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Banfield Pet Hospital review: ruin my perfect credit history! 66

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12:00 am EDT
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I had been a Wellness Plan client at Banfield Pet Hospital in Oxnard, CA for over two years when I decided to cancel the plan. I was told to come into the Banfield to pay the last two months and that vaccinations were due for my dog at which time I could cancel the plan. I paid the last months fee and was told that my plan was canceled. Two months later I was contacted by Banfield Oxnard and told that my account was two months late in payment. I discussed this with the manager who said that since I had the vaccinations I was now obligated to pay the cost of the vaccination (a ridiculous fee over $300) or pay for the plan for another year at $20 a month. I asked for this to be put in writing this time because this was not what I was told when they canceled the plan two months prior. The manager said she would not put anything in writing and summoned me to her office to make the payment immediately or she would send my account to collections. I was appalled at the treatment and extortion especially after being a good paying customer for years. Now I'm left with submitting to their extortion or they will attempt to ruin my perfect credit history.

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66 comments
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Dovens
Herndon, US
Nov 20, 2023 12:01 am EST

We have tried to discontinue the wellness plan because our passed away. And they told us Too Bad pay up anyway. What rude reps. His name is Matthew. They should fire him. Our pet was 12 years old and we have been with Banfield since he was 7 weeks old paying every month $67.85 for his care.

Help!

Cynthia and Mathew Dovens Herndon Va

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Melanie Taylor
, US
Oct 22, 2023 9:22 pm EDT

I was charged $555.00 by the Banfield Corporation for an extra year of the Wellness Program which I paid, under protest, so that they would not infiltrate my credit score. I wanted only to get my medications from Chewy, but continue to use Banfield’s services. The CEO was rude and unrelenting when I spoke with him!

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Minaz Virani
, US
Aug 09, 2023 8:57 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My dog was attacked by pitbull in front of me while in veterinary care.

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Jordan McLane
, US
Apr 06, 2023 3:29 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I took my puppy to the vet in 2020 and was not informed that the monthly wellness program was a recurring charge! The lady who signed me up said "no big deal get the discount and cancel it later today!" IN which I did it right after my dogs shots. SHE never told me that it would still haunt me 3 years later! Now I have a delinquent account on my credit from BANFIELD!

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jhiscock
Chandler, US
Mar 11, 2023 8:35 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I cannot afford to bring my pet into the vet and yet, I am still charged monthly for services not rendered. I can barely afford gas, food, and shelter for myself and children, and yet, I am still obligated to pay $50 per month for services I will not use. Do not sign on the dotted line. IT IS NOT WORTH IT!

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598
conyers, US
Dec 14, 2022 2:29 pm EST

you always get my id and password wrong, and i can never, ever set up an appt via the app or the website, can you fire whoever is in charge of it now

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BBFlorida
, US
Aug 14, 2019 9:54 am EDT

She was rough with animals and had a snotty attitude. Will never go again. Beware.

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Mr.Sneaky
, US
Nov 05, 2018 4:50 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They punctured my cat's eardrum, after I made it very clear that I didn't want them to clean his ears for this very reason. They had previous owners complaining about that issue on Yelp.

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Ogden Buck
, US
Oct 22, 2018 8:01 pm EDT

I just simply want the vet that prescribed the medicine that took my boy away from me fired and License revoked and for banfield to get me another puppy I feel so lost without my boy my house isn't the same with out him I just want my boy back

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Gidget Quigley
, US
Aug 21, 2018 3:52 am EDT

My one yr old dog was vaccinated without consent with Bordatella nasally when she was at lowest risk of contracting kennel cough. She had severe reaction and had to be hospitalized at an emergency hospital after they said nothing wrong. This now appears to be a life long problem of congestion /breathing issues. This is malpractice that caused harm

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Catloverwv
Savannah, US
Nov 17, 2014 2:12 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I strongly encourage people NOT to take their pets to the Banfield Pet Practice on Victory Drive in savannah. The vet is totally incompetent and is only interested in charging for as many services as possible. I took my elderly cat in for symptoms of a recurring urinary tract infection. After 2 visits and over $500, there was no diagnosis and my car was seriously ill. Dr Wallani did a physical exam, including a rectal and list on office form that all was normal. When my cat could no longer have a bowel movement, she gave her an enema. The next day I got her in to our regular vet. In less than 5 minutes, he found a badly abscessed anal gland. Dr Wallani didn't see this less than 24 hours earlier! She also tried to "sell" me that my cat had liver issues and started discussing ultra sounds, medications, etc. she has no liver issues!
Banfield is totally incompetent and horribly over-priced. The vet should be delivering pizzas! Please tell everyone you can to avoid the place for the sake of their pets.

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jenniebird7
Bellevue, US
May 21, 2012 4:19 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The Banfield Wellness Plans are a year-long contract. If you don't want that then don't sign up! However, if you actually use the plan for all of the services that it offers (these are clearly listed out in the brochure) then you do save money. You get a 10% discount on additional medications that your pet may need over time, and don't have to keep paying an office visit charge each time you come in. The wellness plan gets pets seen by a veterinarian at least twice a year which benefits the pet in the long run. Ear and skin infections are caught early and treated BEFORE they become a major, costly problem. Urinary tract infections are caught from yearly urinalyses. Vaccines are kept up-to-date. Anal glands get expressed before the dog starts scooting on your carpet. Nails get trimmed before they get too long and tear at the base, becoming a painful bleeding mess. In my years of experience Banfield is doing a great job at practicing PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE.

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johnmur
Knoxville, US
Nov 08, 2010 9:00 pm EST

The Wellness Plans cannot ruin your credit. If someone said it will if you do not pay, they were just trying to scare you. If you said that your credit was ruined because of a Wellness Plan, well, then you are lying.

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4thepeople
Conyers, US
Aug 27, 2010 10:57 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I spent over $500.00 to try and save my pets life with these crooks. They had me go to walmart to buy meds that they should have had on hand. Then they broke the bottle of insulin and kept saying they could not get my pets glucose levels down. Well I guess not because you broke the bottle and did not replace it and kept giving him IV solution for nothing but to line thier pockets with my money. I took him to a real vet Monday and he saved my dog without IV's but only used the insulin "R" THAT WAS NEEDED TO BRING MY DOGS LEVELS DOWN in the first place. Banfield had broke the bottle two days before that I purchased when my dog was in Banfields care. They tried to refer Me to the university of Ga which would have been another $4000 for nothing. Banfield sucks! they had broke the bottle of "R" banfield and never replaced. If you live in Conyers, Ga go to Rockdale Animal hospital, they are the best!

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elizabethebr
Des Moines, US
May 28, 2010 7:31 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have been with Banfield for a couple years now, I think they're the greatest ! They are always so caring and friendly. Whenever my cat has needed to go in for any procedure they have been wonderful. I live near Seattle and go to the one at Southcenter.

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rippedofbybanfield
Clarksville, US
Jan 12, 2010 1:43 pm EST

Like everyone else i can not exlaim how aggervated i am with Banfield. My girlfriend and I have a apx. 6 month old puppy that we thought was getting the best possible healthcare plan- Banfield Wellness Plan. We just got her back after she has been spayed. Her underside looks so horrible, like a two year made the incision. We also got charged for a microchip that was suppose to be part of the plan. We got a description of what it would have cost us if we didnt have the Wellness Plan. While i didnt have to pay the before price, i was insulted at the figure, over 1, 000 dollars to have my puppy spayed.

Anyhow like everyone else i will join any class action suit i can. I currently have someone who has showed dogs for a living looking at the pics to tell me how aweful of a job they did before i send them off to a lawyer.

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Surfette715
Southern California, US
Sep 17, 2009 1:36 pm EDT

Healthcare costs money. Don't shoot down someone who is trying to help you. This is not a non-profit organization, i repeat NOT a non-profit organization. If you are taking this time to complain, take the time to compare the type of medicine they use against other hospitals; injectable anesthesia vs gas anesthesia; full blood panel including CBC/IOF/DIFF vs only a CBC; and the extra procedures and attention given to allow for humane euthanasia. You will find that you are paying for what you receive, quality MEDICINE.

Quality medicine is not only meant to protect your pets, but also yourself. Doctors take an oath to provide the best care and ensure a healthy COMMUNITY. So when they recommend that routine deworming to prevent roundworms, you see a bill, they see them preventing your child from becoming blind. You see a unneeded bill for an x-ray "interpretation", they still have that student loan that enabled them to have that trained eye and "take a quick look at a picture", who pays for that? Can you do that yourself? You see an unnecessary physical exam when all you want is a rabies vaccination, they see them ensuring your pet is healthy enough to receive the vaccination so your pet does not die from the requirement that your city/state is upholding- It happens.

As for those who are upset about Optimum Wellness Plans, read what you sign. They are INTENDED TO BE USED, unlike insurance plans which you hope you do not need to. So when you begin to get upset about costs think back to when you did not have to pay for a visit. Even your insurance has you pay a Co-Pay...

In the end, a doctor told you what was recommended for your pet. Just as one did for you, your mother and for your child. The difference, you have to dig into your wallet, sometimes deep. Your pets sleep in your bed, they walk through your kitchen and they kiss your face. If you have the answers and don't want the help or opinion of a company whose sole responsibility is to treat pets like family and keep your family free of zoonotic diseases, you have the option to decline care. Your decision.

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Roger Columbia, MD
Columbia, US
Sep 10, 2009 10:25 am EDT

They will charge you for an office visit unless you know about doing a walk-in? Office visits consist of taking the dogs temperature and charging you $50. If you go on Sundays between 11 and 12:30 you can get a vaccination for the cost of the vaccination. Also, be prepared for the sales pitch of a wellness program that is ridiculously priced and nearly impossible to opt out of once you've signed up. Basically, only use Banfield for the vaccinations. They are only interested in making money. They could care less about your pet. In fact, they will also attempt to scare you into thinking you need dozens of expensive vaccinations for precautionary reasons. Some of these vaccines are actually unhealthy and dangerous for some animals. Make sure you do your research before you let them use you and your pet to help them meet their quota. An evil company that should be avoided.

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ClancyCatOwner
Newark, US
Aug 31, 2009 9:34 am EDT

I also was appalled at the treatment and extortion after a billing of some $500.00 over "estimate" at Delaware Banfield, despite having been a regular customer for years. All veterinary clinics, in my opinion, soak customers, but Banfield exceeded this on the fees for the days I was overbilled by 500.00. And yes they were most insistent that I would be placed with a collections agency and they meant it. Also if I wanted, for convenience, to pick up medicine at one Banfield instead of the local office, I could not. I am certain in my mind it had all to do with the cash staying at the particular Banfield branch over any inconvience however substantial for the pet owner.

Maureen

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lovesdogs2
Greensboro, US
Jul 13, 2009 9:58 pm EDT

Google the following words, "complaints against Banfield Pet Hospital" and you'll be shocked at the hundreds, if not thousands, of complaints against them. Here's a suggestion that I found online that I thought was interested...

"As a consumer dispute resolution counselor, here’s what I advise with regard to Banfield if you want to get resolution and possibly compensation for your Banfield billing and animal care experiences:

Join in on one of the THREE class action lawsuits that are being considered or in preparation against Banfield Pet Hospitals by going to the law firms’ websites and listing your complaints. Definition of a class action can be found at: http://www.claiminformation.com/classactions.htm The more people that sign-up, the greater the resolution and possibility that you’ll be compensated for your emotional distress down the road. The law firms are as follows:
http://www.schneiderwallace.com/PracticeAreas/ClassActions.htm
Once there clink on "Inquire About Your Potential Case" and fill out the online form giving specific details of your problems regarding Banfield. Please, make sure that you include either your phone number or send them an email on the link within the "Inquire" link.

http://www.price-law.com/CM/FSDP/PracticeCenter/Personal-Injury/Class-Actions.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

http://www.barronberry.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

Please, make sure that you share your experiences regarding billing issues, pet care (or lack therefore of), names of staff, location of hospitals and if you've ever written to the corporate offices and if so, what was the response if any. Remember, the more people that join the class action lawsuits, the greater the chances of resolution and restitution (financial compensation for your losses and emotional distress).

2.Go to www.ftc.gov (http://www.ftc.gov/) (Federal Trade Commission) and file a very quick online complaint. Make sure that you give any contract numbers, names of staff, address of the hospital that you used, leave out unnecessary details and get to the point (short and sweet) and name the CEO as the contact person: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook
Portland, OR 97213. [protected] Fax [protected] email: scott.campbell@banfield.net The FTC will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.

3.Google your state’s Governor’s Office or Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Most will allow you to do this online. It’s quick and easy just include specific names, addresses, dates, details of problems (short and to the point) contract numbers, if any, and your contact information. Consumer Affairs will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.

4.Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards by calling [protected] or http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx (http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx) and ask them for the website, phone number and/or address for the regulatory board for your state, then file a complaint against Banfield’s license in that state.

5.Write directly to the CEO of Banfield(or at least print and copy all of your complaints to all of the agencies above and mail a copy to: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook Portland, OR 97213 Phone [protected] Fax [protected] email: scott.campbell@banfield.net (scott.campbell@banfield.net) VP of Operations direct line [protected] fax [protected].

6.Post these instructions on every complaint forum and website mentioning Banfield that you can find on Google.

7.Remember there’s strength in numbers. If you’re not going to take the time to file a complaint then don’t take the time to post a complaint. Change only comes through efforts to make change.

Contact the CEO of PetSmart and let them know that you’ll NOT shop PetSmart until they kick Banfield to the curb. They are separate companies but who would want to support a store that allows another business to operate using such bad business practices while being inside their stores? Contact: Philip L. Francis, CEO, PetSmart, Inc., 19601 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85027, phone [protected]."

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ambers00
Webster, US
Apr 22, 2009 8:18 pm EDT

I Took my Dog Macy to Banfield to get a fecal test to make sure she was worm free. The test came back negative. I had questions about my dog's allergies. Shes been scratching, wheezing, and has watery eyes. The vet told me she sounded like she had a little bit of a congestion and recommend she gets a chest xray for 200 dollars. I have no problem what so ever spending money if my dog is sick. But really? I asked her if it wouldnt make more sense to try allergy meds first to see if it all clears up before a chest Xray is necessary? She told me ohh no that could make it worse if she has some kind of infection. So i said ok.. .well what can i do about the scratching and the watery eyes? She tells me give Macy kids Benadryl. Right after she told me that any allergy medicine would just make it worse. They are constantly trying to sell you different things/procedures. They treat you like you are a bad pet owner because you don't fall for their scams.AND without asking me they set me up another appointment within the next two weeks. No, hey are you available or would you like to bring macy back to make sure everything has cleared up and then maybe do an xray check? I will not be going back and will be warning any/every person i know with a pet to stay clear of Banfield. Take your dog to a place where if you do have to pay a lot of money its because its for something your pet really needs.Not for petty BS that is only to benefit the vet and their wallet!

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JessB115
Arlington, US
Apr 20, 2009 10:16 pm EDT

So far it sounds like most comments that are good about banfield are from those that work there. It may be "the best place to work, " but it is definately not the best place for your pet or your purse! My one cat had a really bad cough so I brought him in, they sent me home saying it was hairballs. Two days later he was vomiting and struggling to breath. I brought him back in as an emergency walk in. IT TOOK them FOUR HOURS to just look at him, while he was stuggling with every breath, once they looked at him they said...you need to take him to the ICU...thanks banfield...the closest one was an hour away. So I took him there and he ended up having aspiration pneomonia and spent two days in an ICU in an oxygen tank with antibiotics, fluids and neb treatment and I almost had to put him to sleep...it cost me $2, 400.00 to save him because he got so bad, all he needed was antibiotics before it got to this point and he became so dehydrated.

A year before I brough my second cat in, he had some blood in his stool. (he was barely a year old). I asked them if they thought it was a food allergy, they said it could be, but instead of just trying to change his food to a hypoallergenic food like i suggested, they did a blood workup, checked his thyroid, kidneys and even told me he had a murmur and thought he had a heart condition. I told them that no he did not have a murmur, I am a nurse and know what a heart murmur sounds like, and they said well a little heart can sound much different then a human adult heart, I said a murmur sounds like a murmur no matter what the size, and I am a Neonatal ICU nurse...never-the-less they had me get an echo done...and of course it turned out fine...all in all after this one visit which in the long run, he only needed the food to be changed like i originally suggested, it cost me $1200.00.
I had also needed to bring in the same cat a few months ago because he was vomiting and I was afraid he might have eaten something and formed a blockage... All for one simple Xray they charged me

44.95 for the vet visit
42.93 for positioning and 1 resrait ( which my cat does not need restrait)
91.58 for interpretation of the XRAy (which they told me they could not read it and want to recheck tomorrow)
42.38 X2 for radiograph exposure
17.78 for an anacid
06.25 for waste disposal (ummm...yeah)

That is a total of $337.09 all for one XRAY that they could not intrepret because of his positioning...which i had to pay for ! go figure!

Unfortunately its the only vet within an hour of where i live, but from know on I realize that driving one hour is much more worth it.

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Brian Fennell
Winter Springs, US
Apr 01, 2009 10:59 am EDT

similar situation happened to me. I am unemployed, and I called to cancel when my contract was due to renew. The girl looped me into another contract by telling me they would give me 3 months for free. What she forgot to mention was that as soon as I took my pet to the vet once, I would have to pay back all the money for services rendered. She told me I could cancel after the three months if I still wanted to cancel without any penalties. Now I owe $359 for a fecal exam and a doctor's visit. I took my other pet to Animal clinic of Casselberry, and they tested and cured her for $50. now I asked them to cancel my plan, and they won't cancel. I have to call the vte and plead with him to please consider dropping or lowering the charges so I don't get stuck with a bad mark on my credit. I have been unemployed since January, with no income.
Banfield is an evil company that has no concern for their customers, because they have a shady contract, which allows them to pretty much do what ever they want. Do not sign the contract. Insurance for pets is a scam!

Do not use Banfield!

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ALDVM
Tustin, US
Mar 21, 2009 2:39 pm EDT

I am sorry to hear that they mixed up your pet records.
I am considering working for a Banfield, so I am carefully reviewing many of the posts on websites regarding the positive and negative experiences.
A few things.
I have worked at a few hospitals in my day, and mixed up records does happen. I would not attribute it to being Banfield. In fact, if there were a complaint forum for any major veterinary hospital, you would find complaints.
From what I understand there is a contract you sign to begin the wellness plan. So, I guess the real question is if you read your contract about the renewal policy.
What happened with Barney is very said, and I am sorry for your loss. However, I have come across quite a few postings where the renewal 2 months prior seemed to be pretty standard, so not sure what to think of that.
The cost of the plan. Having worked for 4 non-corporate practices, I can tell you the plan can be steal and a half.
I have many clients that go crazy over the recheck fee they have to pay for ongoing problems and the cost of certain tests. If your pet has ongoing allergies or any other chronic problem, the money saved with all of the included exams is excellent.
Either way, your post caught my eye because of Barney and you have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

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Steven
Spring, US
Mar 03, 2009 11:31 am EST

Steven, Houston TX
Banfield early renewal my Wellness Plan without my permission. Barney (dachnsand) was very sick with a deadly liver infection and had to be put to sleep. But to my surprised, THEY KNEW they will be losing a patient, so the contacted the Corporate office and Early renew his plan by two months.
So I cancel my credit card and now these ###S have contacted a collection firm.
To make matters worse, Banfield have totally mixed up both of my pets medical records. Procedures that were for Barney were listed under Dipstick's medical history.

I've tried to get this cleared up, but Banfield's Corporate is NOT willing to correct the issue.

I advised anyone who is interested in this plan not too! The montly cost is too experience in the long run.

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Tina
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Nov 02, 2008 1:40 am EDT

I actually worked for Banfield for approx 6 months. Some people, like my partner, are really there for the pets and are knowledgeable, caring, and good. Those kinds of people, I urge, to get out asap. Unfortunately, the director of petnursing that I worked under at N. Point in A******A, Georgia is not one of those needed people. I ultimately resigned because she gossiped way too much for her own good instead of treating the pets, clients, and helping out. She even stooped as low as to hire her best friend and promise him a management position before he even started. He knew people's salaries, work history, write-up history, the whole NINE yards and he was only a receptionist! I was in shock! Nobody there seemed to care that he knew so much about everyone except for a close co-worker of mine, my partner and myself. Needless to say, I will gladly be taking all of my pets elsewhere because it's pretty sad when the Chief of Staff has more complaints than ANYBODY.

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Linde W
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Sep 02, 2008 1:49 pm EDT

Ok I'm reading over many of these complaints and I realize that everyone has an opinion, but honestly, some of these things could have been avoided by the customer. I have worked for many vets and have noticed that clients can't always be happy. Until you see it first hand, it is always easier to say that the vet is only wanting money or that you dn't think they know what they are talking about. Going to a vet is just like going to the doctor. You have to pay for all the costs of the materials and even a little extra because vets and there employees do not do this for free. Tests always have to be run because it is impossible to look at you and say this is what's wrong. Any medical diagnosis (vet or human doctor) is basically an educated guess based on test results and past experiences of the doctor. If you people had read the contract you were signing a lot of the problems that you encountered could have been avoided. I know from experience that I would never put my pet on a "wellness plan" especially if it means signing a contract. To me, that just sends up red flags everywhere. If you were to take you "beloved" pet anywhere else there would not be a "wellness plan" and every little thing would cost you money. My pets mean so much more to me than getting the best deal. I would rather pay the costs to make sure they recieved the best care. To be completely honest, I have never seen a client leave a health consultation at a clinic that I have worked at and pay less than $75. It is just a fact of life...THINGS ARE EXPENSIVE! If you do not want to deal with the corporate BS then go to a normal vet office. There they have enough business that only do what they need to do and they don't have anyone behind them saying sell, sell, sell! And as for those who have exotic pets, if your vet is not available to see your pet and it is an emergency, DO NOT call a place that is only trying to make a profit and ask if they work on exotics because they will tell you yes no matter what! Instead try taking them to an emergency animal clinic. Those people see plenty of different cases and can more than likely handle what needs to be done.

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Stefani
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Aug 22, 2008 4:07 pm EDT

To those of you who have said Banfield practices top notch veterinary care, and "this is true veterinary medicine" - you are either corporate stooges or you are ignorant. Banfield will let ANYONE be a "pet nurse." They do not have any requirements that a person be licensed to be a "pet nurse' (which is a vet tech) or that they even necessarily have prior experience. That is MIND-BLOWINGLY DANGEROUS.

The vets themselves are probably a mixed bag, but I've heard about a lot of truly awful ones there. And how can you practice good medicine with all that corporate pressure to sell, sell, sell and get the highest profit margin possible? The web boards that have the inside scoop from employees tell the story- staff at Banfield -- the ones who are conscietious -- feel abused. It's all about corporate.

I would not go there unless there were no other options. But the most outrageous part of all is the unqualified pet nurse stuff. Unbefreakinlievable. Would you want to be in a hospital that hired high school kids or fresh-outs at near minimum wage as "nurses"? Yeh, let the kids give you your meds. Monitor your anesthesia. etc etc. What dangerous practices!

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Atlanta Pet Owner
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Jul 21, 2008 7:02 am EDT

As a consumer dispute resolution counselor, here’s what I advise with regard to Banfield if you want to get resolution and possibly compensation for your Banfield billing and animal care experiences:

1. Join in on one of the THREE class action lawsuits that are being considered or in preparation against Banfield Pet Hospitals by going to the law firms’ websites and listing your complaints. Definition of a class action can be found at: http://www.claiminformation.com/classactions.htm The more people that sign-up, the greater the resolution and possibility that you’ll be compensated for your emotional distress down the road. The law firms are as follows:

http://www.schneiderwallace.com/PracticeAreas/ClassActions.htm
Once there clink on "Inquire About Your Potential Case" and fill out the online form giving specific details of your problems regarding Banfield. Please, make sure that you include either your phone number or send them an email on the link within the "Inquire" link.

http://www.price-law.com/CM/FSDP/PracticeCenter/Personal-Injury/Class-Actions.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

http://www.barronberry.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

Please, make sure that you share your experiences regarding billing issues, pet care (or lack therefore of), names of staff, location of hospitals and if you've ever written to the corporate offices and if so, what was the response if any.

Remember, the more people that join the class action lawsuits, the greater the chances of resolution and restitution (financial compensation for your losses and emotional distress).

2. Go to www.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and file a very quick online complaint. Make sure that you give any contract numbers, names of staff, address of the hospital that you used, leave out unnecessary details and get to the point (short and sweet) and name the CEO as the contact person: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook
Portland, OR 97213. The FTC will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.

3. Google your state’s Governor’s Office or Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Most will allow you to do this online. It’s quick and easy just include specific names, addresses, dates, details of problems (short and to the point) contract numbers, if any, and your contact information. Consumer Affairs will

4. Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards by calling [protected] or http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx and ask them for the website, phone number and/or address for the regulatory board for your state, then file a complaint against Banfield’s license in that state.

5. Write directly to the CEO of Banfield (or at least print and copy all of your complaints to all of the agencies above and mail a copy to: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook Portland, OR 97213 Phone [protected] Fax [protected] email: scott.campbell@banfield.net

6. Post these instructions on as every complaint forum and website mentioning Banfield that you can find on Google.

7. Remember there’s strength in numbers. If you’re not going to take the time to file a complaint then don’t take the time to post a complaint. Change only comes through efforts to make change.

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Marissa Montoya
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Jun 19, 2008 6:44 pm EDT

Those of you who are complaining about having to pay for the wellness plans after a pet dies, runs away, or is given away...part of the problem is that you didn't do your job and READ THE CONTRACT...the other part is that Banfield making you pay for the whole year is YOUR choice. You have the option of paying RETAIL for the services ALREADY received...OR you can pay the rest of the year. It's that simple. Yes, it is also true that it's a pain in the butt to have to put it in writting 30 days before your wellness plan would expire, that you do want it cancelled...but then, where don't you have to let a business know that you wouldn't like something renewed automatically. Wellness plans ARE NOT INSURANCE OR A HEALTHCARE PLAN...it is a discounted package that the client CHOOSES to buy to help their pet. Sure u pay about $300 at the end of the ear...but seriously...where can you nueter/spay, get all required vaccines, get free office visits and exams, blood work, fecals, dewormers, heartworm tests, and so forth for UNDER $300.? $300 at a regular vet..or simply with out the wellness plan is way over 700.00...so before you go complaining about Banfield scamming you and not doing their jobs correctly, do yours as a client and read your contract, do some research, read the small print...or go somewhere else...

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Debrah Smith
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Apr 30, 2008 12:51 pm EDT

Dont ever take your pets here!

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Debrah Smith
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Apr 30, 2008 12:48 pm EDT

This is the worst place ever! Please DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE! All they care about is getting your money, not caring for your pets! This "Petsmart" that has the "so called vets" Banfield, Pet Hospital in their store # is 0339, Jenson Beach, Fl. I had a very bad experience! Our pet rabbit, which of course is a family member, got this abscess on her cheek. Shes only 2 yrs. old. Anyway, of course this has to happen on late Saturday after all reg. vets are closed. Well our reg. vet was unreachable. I called "Petsmart" and asked if there was a vet on duty that was a rabbit specialist. The receptionist said yes! I bring my rabbit in. The vet? Said she has to be gassed to see what the mouth problem is and if its an abscess it will have to be removed. Well, I thought about it and noticed that the vet couldnt even get the insturment in the rabbits mouth to see what was wrong..This was a sign..! I declined the surgeryand said give me the antibotics she prescribed. She presc.136 mg of Baytril, tablets, which look like horse tablets to a rabbit.Banfield vet said that rabbit had to be operated on. Long story short. My reg. vet returned Monday. I took our rabbit to him and he said it was to much medication for a rabbit. He prescrb. 22.7 mg of Baytril, thats for an abscess, antibotic. I was so happy I made the correct decision. I was very angered at Banfield Hospitals because of this. I just want you people to know that I agree with all of you. I dont think that the vets have enough knowledge on certain animals. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!. Get to your reg. vet if at all possible. You could save your pet from trauma not needed. It may mean life or death for your pet. My rabbit is now doing ok, thanks to our reg. vet. If anyone needs a fantastic vet in Port Saint Lucie, Fl, please e-mail me I will give you a fantastic vet to go to.

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abby Kolb
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Apr 12, 2008 2:12 pm EDT

Banfield in Long Beach CA. has an incompetent veteranerian named Korinne Cavanagh who is probably not licensed. She diagnosed my dog with a broken femur and said he was in terrible pain (he was a homeless rescue dog who I adopted from a shelter a few months ago). She said she would get a vet with a specialty in orthopedic surgery to do the surgery and she would assist. She also said that she had to order a certain piece of equipment for the surgery. That was 6 weeks ago and she has not returned a single phone call. I've called about 15 times and left messages for her and the office manager - nobody has called me back. Banfield won't let me cancel the "wellness" plan. My animal is in pain - the vet won't respond and Banfield doesn't care. When I picked up my records from the clinic to bring to my new REAL vet, he said the records contained no real information, only fluff. I also noticed in my records that though my dog had only two actual vet appointments, it shows that we has 6 "miscellaneous office visits" - those office visits were to pick up medication - we never saw a vet. They pad their bills to try to show what a savings you're getting. If you want a healthy pet take them to a real vet - BANFIELD PRACTICES ANIMAL ABUSE.

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Pete29
Sarasota, US
Apr 09, 2008 1:10 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am writing to complain about Banfield Animal hospital in
Sarasota, Florida. We have 2 year Shih-Tzu dog Lucky. Today, April 9, at 10.00AM I took him for vaccination and license renewal. He was due for Rabies. In the papers I signed was written that Lucky is going t0 ready at 3.00 PM. At 12.45 PM i have been called by Banfield representative that Lucky is ready. On the way home the dog started choking and screaming. At home Lucky start trembling and his tongue become white. My wife is a nurse and she suspected that this a reaction to some of the vaccines. My wife called the hospital and we took the dog back, where they put him on intravenous system to normalize his blood pressure. Now I am upset because it was possible to avoid all this. First, the staff in your hospital was suppose to wait to see if any reaction after the vaccination. Second, they needed to tell me that not all vaccines are necessary.And not last - there was no need for the hospital staff to be so rude and arrogant with me. I presume that because Lucky is on wellness plan they are trying to make sure that every thing is done by the list to get the money from the insurance. We all love our pets so much so we are ready to do every thing for them. The problem is that the people from your hospital in Sarasota are using this to make business. Yes, you do business but there is also a moral value in your work. Last year Lucky got his stomach irritated and I took him to the vet at Banfield. They told me that he must stay for whole day and as a result I have been charged $500 for the service. Today they are also going to charge me, but for what? For their negligence and irresponsibility. By the way today I spend a little time and I read some of the complains for Banfield on Consumer Report's site. There is a long, long list of angry expressions. If you want returns for the quality of the services of Banfield take a time and read some of the complains. I am sorry that I didn't do this 2 years ago when I signed my dog for Banfield Pet Hospital. Today Banfield lost one more client. I am planning to find a good small pet hospital where I am sure they are going to take better care for my pet.

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Mar 10, 2008 2:06 pm EDT

i took my pet to the Banfield vet hospital in Richmond Calif. and had the most terrible experience. i will never go there again. They treated me and my dog like sh--!. they should be closed down.

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Amy
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Mar 03, 2008 4:06 am EST

I have just recently joined the banfield team and I have to admit I'm really impressed. I have worked for several veterinarians and Banfield's standards are much higher than other hospitals. We have to do things by the book, no shortcuts (something I had to get used to since it is acceptable almost everywhere else). The additionl traingin provided is excellant, banfield has a whole library of information for it's nurses accessable with one click.

The Wellness Plans are designed as an option for affordable preventative care, intended for healthy pet's. The 2 Comprehensive exams far more in depth than regular exams. In a regular exam you don't get the neurological or rectal exams. A regular exam just encompasses the basics eyes, ears, mouth, lymphnodes, skin, reproductive system. There are stipulations to the plan, I like to tell client's to treat it more like a credit card than insurance, the Wellness plan is not insurance. If you Pet gets sick, your office visit is covered but any tests and medication is not though you do get a discount on the plan.

Unlike humans, your Pets cannot tell us what's wrong or where it hurts. Basically every diagnosis is a guess based on education and experiance. There are tests that will give you yes or no answer, but alot of the tme a test simply removes possability from a host of ideas as to what could be ailing the Pet.

In today's world everything has a price. This is true in veterinary medicine. It cost money to turn on the lights, run the washing machine, and use the water at home so why is a vet hospital supppossed to be differnt. Everyone knows medicaton is expensive, tests are expensive because materials used to run the tests adds up fast. Think of everthing you see used during your visit, all of it had to be bought and has to be paid for somehow. Now imagine how much materialis used behind the exam room door, needles, syrnges, gauze, anesthetics, suture material,disinfectants... the list goes on for miles and all of it comes at a cost.

There are over 600 Banfields, with over 2000 doctors and something like 4000 staff members. There will always be unhappy customer's, I urge you not to make a decision on a hospital as large as Banfield based on the complaints of a few. The care the paf surpasses care I have seen elsewhere.

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Megan Rogers
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Feb 01, 2008 12:17 pm EST

Simply put, Banfield's charges are ridiculous. I signed up for one of the wellness plans two months ago and have spent roughly $1000 since, for two reasons. One is that, aside from the vaccines covered by the plan, none of the services my dog needed were covered. The second is that Banfield apparently charges for EVERY LITTLE THING, which makes that "savings" total at the bottom of your bill seem great until you actually look at it. For instance, they charge for things that normally would be included in an annual vet visit; $25 for a "neurological exam," which is basically looking into my dog's eyes for two seconds (I didn't have to pay that, as it was covered by the plan; whew! Honestly, I have never, ever been charged for this at any vet, so I didn't really "save" it, either), similar situation for all other "exams" that make it look like I've saved a ton (dental, etc.). $20 to "clean/flush" a wound (one small hotspot on my dog's leg), $25 to express her anal glands -- both of which would be included in a regular vet visit for around $40-50 TOTAL.

Today, she had to get x-rays to see if/why her stomach was blocked. This cost $300 for the x-ray stuff alone, including almost $100 in "interpretation" (look at it for a minute!), and $40 each for positioning/restraint (my dog is THE calmest in the world) and handling! Are you kidding me?!? It's your job to handle animals! And this afternoon, I've checked with two other hospitals in the area, who do the entire x-ray package for $100 (up to 4 exposures). After this was done, they sent me to an emergency vet because they didn't have the stomach tube needed to decompress my dog's stomach. Thank you very much, Banfield!

I've read a lot about staff incompetencies and attitudes, so I will say that the staff at the Towson, MD, branch is great. They've been very nice, genuine, and helpful. They just happen to work for a racket of a corporation that takes advantage of loving pet owners who would pay anything for their pets if they had to (and they convince you that you have to), while under the guise of treating you and your pet like family.

Long story short, avoid Banfield and stick with your locally-owned vets! You'll save money, heartache, and frustration, while giving your business to the people who do, actually, give a ###.

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Mary Ann Vastag
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Jan 31, 2008 11:04 pm EST

I need to post a concern about Banfield too. I try not to complain too much and I realize that veterinary costs can be quite expensive. Plus, there are many veterinarians out there who care so much about what they do. And there are probably owners of pets who don't always realize how much a responsibility they can be.

But I need to add to the complaints here because of what happened when I visited Banfield right before Christmas. I noticed my cat had a skin issue that hadn't been there before. It worried me because the year before at almost the same time I had an elderly cat of over 18 years, who passed away. My problem this time was my cat's regular veterinarian was not open because of the holidays. Banfield was one of the only places I could take him to, so I did.

I can honestly say everyone was mostly friendly. The setting felt a littlte impersonal, but my cat's regular vet is basically a smaller setting and such, simply what I prefer. So I can't really make an issue about that. My issue was the doctor, though caring, seemed to focus on other things than what I brought my cat in for, at first. Then when she did focus on the skin issue, she had no clear cut answers, but seemed maybe concerned. I don't know for sure, but that was the impression I got. Still, she didn't really give me any answers. They did some tests and gave me medication that worked very well on his skin. Then they told me they would be in touch when the results came back.

Okay, the next day they called me to see how he was doing. I appreciated that. I have to say though I didn't realize they were required to follow up with a call. I did realize it after someone from Banfield called me to ask survey questions about how my experience was. At the time I thought it was mostly positive, though I had no intention of bringing my cat back there. He already had a veterinarian that he seems comfortable with and so am I. I asked the survey person to please notify the hospital because I still hadn't received any results.

Beginning of January, still nothing. I called and they asked me who the doctor was. I thought it was kind of weird they don't have that in their records because they typed in other information into their records about me and my cat. Anyway, I was told the doctor would give me a call when they had the results.

Now yesterday, more than one entire month later, I call them again and insist on finding out what is going on. My cat's health is fine, but I still didn't know if he had anything contagious like ringworm, or if he had some bad skin condition that caused the redness. I didn't know, my cat was already due for his annual appointment and I wasn't sure what to tell his regular veterinarian. So finally I'm told, oh yes, the test is negative. I let them know there was more than one test. They tell me...oh yes, they all were negative. I ask why didn't anyone call me. I get the answer the nurse was supposed to call me, and that they're sorry.

Okay, first they told me the doctor, then it's the nurse...feels very disorganized to me the answers I'm getting. I let them know that the way they treated this was not okay. I don't know if it mattered to them, but it mattered to me. I had to pay a lot, and no, I did not get the wellness plan, and I'm glad I didn't. It was quite a fee, and yet I paid it because my main concern was for my cat. And no one called me...ever...to let me know the results. I had to call them...twice. No word ever from the doctor or the nurse.

I won't be going back. I honestly thought a big place like that would be more affordable, but I think the small practice my cat goes too is actually more affordable...and more importantly, organized and caring.

I'm sorry, but anyone thinking of taking their pet to the San Leandro, CA, Banfield, I caution you about taking your pet there. The slogan...'treating them like family'... no... my pet was not treated like family. If he was, they would have called me when they were supposed to. I want to make clear too, this is not really about money, though of course that's a concern. I"m just upset that they never contacted me like they were supposed to. That shows me they didn't really care. It was a bit impersonal, but everyone was nice enough, and I know big places can be like that. They had a lot of pets coming in that day. What upset me is they didn't bother to let me know that my cat was okay. I was the one who had to keep calling back to finally get answers. I just don't think that's right.

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KEEKA
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Jan 17, 2008 9:01 pm EST

Well, all I have to say regarding all this nonsense complaints is that sometimes people hear that they want to hear. To those complaining about the Wellness Plans I have to say that if you don't know what you're signing up for ,then don't do it! I have heard many times people call these Wellness Plans "Insurance" or "Health care". IT IS NOT. It is a package of services that helps pet owners pay for preventive care services such as vaccines, deworming, blood screenings, regular office visits, even spay and neuter. So that means if you're pet gets sick it is not going to cover and you only get a discount on services that are not part of the plan. Also the plan is NON TRANSFERABLE to other pets or owners. This says clearly on the Wellness Plan contract. Now if people don't read the contract then I don't know what to tell you. The workers should go over the contract before the client signs it, and if the client has any questions it is the client's responsibility to let the client service coordinator know. These Wellness Plans are similar to a credit card, you max out your balance you pay it. If you want to cancel then you pay for the remaining balance due. Now, insurance work different. Some insurances can be canceled any time. To make this short, just make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Don't just assume. I've also heard people saying that Banfield charges way too much for services. 1st of all no one is forced to go to Banfield as no one is forced to due the services that they recommend. If you don't want to get the services done. Then don't get them. Is that easy. I couldn't believe when I was reading some of these comments. Some people saying that Banfield is evil and all these horrible things. I know people who work for Banfiled and they have pets of their own and also take their pets there. Now about that comment stating that Banfield was evil and this and that, if that was true why would real pet owners work for that company? It just does not make sense. I could go on and on and on about this whole issue, but the truth is that Banfield has done great things for my pets and many others. My pet was pregnant with 5 pups, at the time of the delivery we noticed there was one missing, so we rushed to the closest vet. Banfield. There they took good care of my baby and her pups. She went into surgery that same day and saved the pup that was stuck inside of her. Yes, it was expensive, but my pet's wellbeing is priceless. I am a current customer with Banfield and will always be.

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Kelly Robertson
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Dec 22, 2007 6:38 am EST

Banfield, Murrieta CA has nothing but a bunch of incompetent idiots disguised as vet techs, nurses and vets. Dr. Tina Shorter milked me out of approx $600 in treatment, tests and medications for my dog who has a lump (now two) on her neck. Now I know why she insisted on medications/continued tests and treatment! She doesn't perform surgeries - she could not ever remove the lumps! After ripping me off, she finally admitted she lied and isn't comfortable (qualified is the best word) to perform the lumpectomy and referred me to another vet outside of Banfield! After all this, I rec'd a certified letter yesterday telling me that they have decided to dump me! What nerve. The HQ won't answer any questions - I can't even get the "owner's" name. I need a lawyer and plan to sue these jerks.