Banfield Pet Hospital

I’ve been waiting to write this review until we knew for sure we would not be returning to Banfield, and today is the day! We started going to Banfield last January and joined the “Optimum Wellness Plan.” They make it seem like an all inclusive subscription, which it is certainly not. They also told us we would have 24/7 hour access to veterinary staff. Our first issue with Banfield came when our dog had an emergency after clinic hours. We went to access the “24/7 hour care” where we then were forced to download an app, only to then find out the 24/7 hour care is actually just a chat bot that doesn’t actually help you in any way. We were already on our way to the hospital and our dog ended up being fine. However, Banfield did not check in on Obie until 3 days later when they saw the chat. Our second issue came with the vaccines. They are incredibly unorganized about instructing you about when to return for your next vaccines. Our dog missed a vaccine because we were not told to return by a certain date, and had to repeat the series which they then told us would not be covered by the optimum wellness plan. We were told their practice manager would contact us about a possible refund and we never heard from them. Further, Banfield LOVES to send out marketing emails and yet they haven’t figured out how to send a push notification via email or text that a vaccine is due. Interesting! Our third and final issue came this past week when our dog was prescribed trazodone after a procedure. His third night he experienced some bobbing of his head that would stop when I called his name, and lasted about a minute. I brought him in the next day and they insisted they needed to run $230 bloodwork that is not covered by the OWP. When I asked why, the vet tech began to talk to me in the most condescending tone I’ve ever endured. She told me they “needed to make sure that he didn’t get into something.” When I explained that a CBC/CMP would not check for that, she began to explain to me what a chemistry blood panel is as if I was a toddler. When I asked if they could just run the blood chemistries instead of both tests, she kept repeating over and over that it was their protocol for seizure. Mind you, I asked 3 times throughout this experience if I could just talk to the vet to explain to understand their thinking as to why it was a seizure if he was able to stop and respond when I called his name, and they kept saying that the vet could not talk to me until “later” aka after they had performed the $230 blood work. We ended up leaving and stopping the trazodone and he has not had another episode. I work as a Family Nurse Practitioner and if anyone at my front desk spoke to a patient the way I was spoken to, I would be so embarrassed for my practice. Further, If I ordered a test on a pediatric patient that was $230 and the family member just wanted an explanation to my thinking and why they needed it, I would certainly take 2-3 minutes to come and explain my thinking and differentials to them. They didn’t even come and take a full history from me. I am so beyond done with Banfield. They do not care about your pets, only about making money.

posted: 12/07/2024

Dr. Cone is truly the best!!! When we adopted our dogs from the south, one tested positive for heart worm. Dr. Cone made sure we had all the information we needed to be heartworm free, including joining Facebook groups to get additional support! The dogs love going to the vet because they are treated so well there!!

posted: 11/07/2024

I took my dog (who has strong anxiety), and the experience was extremely disappointing. The first time we visited, they didn't even check on her and ended up prescribing two strong medications, one of which was intended for humans. Recently, when I brought her in, she was visibly groggy and distressed. She hadn't slept the night before and was crying. The vet assistant's attitude was questionable; she tossed a treat in my dog's face and appeared afraid. They took my dog away, even though she could hardly walk, and then came back to forcibly put a muzzle on her. While I cooperated and put the muzzle on, they took her away again. A few minutes later, they claimed she was attempting to bite them, despite the muzzle being on, and insisted she was unhappy and dangerous. This experience left me deeply concerned about their approach. It felt like they were overmedicating her and not handling her anxiety appropriately. I won't be returning to this clinic and will be seeking care elsewhere. The way my dog was treated made me feel like her well-being wasn't a priority at all.

posted: 08/07/2023

The worst service that I ever received. They just gave me my dog back after hours and hours and I never see the doctor to have a review of my dog conditions. They said the doctor will call me and they never did. It’s been than a month and still waiting for the call. Now my dog allergies are so bad and I need to go back. They are so irresponsible and disrespectful with me and my dog health

posted: 08/19/2024

I’ve been to all 3 locations and I feel my Greyhound has been well taken care of. The staff are professional and the Dr. was thorough. In addition, they don’t make you feel bad if you’re not currently in a position to pay for an expensive procedure. Like human healthcare pet healthcare can be prohibitively expensive. That being said I was given helpful options within my budget. Also, I recently brought my Greyhound in for a comprehensive physical along with a teeth cleaning. When I got home I realized that he smelled like urine. So I called and pretty much acted like a jerk. I called back to apologize. He was there all day, it was very busy and I feel like everyone was doing the best they could. I received a call back, and whomever I spoke to was very apologetic and offered a free groom or to reimburse me if I went somewhere else. She was willing to take me at any time, so I made an appointment. But then I realized I could do it myself, it really wasn’t a big deal. I called and canceled the appointment. Then I got another call back and was told they would cover the cost of my September wellness plan. That was totally unexpected and I was greatly appreciative. I apologize for my lack of brevity, however, during these challenging times it seems there’s an awful lot of complaining and very little gratitude or acknowledgment. I’m speaking for myself as well. So a HUGE thank you to team Banfield…CML🐾

posted: 09/28/2023