retired.

Needless to say, NO WELLNESS PROGRAM ever again.

I wish I had read more about these Hacks before we ever began any program.

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Banfield Pet Hospital stay away at all costs

My dog has been going to Banfield since 2005 under their plan. they say preventive care, my dog has had the same problem for awhile nobody can tell me anything every time i go i get meds and pay more money. now my dog can't walk and in order to find out why he can't walk they want more money.for what ? in all these years of preventive care they didn't see the problem before he couldn't walk. Yet they will still go to my account to get their money for their plan. I went to my computer in 10min found the problem for free, But i can't afford to go to another vet. Banfield will take your money and and if you aren't careful kill your pet.

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RawhideRocky
Palatine, US
Aug 25, 2010 6:38 am EDT

We have had our GSP hunting dog in the Top Wellness Plan for years.
Last year these Hacks, butchered our dog. Removed a cell mass, and only put in a few stiches.
Leaving their office the dog bleeding would not stop.
Next day they needed to put in staples, as they should have to begin with.
The bleeding still continued, I called they said he can't move or it will still bleed.
Next day the staples began coming out. During these days of recouperation, I had to hold the dog not to move at all just to stop the bleeding.
After the staples came out, the wound would get bigger and bigger every day.
I called daily asking what I needed to do next?
After 5 daily trips to their office, they said now we can only treat it as an open wound.
Now it is 3" by 4" square of open wound. Treat it as an open wound was their only cource of action?
After a week of this, I took him to the Specialist and had a real Vet. DR. redo the operation.
Another $1, 500. to correct their hack job.
Staples were again used to close the wound. This time put in correctly, and they held and healing began. Bleeding was never an issue.

Thinking this was only one bad operation, we stayed in the Wellness Plan.
Yesterday he went in for his update, shots, X-rays the whole deal.
I dropped him off at 7:30 am. Expecting to pick him up after 2:00 pm. as directed.
12:30 they call me, "we can't mussel your dog, can you come in and help?".
I drove right over to find my dog running aound their kennel area.
I asked, What 's the problem? They said he just growels at us, and we can't mussel him.
I put his lead on and took him outside, where he took a pee as soon as he got out the door.
Two more steps and he began pooping. I thought he had all his business taken care of before I dropped him off at 7:30 am. But I guess 4 HOURS in the kennel waiting for treatment was too much time. He has never in 10 years of life ever done his business inside and never in his kennel.
No there was not any emergency treatments going on, they just knew they had all day to their job.

THESE TECHS CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOG THAT NEEDS TO GO OUT, AND AN AGRESSIVE DOG? Where do they get these people?

Our GSP is a lover of all. And has never snapped at anyone.
I went back in to talk to the Vet., and discussed What took so long? And why hadn't treatment started. He said, "I don't know? They said they couldn't put a mussel on him?"
I said, "Why don't you have any system in place to put a mussel on? If that's want you need"
He had nothing to say.
Now I need a new Vet. We only began at Banfield because our family Vet of 15 years with other dogs retired.

Needless to say, NO WELLNESS PROGRAM ever again.

I wish I had read more about these Hacks before we ever began any program.

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6:13 am EST
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Banfield Pet Hospital be warned

We went to Banfield for a canine emergency while on vacation. After waiting forever even though we were there an hour early and dropped out Harley off and came back 5 minutes before they said the doctor would be available.

After waiting forever we were shocked at the initial estimate for a diagnostic xray and some pain management meds.

We called our own vet at home in Las vegas and found that they were horribly exorbitant. For two exrays, xray setup, xray re-positioning and xray interpretation (all one charge at your normal vet) they wanted $500...

We elected to get some anti-inflammatory meds and a sedative and to wait until we got home.

For a $13 20 count 25 mg Rymadyl they charged $45, the injection was over $40 too...

DO NOT GO TO BANFIELD!

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RawhideRocky
Palatine, US
Aug 25, 2010 9:18 am EDT

We have had our GSP hunting dog in the Top Wellness Plan for years.
Last year these Hacks, butchered our dog. Removed a cell mass, and only put in a few stiches.
Leaving their office the dog bleeding would not stop.
Next day they needed to put in staples, as they should have to begin with.
The bleeding still continued, I called they said he can't move or it will still bleed.
Next day the staples began coming out. During these days of recouperation, I had to hold the dog not to move at all just to stop the bleeding.
After the staples came out, the wound would get bigger and bigger every day.
I called daily asking what I needed to do next?
After 5 daily trips to their office, they said now we can only treat it as an open wound.
Now it is 3" by 4" square of open wound. Treat it as an open wound was their only cource of action?
After a week of this, I took him to the Specialist and had a real Vet. DR. redo the operation.
Another $1, 500. to correct their hack job.
Staples were again used to close the wound. This time put in correctly, and they held and healing began. Bleeding was never an issue.

Thinking this was only one bad operation, we stayed in the Wellness Plan.
Yesterday he went in for his update, shots, X-rays the whole deal.
I dropped him off at 7:30 am. Expecting to pick him up after 2:00 pm. as directed.
12:30 they call me, "we can't mussel your dog, can you come in and help?".
I drove right over to find my dog running aound their kennel area.
I asked, What 's the problem? They said he just growels at us, and we can't mussel him.
I put his lead on and took him outside, where he took a pee as soon as he got out the door.
Two more steps and he began pooping. I thought he had all his business taken care of before I dropped him off at 7:30 am. But I guess 4 HOURS in the kennel waiting for treatment was too much time. He has never in 10 years of life ever done his business inside and never in his kennel.
No there was not any emergency treatments going on, they just knew they had all day to their job.

THESE TECHS CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOG THAT NEEDS TO GO OUT, AND AN AGRESSIVE DOG? Where do they get these people?

Our GSP is a lover of all. And has never snapped at anyone.
I went back in to talk to the Vet., and discussed What took so long? And why hadn't treatment started. He said, "I don't know? They said they couldn't put a mussel on him?"
I said, "Why don't you have any system in place to put a mussel on? If that's want you need"
He had nothing to say.
Now I need a new Vet. We only began at Banfield because our family Vet of 15 years with other dogs retired.

Needless to say, NO WELLNESS PROGRAM ever again.

I wish I had read more about these Hacks before we ever began any program.

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Banfield Pet Hospital banfield pet hospital

On Saturday, the 17th of October, my Cat Jake passed away. I was unable to bury him, and so my boyfriend called your hospital, at 2360 West Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia PA to see if I could bring my cats body in.

Unfortunately I was unable to afford cremation, but we were told over the phone that I could bring the cats body in regardless.

When I arrived, I was alone carrying my beloved cats body in a cardboard box, people staring, and when the receptionist finally got to me, I told her who I was, she was unaware that we had called, and went into the back to speak to someone. I was then told that in fact they would NOT take the body, unless he were to be cremated. I explained the situation to the receptionist, who blamed it on Petsmart, saying that they must have given me the wrong info. I am certain my boyfriend spoke to Banfield, not Petsmart. Nobody apologized or even offered to let me sit down.

I understand that mistakes are made, but that was one of the most horrific experiences in my life. I had to leave with this box, you can imagine the state I was in just losing my cat. There was no compassion, discretion, or dignity in this whatsoever.

I am disgusted- to be honest I only brought Jake to this hospital once and decided to bring him back to his old vet. The atmosphere is bad, the wait is insane, and the vets are no smarter than the technicians.

I am telling everyone I know (and I work for a Pet-Sitting Service) to never use your hospital, as they are horrible.

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Jesmor89
Lacey, US
Jun 01, 2010 11:32 am EDT

I used to be a pet nurse assistant for banfield. And they are a horrible vet clinic. I cant believe how many times i got sick because they couldnt treat the animals right. People that animals dont like should not be in the vet field. I had a kitten that wouldnt eat and they wouldnt even let me know why they just said "we fed her shes fine" then she died in my arms a day later. I officially cant stand banfield.

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LETesar87
Fort Worth, US
Mar 20, 2010 12:40 pm EDT

They probably meant that the pet needed to be cremmated- communally, or privately. And the talking to Petsmart situation actully happens a lot.

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Banfield Pet Hospital banfield lost my cat's ashes

On October 19th, my beloved cat passed away. She had been with me for nearly 16 years. My father had gotten her for me as a teen a couple of years before he passed away. I have gone through so much with my cat. She was my companion. I had taken her to Banfield Pet Hospital in my neighborhood when I realized that she wasn't doing well. She passed on upon arrival. The doctor and nurses asked me if I'd like to have her cremated and I agreed. The doctor on shift said that they would contact me in regards to the cremation. Ofcourse they swiped my credit card for the expense! For almost 3 weeks, I had been trying to find out what had happened with my cat's ashes. One of the doctors finally told me that they screwed up the paper work and the ashes were spread at the crematory! I had bought an urn for her! Everything that's happened has truly broken my heart. Please think twice about placing your animal within their "responsible" hands. This is awful and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through this.

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VetStudent12
Ithaca, US
Oct 15, 2010 12:44 pm EDT
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That is awful and I'm very sorry to hear that, however you should know that it isn't Banfield's fault. The company that they use for their cremations commonly makes mistake (I heard of one not long ago where the animal came back with the owner's name as the one euthanized). They have no control over what happens after the remains are sent.

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LETesar87
Fort Worth, US
Mar 20, 2010 12:23 pm EDT

Did you think that maybe the facility that handled the cremation lost them?

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Banfield Pet Hospital egregious client service care

I brought my 5 year old Pug in just over a month ago for his vaccinations, as well as a few lumps on his belly and rear end that were of concern. I am fairl new to Banfield, and have only taken my other dog (a 15 year old Chow)in for treatment of lupus. I have been working with Dr. Jordan with both of my dogs, and he seems like a knowledgeable and empathetic Dr. He treated my Chow beautifully, as he is living out his golden years quite comfortably. Let me mention that due to my own disables status, finances are very tight right now, but I do the absolute best I can to care for my animals. Anyhow, when I firt brought Yoda in to discuss the lumps, it was determined that he had mast-cell tumors. We discussed possibly treatments that I could budget for, but the nurse did talk me into signing up for the welness plan. Thinking that we could possibly get the tumors taken care of, this wouldn't be a bad idea for overall care. Anyhow, I hadn't yet been able to schedule the removal of his tumors, and my Pug fell quite ill a few days ago. Head tilt, lethargy, etc... I took him in immediately, and the Dr. suspected an inner ear infection. Considering the mast tumors, there's always a possibility of spreading, however - the overall signs at the time didn't indicate that it was tumor related. They sent me home with antibiotics and special calorie dense food to feed him. He would eat, but only by hand and I had to work to get him to drink. The following day, he declined, so I brought him back in. This was yesterday. Dr. Jordan suggested - and I agreed - to go ahead and keep him overnight for IV fluids and antibiotics. We went to visit my dog at 6:30pm last night, and he seemed a bit perkier, but overall lethargic (although he had just come out of anesthesia). I spoke with another Dr. this morning (Dr. Jordan was not in today) to see how me was. At 9:30am, he seemed to be improving, and they expected that I could take him home that afternoon (wanted to watch him for the rest of the day). I didn't hear from them in the afternoon, so I called at 3:00pm to see how he was. I was told by the front desk girl tha he was ready to go and I could come pick him up. My 7 year old son and I were very excited that he was coing know, assuming htat he responded well to the fluids. Upon arrival, we were asked to wait and they'd let the staff in the back know we were there (please bear in mind, at this point, they knew I was there only with only my 7 year old son). Prior to putting me in a room, they had me satisfy my bill. They then put us in a room, where, after waiting nearly 5 minutes, the Dr. came in and told us, with no regard that I had a child with me, that Yoda was not doing well and that he was being kept alive on oxygen. I am trying to hold in tears as to not alarm my son, but was disarmed, not knowing how to proceed with him in the room and I couldn't send him out into the store on his own. The Vet proceeded to tell me that when they took him outside to "go potty", he was still ill-responsive and was very unsteady on his feet. He then notied flickering in his eyes, and was certain, at this indication, that we were dealng with a brain tumor rather than an infeciton (particularly since he didn't respond to the antibiotics). As hard as I tried, I became hysterical along with my son, and had to call a neighbor to come meet me there so she could care for my son while I handled the issue with my dog. My husband was still about 30 minutes out, trying to make it as quickly as he could. My neighbor and son waited outside while my other neighbor sat with me as I held my dog, having him die in my arms. Please know that this complaint is not that I am dissatisfied with the overall care my dog received. Dr. Jordan is a fine Vet. I am absolutely appalled and shocked that they would "prepare" me to tkae my dog home, see that I have a small child in tow upon arrival, put on a perfect poker face to collect my money, and have me enter a room with a little boy expecting to take his dog home to only have the Vet come in and tell us he's dying. Had I been given any indication that the vet "needed to discuss somethng with me", I would have left my son with family or friends. By the time my husband arrived, our dog had already moved on. He was livid that my son was present, and let the staff know his feelings. Losing a pet is part of loving them, and I understand that, but the extra trauma put upon me to have my son learn the news in a way I would have never exposed him to amplifies my grief. Plus, I am now reading stories with the understanding that Banfield will continue to charge me the $40 a month for a wellness plan for an animal that no longer exists. This is only my first effort of putting my complaints into print. Banfield is next. I know that they cannot bring my dog back, but I, at minimum, want an explanation and an appropriate apology about their process.

The only economical damage was the $500 spent to treat him, however, that is to be expected. I don't blame them for attempting the treatment for an inner ear infection. I am on disability myself, and our household funds are not such where we have an extra $500 to handle these situations, but we made it work for our dog. Where I am heartsick is that I will continue paying $40 a month for a dog that cannot use the"welness plan". I can't even transfer it to my other dog. There was no physical damage, but there was a level of emotional damamge put upon my son. He understands death, however, he should have heard it from me, elsewhere, in a way that a mother explains it. He is now frightened of the Vet office, and, in turn, since it is located in our local Petsmart store, he will no longer go in there. The way they handled this was traumatic and will leave a long term, negative lasting effect on him.

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insideman
, US
Dec 23, 2009 2:32 am EST
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Or you could try reading the contract before you sign it. Its all there, quite explicitly: non transferrable (pet or owner), minimum terms of a one year length, and charges for early termination. Instead of whining to a lawyer or the BBB, man-up and accept the fact that you put an ill dog--a dog that the vet you say you trusted suspected of having mast cell tumors--on a WELLNESS plan (emphasis on the 'well' as in: my pet is well and healthy). You messed up. Next time you sign a contract, read it. And if you want all your bills covered, get an insurance plan, not a wellness plan (I suggest allstate, ASPCA, or my personal favorite, Pet Plan--they cover everything).

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GSDfan
Manteca, US
Nov 26, 2009 8:52 am EST

I am sorry for you loss, my thoughts are with your family. Unfortunately the low cost of Banfield only affords some of the most unexperianced employees. The front office's Job is to tender money, tag dogs that come in, sell you wellness plans and make appointments . If you call, you speak to one of these CSMs and not the Techs or Vet unless you specifically ask, and will get a call back. These front office people are told not to give any extra information out, no advice, no technical updates- as its a liability. You may have a claim. I worked for the Petsmart Vet before they turned into Banfield doing this very job, as a fresh 18 year old high school student .
As for the continued payment for the wellness plan - possibly rescue a new pet and put it on that plan - or refuse to pay it and get an SPCA wellness plan - or AKC wellness plan or whatever - Let it go to collections and fight it all the way. Find out if you can get out of any early termination fee's by crying wolf - Contact BBB - and look up California Rights for Early termination if they do not do there end - ie perform service.

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Banfield Pet Hospital neglect and falsifying records to cover there but

I found a cat in my yard that was skin and bones. My roommate and I brought the cat to banfield to help it survive. I first had it tested to make sure it didn't have aids or leukemia/ he was fine. I wanted the cat hydrated so I could get him on the road to recovery. The vet seemed to be in a hurry and didn't want to do it and kept blowing the subject off. She had more concern with ear mites and fleas. I did ;et her know I have the stuff to take care of it. I told her I just need the cat hydrated. I told her if you don't have time to do the hydration I know how to do it. All I need is the bad I have the needles. I was told that to instead have a thyraid test done but they don't have time to do it today because they closed. So we were shown the door. The next morning the cat died of dehydration. I brought the cat to the animal hosital. They could not believe that banfield would not hydrate the cat. I called banfield to let them know. I was asked "what did I expect them to do about it.!" I went to banfield to talk to the doctor. While I was there I found that the records were altered. I had only refuse to have the fleas and ear mites taken care of. Someone in their office put in their file, we refused a fecal test (Which was never offered) refused hydration (Which we never refuse and we wanted). These statments were not true!

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metwo
Seaside, US
Nov 02, 2009 3:16 am EST

that is negligence, total lack of compassion and crooked. So sorry about the cat.

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Banfield Pet Hospital killed our cat

We took are 3 year old tabby cat in to Banfield #0246 hospital for testing. Banfield conveyed to us that our cat was diabetic and Banfield missed diagnosis our cat as he did have anemia-extremely low blood platelets. Banfield did not feel that the low blood platelets were an issue or even critical for our cat. We had our normal vet review the testing that Banfield had done and that is where we found out that it was anemia not diabetes that killed our cat less than 12 hours later that very same day we took our cat to Banfield. Our regular vet confirmed that anemia is treatable and that our cat could of recovered. No thanks to Banfield as they obviously overlooked a critical situation and now we have lost our beloved Goddard. Do not under any circumstances take your pet to Banfield. There needs to be justice done.

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Brennan14
, US
Jan 05, 2010 7:41 pm EST

Yep, Banfield over perscribed my dog and he died last month..He was my best friend and it was not his time to go. I'll never get my brain around the fact that he's gone forever...It doesn't make sense.

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Banfield Pet Hospital wellness plan scam

Vet sold me the Banfield Wellness Plan to defray the costs of a biopsy of a mass on cat's chest so I paid for one year in advance. When cat was taken in for biopsy I was called later in the morning and informed that mass had mysteriously disappeared but they went ahead and put the cat under and cleaned his teeth anyway. I was a little put out about spending the extra money due a misdiagnosis but I accepted it.

I recently took my cat in for a routine exam covered under the Wellness Plan. The receptionist said " it must be cat day as they are all here". She asked if I wanted his nails cut and I said no as I didn't want him to be put under. She took my cat back and returned saying that he was growling and hissing ( never seen him do that before?).

When I returned home I received a call from the receptionist stating that the vet refused to examine him unless he was put under anesthesia. I said no way as this cat has been examined by other vets and this was never required. I have also read the research regarding the detrimental affects of anesthesia on cats.

This situation reeks of bill padding or just reluctance to deal with cats or use the heavy leather bird gloves some vets use. I should have been suspicious when I heard it was "oh no! cat day" at Banfield.

When I picked up my cat I asked to speak with the vet but was told "they were too busy". I then asked for a telephone call back but I never received it. I'm upset as I've paid all this money and can't even get the Wellness Plan exams. I've emailed corporate but doubt I'll hear back.

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QuitJudging
, US
Apr 19, 2011 11:05 pm EDT

I think using those big gloves would scare/stress your cat even more. When you bring your pets to the vet they stress out and do not act themselves, because they are in an unfamiliar environment.

They were probably asking to SEDATE your cat so that they can perform the physical exam safely for both the cat and the people working with your cat. Safety first!

About anesthesia...I think anesthesia is great! I wouldn't want to be awake during surgery!

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sunshine53
Irmo, US
Mar 08, 2011 1:04 pm EST

I too have a cat and it is the third cat that I have insured with Banfield's wellness plan. They have always been super nice to me, to my pets, and I have never felt "taken" by the organization. They have even tried to save me money by suggesting cheaper treatments or combinations of things that I am requesting to cut down on individual costs. Cats do not need to be "put under" to have nails trimmed. I trim my cat's nails myself. It sounds to me like you either have a very difficult cat or are not really aware of the needs of cats.

Personally, I have had cats that are just run of the mill "mutt" cats and they seem to need a lot of veterinary care. Now I purchase full breed cats whose personalities and grooming needs fit my lifestyle. I pay more upfront for the cat, a lot more, but I pay very little in veterinary costs. I guess you get what you pay for.

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Banfield Pet Hospital what hapens behind closed exam doors

Want to keep your pets healthy and alive do not take them to Banfield. Ever wonder what really happens behind closed doors. I'll tell you... They train minors to hold your pets. They lay their entire weight on a 4 lb dog. They throw them into the kennel to shut them up. They text instead of watching the pets health while in surgery. They doctors answer their cell phones in middle of the surgery. The nurses draw up medications and forget which pet they have to give it to. The hospital is always filthy. The wait takes forever because they fight over who should go in while the other rest. The reasonable doctors only go in if you show that you have money. The doctor is only nice if you say ok to their million dollar estimate. They send the manager in to convince you to pay the high estimate if you don't they refuse help. Wellness plan they tell you its the best because its their bonus, get VIP its better than falling for their scams. Take it from me I know what really happens there my friend works there she has showed me pictures of the horror that happens there. Ever wonder what they do go to you tube and look up banfield war heads trust me what you'll see is not pretty they take the time to make videos rather then help your pets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ8Zh_1VSLM

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slynn1
Orange, US
Jul 31, 2013 5:45 am EDT
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Look at all the complaints about Bainsfield! I was not impressed when I took my sick cat there. It is all about money. Most independent vets prices are much better than a corporate owned store.

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Tommy's MOm
Jersey City, US
Mar 19, 2010 12:04 pm EDT

The guys over at Banfield Secaucus are great. Is the wait sometimes long..yes. But they have shown nothing but kindness and love to my dog. My dog PULLS/RUNS to the back of the store to get to Banfield, where he is greeted with love and kindness. You really have to see for yourself.

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PlacidVision23
Kearny, US
Feb 12, 2010 11:22 pm EST

This post was obviously posted by someone who is disgruntled with Banfield, and not an actual friend of an employee. I truely believe that this entire post is rubbish. My dog has been going to this Banfield for over a year now, and I have seen how the staff treats him. I have seen through the doors, looking in through holes in the paper. I see the staff talking kindly and cuddling him. I have seen them even kiss him! They are always working very hard when I am there. (Once or twice I have seen a person on their phone, or seen people playing around, but no worse than at my own office.) The doctors are always respectful of my budget, and I always get an estimate for treatment before paying. I cannot imagine this kind staff throwing dogs around, or not monitoring my pet during surgery. As for that video on youtube... it appears that there are no pets in the hospital. Maybe it was after closing? No pets are being harmed or neglected in this video, so I don't see anything wrong with it. I can't even begin to imagine which person "is your friend" that would show you pictures of "the horror" at Banfield. None of the staff members I know would do something like that. Do not judge ANY place of busniess because of what you read on the internet. GO IN. See for yourself. I love going to the Secaucus Banfield, and I will continue to. This idiot poster needs to get a life.

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keithoo
Hoboken, US
Dec 03, 2009 8:06 pm EST

I agree, thanks you guys over there are great. and do a great Job on my weimaraner I like visiting there, although my dog Bella hates to visit, but if they gave you a hysterectomy without out her expecting it.

And for the [censored] who said " doctor is only nice if you say ok to their million dollar estimate"
Maybe you should not of gotten a dog if you could not affored the price of a dog. Have you ever been to another vet? Banfields prices are very good, and give you a detailed report BEFORE you get charged of what it will cost. Sounds lile you should of gotten a hamster on your budget. LOL

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dog mom
, US
Dec 01, 2009 3:29 pm EST

Hear, Hear, I cannot agree more. Banfield is a extremely poor excuse for an animal hospital. They absolutely ruined my dog from ever letting a vet touch him again. They sat on him to clip his nails and basically traumatized him to no end. DO NOT ever take your animal to a Banfield.

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rachel614
Alexandria, US
Nov 21, 2009 10:28 pm EST

First off, the Banfield that i work out does not allow cell phones out or on the person. It must be put away in a jacket or purse. pet nurse assistants hold pets, not minors. you have to be 18 years of age or older to work there. even to clean cages or pick up trash or clean the floors, you must be 18. also, they put the little dogs on the table. the table is atleast 3 1/2 feet high. therefore, there is no way they could lay on the little 4 lb dog that's on the table. they don't throw pets anywhere. they have to put them in kennels, because what else would they do? let the 20-40 dogs and cats run around the hospital. if they can't have phones out, then there is no way anyone is on their cell phone while in surgery. If a nurse draws up vaccines or medicines for a pet and forgets which one to give it to, then he/she should be fired. if you don't have money, then maybe you shouldn't have a pet. If your friend is so negatively wrong, then they must be a pet nurse assistant earning $8 an hour and cleaning up ### all day every day. also, there are no pets in the kennels or drs around while those kids are having fun giggling and eating warheads, so it must be after hours. maybe you should pay attention to what's going on in the background before you open your mouth and think you can make incorrect comments.

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Banfield Pet Hospital overcharges and bad service

I have 2 dogs. The first dog is a 7yr old female Rott that has a tumor growing on her abdomen. Our local animal hospital is very expensive so I drove her over an hour to a different animal hospital that I heard had reasonable prices. They gave her a general exam, a biopsy of the tumor, and a stool sample for only $87.00. I was amazed at how reasonable their prices were and how well the vet handled her. On top of that the facility was clean, organized and filled with friendly staffers. We didn't have an appointment and only waited about 15 minutes to be seen. Overall a very satisfying and professional experience.

We had a much different experience at Banfield with our other dog. He is a rescue we adopted recently. He is a 1.5 year old terrier/hound mix. He is still a puppy in behavior since he was at the shelter for a very long time. He likes to hold your arm in his mouth but he does not bite. He is very energetic but has already passed one obedience class. The shelter required us to take him for a wellness exam within 5 days of adoption to ensure we were getting a healthy dog and gave us a coupon for $30 off at Banfield, the exam is only $35 so we thought why not try them. He was also due for his heartworm test. Our bill ended up being $127 before the coupon and there was a $5 medical waste disposal fee that I was not informed about ahead of time. My first complaint we arrived early and still waited until 35 minutes past our appointment time to be taken. The assistants did everything (including trying to sell us their pet insurance) and took the dog back to the vet when it was time for the blood test. The worst part is the vet came out to complain that our dog didn't cooperate with the blood test. He went on and on about how difficult he was and that he was biting. The whole time he was complaining the dog sat dutifully (as trained) by my husband's side.

I am the daughter of a professional dog trainer so I have been around dogs and vets my entire life and I have never met a vet who doesn't come into the room to meet with the clients. I have never seen a vet who didn't have a natural ability with animals. Most vets are capable of calming a dog or as a last resort use a muzzle to handle a difficult dog. I felt that not only did the vet fail in his ability to calmly handle the dog, he was extremely unprofessional projecting his inability to handle an energetic puppy as a slur against the dog. And on top of all that we were overcharged for the priveledge. I will never go to or recommend Banfield to anyone. I will drive over an hour to the other animal clinic because the experience was clearly superior to any treatment I could ever recieve at Banfield. If you love and cherish your pet steer clear of Banfield.

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jon claude
New York, US
Aug 29, 2010 9:50 pm EDT

maybe you should try a different banfield where there is a different doctor... it seems like you only had a bad experiance because of the doctor. if you are willing to drive over an hour to see another vet, then you should try another banfield at a different location.

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Banfield Pet Hospital threats to pets and bad business practices

Introduction

Banfield the pet hospital
5956 stetson hills blvd
Colorado springs, co 80923
Fax: [protected]
[protected]
This place, banfield pet hospital, is a con game aimed at taking your money by playing on your love for your pet and your fear of not providing proper care when your pet is ill. The staff and vets seem sympathetic and caring but when it comes down to your making a decision as the animal's owner and responsible party they all work systematically to try to make you feel cruel, vicious, neglectful, and even dangerous to your pet. The truth is that they are dangerous to the truth, your pocketbook, and your pet.

Basically what they do is make up a figure, then charge you a "deposit", then keep you from knowing what is going on, try to scare the hell out of you, and then defy your instructions about the care of your pet to run the fee up to what they "estimated" as the cost.in the end it is all double talk and smoke-and-mirrors. And a huge bill even after you tell them to cease.

And fraud. As is shown later the "estimate" that was compiled was compiled by a vet who did not know anything about ivermectin, ivermectin poisoning, and interventions. I know this because, as shown below, she had to look it up in front of me and read it aloud (She later referred to that as "the research we did earlier" — we? I saw you trying to figure out what the compound was - I already knew).

Keep in mind that this was a poisoning and the staff did not even think to tell me to bring the tube when I left the house with april. Huh? For this I got charged over five hundred dollars?

She had no idea what it was or how much was ingested so rather than call a vet with experience (I. E. An equine vet) she drew a circle on the page and asked "was it about this big around?".

Very scientific there doc.

As for poisoning I have a merck's manual at home. Along with several other publications. What I needed was a diuretic and a check for any other neurological damage and no tests were run for damage and she admitted that she knew nothing about the drug. I had to call the feed store to get details because she would not call a large-animal vet to even ask. I had to write the information on my pet's intake sheet (It is still there) to give to her. Again, I paid for what?

When trickery and fraud do not work then they outright hold your pet hostage until you are forced to sign a false release form stating that your pet is in "critical condition" and that you are running the risk of killing your pet if you remove it from their care. The vet flatly stated that my dog was not in critical care (See below — she is doing great and was at 5 p. M. That day) but that I could not have aril back unless I signed the release. A little later she was brought out, fully sighted, happy, and jumping all over — all in front of the staff — so much for "critical". What liars.

My option was, I suppose, to leave april there when I didn't pay. Or cause a scene and get arrested.

I am happy to fax you a copy of the release form so you can see for yourself.

The sequence

My dalmatian, best friend of ten years, recently ingested some ivermectin which caused her to have neurological problems a few hours later and dilation of her pupils so her visual acuity was greatly reduced. She and I are inseparable so I was in search of a facility that could help her. I called some local veterinarians but they were not available until an hour later (8 a. M.) so I called this place on a referral from a local vet clinic's morning staff. Banfield (Kim speaking) would not give me any idea over the phone what it might cost nor could the technician I spoke with, but I was urged to get there "quickly". They refused to tell me what their standard charges are, or what a visit might cost. I should have been on notice at that point but the "fear game" had begun and they held the cards like pros at vegas.

When I got there the veterinarian ("dr." michelle coeful pronounced "so full" as in "so full" of trickery I think), was not familiar with ivermectin or any poisoning by it and had to look it up while trying to estimate what dose might have been ingested.

I picked up the phone and called the feed store where I bought the ivermectin and bob at the feed store (They are great and I will tell you who they are if you contact me) read the information from the label — they sell it — thank you bob — then the doc tried to do some "math" to see how much had been ingested. That "calculation" was never completed.

Instead they took the dog into the back and then refused to allow me to remain or assist — my dog is deaf and at that point temporarily blind so she was very confused and frightened — and I opened the door and they had her pinned to the floor with two males on top of her. I would like to know which one of the # pulled her ears so hard that she cannot even tolerate being touched on her ears. I will gladly do the same for him or her in return.

I should have called someone i. E. Police or humane society and taken the dog but with a poisoning looming I was passive which I now regret.

About 3/4 hours later the vet appeared with a statement showing $62.00 and she indicated that they were prepared to give my dog diuretics and watch her. I was also given an estimate of $700 to $900 if she remained for one or two days respectively. She also had a printout of lab results which showed that no liver damage had occurred, no blood changes had occurred, no dangerous conditions existed, red blood counts were normal, and the only thing of concern was what she described as "mild dehydration". This was not surprising since the dog had been without water since the night before. At that point the bill was $62.00. Since everything was normal it should have ended at that point and an honest facility would have done that. Note the word "honest".

I was told to check in a few hours later to see how she (The dog not the vet) was doing and I told them then that I planned to take her home that day and as soon as possible. I explained this to the staff member (Kim) and the vet.

My primary concern was her sight since the literature stated that death was not common and there had been only some 660 poisonings in the us that year and that blindness usually occurred in high overdoses which this was not, so I tried to check on her sight and got evasive answers — this was at approximately one in the afternoon. I was told that she "has really improved and is doing nicely" which implied that her sight was improving.in fact, I was told that she was doing "really well" and that they were "really pleased", "surprised" with the change (Really?) so I informed them that I would pick my dog up in an hour. They were told not to continue any more treatment since I would have her at home.

The vet tried to talk me out of it and asked for "three or four more hours" for "observation". I told them that the treatment should stop since she was improving and I was concerned about the length of the stay and continued treatments before I got there. I was not told that they planned to initiate additional treatment without my consent so that they could try to force me to leave the poor dog there for several additional hours or even overnight.

What they were doing is running up the costs to match the deposit I had placed, which they did within $50.00 which they "refunded" to me at 5 p. M.

Three hours later I called them to tell that I was on my way and I was told by "kim" that I could not pick up my own dog until after 8 p. M. At the earliest. I told her that this was not acceptable, that I left instructions for my dog's care, and that I would be there before 5 (In about 30 minutes) to pick her up.

Jumping ahead — when I finally got april released as I will describe following — she was happy, acting normally, and ready to go. No tremors, no eye sensitivity, and was guess what thirsty for water. She drank a quart (Measured) when she got home and immediately peed (Poor thing) so why did she have an iv after iv all day and a catheter? But I digress.

One thing that concerns me is the fact that this dog is active compared to there dogs her age and the idea of her staying still that long without sedation (None show on the bill) is incredible so one concern is that I was charged for iv's which were not proved, especially in light of her drinking a quart or water when we got home (Ten miles away). The whole claim, since she was over the problems and they had to have one to keep my pet hostage, was "dehydration" and the need to use iv's to solve that. Instead I gave her a free drink from the tap in a bowl in the kitchen. Also, why did she have to endure a catheter which did no good as evidenced by the fact that she did not produce any urine from the iv which was supposed to avoid dehydration but peed when she drank a quart of water from a bowl? The answer is that the treatments were unnecessary and a waste of time, money, and simply put the poor dog through unnecessary suffering to pad their pockets.

And she ate a normal meal at home. Soaked in water of course.

April had fecal contamination on her, urine on her fur, and her face and muzzle were black with the charcoal that she was dosed with — so for over five hundred dollars she didn't even get cleaned up or wiped off.

She has been resting comfortably since she got out of there. None of the nonsense that I was threatened with or intimidated with occurred ("seizures, convulsions, and death, oh my!" — apologies to the cowardly lion)

I was not even shown or told what her urinary output was even though I was charged an arm and a leg for the "catheter" even though anatomically she showed no sign of having been catheterized, and I was given no discharge summary for five hundred dollars.

I was given no instructions and was only told "you know she might have seizures after you get her home so you are really taking a big risk by taking her home". It was at that time that I was told to either sign the false release form making me look like a danger to my own pet and a bad person or else she would "not be released". The veterinarian herself told me that, not a minion.

The dog was not in crisis, was not critical, and the whole episode at that point was shameful and should be stopped. I am contacting the state on that issue alone. To force a pet owner to sign a false statement in which the pet owner is made to look like a ghoul or monster is unspeakable and unacceptable. I am taking steps to end that to include requesting that all de-briefings be taped to prevent such business fraud and intimidation from occurring.

Funny thing is she was fully sighted (their confession) by a little after one in the afternoon — a mere hour and a half or so after she was admitted. Instead of telling me that at that time when I asked they lied — yes the "l" word — and kept her improved condition couched in general terms making it appear that more intervention was needed.

Again remember that they had over $570.00 in "deposit" and had to work theatrics to make that sum disappear. They came within $50.00 even though I told them to cease and desist. Pretty vegas act in some ways. David copperfield would be impressed.

Remember that even with debit cards (used here to avoid being thrown out or arrested for challenging the bill) have a challenge procedure and that is being invoked here. I have informed my bank to deny the charge and leave the settlement to me.

Summary

The final message is do not use this facility or that veterinarian. It is a systematic scheme of theft and manipulation based your love for your pet and their preying upon that to pay their mortgages. I am eating raman noodles and dollar burgers while they charge me a week's pay for lying and preying upon my instincts to protect my best friend.

Shame on them and everyone like them and I am not finished yet.

There is more but the point for now is made.

Please contact me. Thank you.

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Banfield Pet Hospital poor service and unneccessary charges

After I found a tick on my dog's upper lip I took the tick off and immediately took him to Banfield. The vet briefly examined him and said he is ok. I went straight home and after I arrived and found yet another tick on his eyelid. Also the head of the tick was still in his upper lip.

Our second visit yielded another lackluster exam but with more fees due to medicine. I have the Banfield plan and honestly can say I ended up spending more not only monthly fees but whatever miscellaneous fees they decide to tack on.

I do not feel I am getting quality pet car service for my $. I might as well cancel my plan, pay the termination fee and take my dog to a private vet. This is not the first time I received negligent care at Banfield so I tried to stay loyal and try out another location. But the vet service is even worse at this one. I will not recommend them to anyone who wants a healthy pet.

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xiahko
, US
Dec 04, 2013 10:53 pm EST

They killed my friends puppy, told her she was 100% healthy. She died 4 days later from parvo. then they almost killed her other one from their negligence of medicine. All they cared about was unselling their stupid pet insurance. They are horrible. Never take your pet there, .

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rachel614
Alexandria, US
Nov 21, 2009 10:31 pm EST

of course there is going to be misc fees. the plan doesn't pay for everything. it's not insurance, it's preventative care. it pays for the stuff to keep him healthy. plus, because of the plan, there is no office visit fee plus there is additional discounts on what's not covered. it you can't afford a pet, don't have one.

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Banfield Pet Hospital more care of pet

On Sunday, August 23, my two dogs got in a fight.
I noticed on Tuesday, August 25, that the one dog's face on the right side was beginning to swell. I decided to keep an eye on it and take her to a vet on Wednesday if it was still swelling.

On Wed her face did look worse, but my husband had chest pains and I took him to the ER, he was admitted to the hospital and ended up in ICU.

On Thursday morning I called my daughter and grandson and asked them to find a vet and take my dog Sasha because her face was really swollen by now. My grandson googled the closest vet and found Banfield (7th Ave and Bell Road in Phoenix AZ). Since they are affiliated in the Petsmart store, I had confidence that this was a good place for them to take her.

When they arrived and the exam was completed, it was decided that she needed to have surgery. The cost was given of approx $1200 and I agreed to this - since my husband was in ICU, I could not put his dog to sleep at this time. Surgery was done, a drain tube placed in her cheek, oral and ear drop antibiotics were given. (She has been given her meds every 12 hours since the surgery).

On Monday, August 31, my daughter took her back to Banfield as requested by the Vet. She was examined and the drain tube was removed.

On September 10 I noticed that her face was starting to swell again. I called Banfield and was told that in order to have her checked again I would have to pay another exam visit. I questioned this since if the decision to remove the drain tube too soon was made, then I should not have to pay for that mistake. Christy put me on hold, came back and said she had talked to the Vet - and that there was nothing they could do - if I wanted her checked again I would have to pay for the visit. I told her I was very unhappy and that if I was going to pay someone a 2nd time to care for my dog after this botched procedure by their Vet - it would not be them.

This is the WORST vet attitude I have ever encountered. I am so sorry I took my pet to this location. I will do everything within my power to make sure others are aware of this treatment. I will share my BAD experience at every opportunity. I do not have another $1, 000 to take care of my pet and if another surgery is now required, then my pet will probably die.

Banfield doesn’t care – and Petsmart probably doesn’t either – but at least others are being made aware of this situation

Banfield Pet Hospital
Inside Petsmart
17035 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85023
[protected]

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Melissa B
Phoenix, US
Feb 22, 2010 11:50 pm EST

Feb 2010
I agree. I took my pet to this location after my dog suffered from a toenail injury and found that I was charged for services that were not provided. In addition the office double booked appointments and took several walk-ins during our scheduled time. I left my pet For an hour and 1/2 thinking it would be more convient for them to treat him. The vet failed to mention that I would be charged for their time mismanagement. I inquired about the charges and the office manager informed me that the vet had no intention of the removing the charges and that it was no use to try and contact the corporate office because all issues are directed back to them.

In the end I though it was a small price to pay for the knowledge that they will never receive my business again.

That is no longer satisfactory. Over the next two days I noticed my dog was lethargic and would not eat, drink or got outside. I decided to remove the bandage that was placed on his leg. Shock and horror filled me. They NEVER Shaved his leg. Tape which should of never have been used was all over his leg. It was unbelievable. There is absolutely no medical reason that a piece of tape should be placed vertically from his foot to his elbow. His foot and leg was then covered with gauze and sports tape (commonly used by vets). For stupid measures they placed tape all the way around the top of his leg. I had no idea that his hair was being ripped out with every step. I was shocked by the inhumane carelessness. The pain my dog suffered from this mistake is heart breaking to our family.

Banfield Pet Hospital In-depth Review

Location and Accessibility:

Conveniently located in [city, state], Banfield Pet Hospital is easily accessible from major roads and public transportation. Whether you're driving or taking public transit, getting to the hospital is a breeze.

Services Offered:

Banfield Pet Hospital offers comprehensive veterinary care for pets. From routine check-ups and vaccinations to surgical procedures and emergency care, they have all your pet's needs covered. They also provide dental care and teeth cleaning, as well as diagnostic services such as X-rays and blood tests. Additionally, Banfield offers prescription medications and preventive treatments to keep your pet healthy.

Staff Expertise and Qualifications:

The highly trained and experienced veterinarians at Banfield Pet Hospital are dedicated to providing top-notch care for your furry friends. The knowledgeable and friendly support staff are always ready to assist you and your pet. Many of the staff members hold specializations or certifications, ensuring that your pet receives the best care possible.

Facilities and Equipment:

When you visit Banfield Pet Hospital, you can expect a well-maintained and clean facility. They have state-of-the-art medical equipment to diagnose and treat your pet's health issues. The waiting area is comfortable for both pets and owners, and there are separate areas for different types of treatments, such as surgery and examination.

Appointment Process:

Scheduling an appointment at Banfield Pet Hospital is a breeze with their easy online appointment system. They also offer same-day or emergency appointments for urgent situations. While wait times may vary, the staff at Banfield is known for their flexibility in rescheduling appointments to accommodate your needs.

Pricing and Insurance:

Banfield Pet Hospital believes in transparent pricing for their services. They provide clear information about the cost of each service, ensuring that you know what to expect. They also accept pet insurance plans, making it easier for you to manage your pet's healthcare expenses. Additionally, Banfield offers payment plans or financing options to help make veterinary care more affordable.

Customer Service and Communication:

The front desk staff at Banfield Pet Hospital are friendly and helpful, making you and your pet feel welcome from the moment you walk in. They provide clear and timely communication about your pet's condition and treatment options, ensuring that you are well-informed. The staff is always willing to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Client Reviews and Testimonials:

Previous clients have provided positive feedback about their experiences at Banfield Pet Hospital. Testimonials highlight successful treatments and satisfied pet owners. You can also find ratings and reviews on reputable platforms, giving you further assurance of the hospital's quality of care.

Community Involvement and Outreach:

Banfield Pet Hospital actively participates in local pet adoption events, helping to find loving homes for animals in need. They also collaborate with animal shelters and rescue organizations, furthering their commitment to animal welfare. Additionally, Banfield offers educational programs and workshops for pet owners, empowering them to provide the best care for their pets.

Overall Experience and Recommendation:

Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend Banfield Pet Hospital. The services provided are comprehensive, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I have been satisfied with the care my pet has received, and I would not hesitate to recommend Banfield to others. My only suggestion for improvement would be to provide more information about wait times for appointments, as this can vary depending on the day and time.

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Banfield Pet Hospital contacts

Phone numbers

+1 (866) 894-7927 +1 (877) 500-2288 More phone numbers

Website

www.banfield.com

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