Banfield Pet Hospital
Reviews and Complaints

I am a veterinarian and honestly cannot figure out how a specialist could tell how the surgery was performed by looking at an x-ray. ACL is surgery of soft tissue in the knee so undetectable by x-ray. Honestly, veterinarians criticizing other veterinarians without discussing the case isjust unprofessional. Makes my blood boil.

To be quite honest with you, if a pet is not % healthy, he/she can't be signed up on a plan. With a torn ACL, a vet can not sign you and your pet up on a plan to simply save you money. They aren't even allowed to do that.

Plus, just because one vet does a procedure a certain way does not mean that the procedure was done wrong. One vet can do it one way, and another another way. Of course vets are going to critique other vets. They want you to be strictly their client.

Hi... I met a lawyer once and what a jerk! Therefor... ALL lawyers MUST be jerks. THAT is sarcasm, baby. One person's story is never a whole story. It's easy enough to spin things for sympathy. I've been a Banfield customer for 15+ years on a wellness plan. My cat is now 17 years old! Woohooo... only been sick twice since I've had her. I spent $1500 on her at Dove Lewis because she had the freaking hickups. Now... you wanna talk scam. Well, perhaps not. They did find her intestines were inflamed and she would have to live with it because there is no cure. Not happy about the money. Took me a year to pay it off. I have no extra money for anything. So... my point... don't open your mouth until The bottom line is... I love my cat. Things are expensive these days.

P.S. I got a second cat so I'm doing research on Banfield to see if I trust them enough to stay with them... but the bottom line is... I've not been mistreated or overcharged by them EVER. My cat is as healthy as she was 10 years ago and she's 84 in human years. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen. BUT... INDIVIDUALS work at them. Don't go blaming the entire company because you weren't happy with one or two people. You MIGHT be wrong. Take the proper channels.

btw, the reason that your estimate changed was because they only put tests on the first one because they didn't know what it was. what did you think they were gonna do the test and then just send you home without anything to treat it?! oh and for that comment before mine... i work at a banfield animal hospital, and i promise you, if we were really the cause of your so called messed up dog, we would have been kissing your feet and giving you EVERYTHING for free. we take off half of the bill if a client waits too long! you are just ignorant trying to get money from a wealthy company!

In response to hahaha!,
As far as being dumb, the only dumb thing I did was joining the optimum wellness plan and listening to crack pot Dr's,
I pay over 40$ a month for the plan and yet every vet bill is way over 300$ and I at one point was there 3 times a month or more,
with verifying mis diagnosis's of my mastiff!,
as far as being cheap and unwilling to spend the time and money on my dog is ludicrous!,
I spend 80$ a bad of holistic large breed food every two weeks, 2 cans of happy hips at 3$ a can a day,
interceptor, any meds they tell me I should give monthly... I spend more on my beloved dog than I do on myself or rent!,
and, some how they gave me the wrong dosage of pain meds along with a torn iv line that resulted in toxicity and seizures for my dog, than billed me 800$ So screw you... as far as the comment that the vets are busy and our pet is not the only one they are seeing is no excuse for bad medicine practices ... than lesson your work load and give quality care!,
Instead of trying to see as many animals as possible to make that check for the beamer I saw my vet pull off in!
These are excuses for poor quality care and hunches instead of actual findings.

I hope you sleep at night with your lame justifications !

Oh did I mention my dog has heart worms now?!,
I am filing a lawsuit and you all should follow suit as well!

i think all u dumb people who think banfield is a scam.maybe YOUR the scam cus your cheap and dont want to take care of your pet the correct way.thats degrading to the doctors who spend years of learning this stuff.how would u feel if i sat in your office telling u u were wrong about what ur telling me and you dont know how to do your job when u spent years learning how to do it.GET A LIFE PEOPLE!if u cant afford to have a pet, then dont get one.

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.

Okay people... first of all if you dont konw what the vet is perscribing and you think its just "alchohol" do some freekin lotion... for your information its conofite lotion-used to treat ringworm... the vet doesnt have hours on end to be looking at your pet and only your pet... they have other patients to tend to. The "petry dish" is a fungal culture to find out if its ring worm or not. The skin scraping is to see if the fungal culture grows mold in about 10 days and if it does your pet has ring worm. OMG everyone is calling this place a scam-this is rediculus. Just because you dont like your estimate and you dont believe in rechecks doesnt mean the hospital is crap. Go to a differnt one if you cant afford it. Geez people... why dont you ask questions and understand whats for what instead of assuming...three words GET IT RIGHT before you start talking crap.

All I can say is my beloved cat Vicki & I were treated terribly @ banfield in
Waterbury, Conn and I like you will never go back there ever again. . .

So Sorry for you and your pet.

I also was scammed by Banfield, plus treated very poorly.

Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI is a scam as well. The Vet that was there covering for the normal vet was a complete scam artist. My dog had a pulled muscle in her leg and we walked away with a $220 bill! $140 for the medication! And we already have her on pain medicine which costs $120 a Month! They try and sell you as much as possible and play on your vulnerability when you are worried about your pet! DO NOT TAKE YOUR PET THERE! SCAM SCAM SCAM! I'd like to know if any one has taken them to court? I am thinking about it too!

I found this site while I researching harassment at Banfield. I was working there and at my wits end with what to do. After much research, and hitting the walls with trying to resolve issues (much of which is illegal), I decided to leave for my health and the health of my family. The structure that Banfield has sent up in the clinics leads to more problems than fixing them. When the practice manager, the chief of staff, and the techs that the they hired are all spending the weekend together how much help do you expect to receive when those people are the problem? Oh, you report to the field manager, right? Yes, they are best friends too. I am all for happy work place environment where everybody gets along but Banfield has set up a harassment trap that the only solution seems to be to leave or get an attorney as the original comment said. Now about that first comment and the one agreeing with it. One, there is no way in the world that is not a Banfield unhinged employee (a model for Banfield, I'm sure) and the comment supporting it is just as nutty so I'm thinking they are the same person. DO NOT work for this company unless you have no other options. There is a culture of harassment, work place safety violations, and more that spreads across locations in every state; that tells you corporate knows what is happening but has anything changed? Nope. I called that number and two weeks later I was out of the job. Thanks, Banfield.

I recently just resigned from my position at a Banfield location. I was being personally attacked daily by our Practice Manager that had been hired outside of Banfield and had only been working there for a matter of months, when I was working close to 8 months with the company. In the beginning I absolutely LOVED everyone, staff and Doctors included. But once that practice manager got wind that she was "in charge" things started going wrong. None of the staff got along and she blamed only myself and another CSC for any problems happening within the hospital. And let me add, she came in on her OFF day to write me up for not being able to make it in to my location due to bad weather. I was also called on my off day the night previous to inform me that she wanted to have a "one on one" meeting with me. And imagine that, I was bullied into signing a "coaching memo" and forced right out the door. She claimed that if she had even an ounce more trouble with me she would have me out the door. And she is helping run a hospital? I think this is completely unprofessional and I would advice if you want to work for a company that is going to defend you, Banfield is not the company for you. I used to love my job and love coming to work. But before i resigned I dreaded coming into work every day, and felt personally attacked by not only my practice manager, but by fellow co-workers that were also fearing for their jobs. This is not a company to work for.

Can someone tell me the default password for associate email at banfield? Please email me @ thewrongchick83@gmail.com

I have interviews with 2 area Banfield Hospitals this week. I am starting to rethink working here after reading these comments, especially for the money they are offering. I was going to settle for less money because I really want to work with animals but now I am starting to see it may not be worth it.

@downwithharassment we would like to help but we can only do so if you call the Associate Relations team. Please call [protected], thank you.

I work for a banfield as well and believe me if i had the opportunity i would get out of there asap. They let their doctors treat the staff like dirt and the practice managers do nothing about it. We recently got a new practice manager who started out as a csc and is so pro-banfield she cant even see whats going on right in her own hospital. The worst part about it is that the doctor who is doing all the harassing does it in front of all of the paraprofessionals so you feel humiliated, but only when the practice manager is not around. When the field trainer, field director, and medical director comes, she puts on this front like she is the sweetest person ever created and the moment they leave shes back to harassing the staff! Trust we all have complained, she has even had write ups, but Banfield doesnt care enough about their employees to take care of the situation. Its funny how the have "the open doors of communication" but its all a fasad to make their employees feel like there's open communication when there really isnt. If you cant get help from your practice manager, you're supposed to be able to go to your field trainer/director, but when they tell you to talk to your practice manager WHAT GOOD IS THAT DOING FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES BANFIELD? To say you try to promote a positive and team oriented culture is a lie! You need to have regular visits from your field leadership to the hospitals so that they know whats going on when they are not around, otherwise you're going to lose alot of employees...not that Banfield cares anyway!

We’re sorry that the phone number did not work when you called. Since our last post, we have consolidated our phone lines. If you would still like to speak to someone on our Associate Relations team, please call [protected]. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience we have caused, and thank you for letting us know about the number.

FYI the phone number given for Associate Relations at Banfield does not work. Pretty typical of the company. I have worked at a Banfield in California for almost a year and am trying desperately to get out. I get along pretty well with everyone there except this one doctor who just constantly rides my backside. No matter how hard I try this guy finds something to kvetch about, and when he kvetches he does not hold back. He also does not bother to do it in private, he dresses people down in front of God and everybody. The relationship I have with him has become so dysfunctional that I'm beginning to wonder why the f*** I even bother to show up. He's also vindictive and will not hesitate to rub your nose in it if you try to stand up to him. I like working with the other doctors, but I dread having anything to do with "Dr. Kvetch". I know he's trying to get rid of me. I was not born yesterday and I know the signs. I've thought of transferring to another hospital but question what good that would do in a company that tolerates a vet treating technicians in such a manner.

@Sheryl - We're sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your current experience at Banfield Pet Hospital. At Banfield, we strive to promote a positive and team-oriented culture and we would like to discuss your experiences further. Please call our Associate Relations line at [protected].

I'm currently working at a banfield that I've been at for about 2 months now. But I'm starting to feel uncomfortable about how I'm treated in this place. It sadness me because I love my job, I love what I do and this my dream! But my lead manager and one of the doctors treats me like I'm not the right person for the job and I will defend myself and say, no this is my job and I know I am doing the right thing here and I absolutely know what I have to do. But they give me no credit, its like they're trying to find excuses's for me to be driven away. I mean im not perfect at the job but i know what im supposed to be doing, and i do my best everyday and i know its good enough. I talk to clients and they don't even know me and tell me I'm knowledgable in this field...but why can't the two people I work with that most matters to me doesn't see that? I know I'm new but It really brings me down when they just don't know how hard im working for them and only get onto me when im doing something wrong. Even my co-workers can tell this is unfair for me. Please I don't want to quit my job, I just want to find some help..

This is actually the fault of the owner and not the company that makes the product. It is WIDELY known that Australian Shepherds have drug sensitivity issues when it comes to certain medications. Ivermectin is one of those drugs. If you had performed the MDR1 test on your dog, you would have known about this. If the owners are not going to test their dogs for drug sensitivity they should NEVER allow their dogs to ingest ivermectin.

Sorry this happened but your dog shouldn't have been where they can get a hold of a drug regardless and this is not the fault of the manufacturer but the fault of the owner.

A.) WELLNESS PLAN (not insurance)- read the contract, it is for WELL pets. It is a way to not go in for preventive care and spend 300 dollars all at once. Also, it gives you the nice bonuses of a free office visit any time and a percentage discount depending on your level. If you are getting your preventive care and going in for visits, it has already paid for itself. You should read the contracts that you sign
B.) Just because someone is a vet or a technician does not mean that they are able to control big strong dogs that fight back. I weigh 100 pounds soaking wet, it is not easy. At all. Owners do not make it any easier by not training their pets. If you are the only one that can restrain her, she is not trained. Further, it is not safe for the staff or the pet if the pet is thrashing around like crazy. If they are recomending sedation then it is for your protection as well. What happens when your pet bites and injures someone or in going crazy hits its head on a counter and needs emergency care? Its not the vet's fault but you will sure as hell try to make them treat for free.
C.) As a corporation, Banfield is very vulnerable. Even if you say that you don't have a lot of money to spend, what does that mean? To some people that means they have twenty bucks in their pocket for the next week, to others it means anything over a thousand and I'm out (you think I'm exaggerating, but I once gave a client who was "tight" on money an 800 estimate and they said Oh is that all? I though it would be at least 1500). So, to protect themselves and to give your pet the best possible care, they give you a treatment plan for what their number one option would be. All you have to do is say no or pare it down from there. The whole point is that they don't want you coming back later and saying "Well, if you had told me I should do that then I would have" and now they have a lawsuit on their hands. Trust me. It is for these reasons that I left Banfield. As much as I loved it, it was clients like this that made me miserable. We as veterinarians spend so much time researching and continuing our educations just for someone to freak out about a 35 dollar office visit.

You can get a refund on wellness plan. Did it yesterday. Had confuntation with vet and said hes through couldn't please me so I canceled my plan no problem. Also my sister canceled hers to and took a while to get refund but got one. Just be presistent.

My regular vet was out of Frontline, for flea control. I was forced to look elsewhere and I'm really annoyed with myself for not shopping around. Their charge for this product is tantamount to highway robbery. I was very surprised by how much they were charging, commented on it a couple of times and said I thought this was a cheaper product. The counter staff assured me this was one of the most expensive flea control serums. As I was sort of over a barrel, I took what they had. I've since checked prices online and with my regular vet, again, to make sure I'm not insane. Turns out I'm not insane.

I agree and am sorry you had to pay their exhorbitant fees. They charge me a $60 consultation fee every time my dog goes in for anything - if she hasn't been seen in the last 6 mohths. So, I took my dogs in for teeth cleaning - they added $60 consultation fee and I did not even get a consultation! I said, who is the vet consulting with? Their answer: The Dog.

I would not recommend Banfield to ANYBODY! Ask for referrals from a local breeder or a friend with an animal before you go get suckered into this place.

I paid for everything for a dog that I was giving to my boyfriends niece (over $300 paid in full for "ALL" shots, except the distemperment) as a gift and I had her put on the account on my account, because Banfield does not transfer accounts as I was told by Jessica (corporate office) in their accounts department and by Amika (Newport News, VA store). I replied, "If I opened an account and paid all this money, then my boyfriends niece would have to start account and pay again". I felt this is a rip off and this is how Banfield makes their money, which is not right. When my boyfriends niece took the the dog to get information on the dogs shots in order to pay her pet fee at her apartment, she was told my Amy and the Veterinarian (Newport News, VA) that she could not get any information. I could not figure out why, when "EVERTHING" was paid and up to date. This caused her to take the dog to another veterinarian to get shots, the dog already had at the cost of $150. I then went back to the store where I started the account and they told me to call their corporate office to let them know. When I called the corporate office, Jessica stated "I do not know why they told you to call the corporate office". I thought when you have a problem that is who you are supposed to call to get better information. I still have not found out why she was refused information from either of the these people and I am now waiting for the Manager Heather (Newport News, VA store) to call me back.

Go to a "real" vet, stay away from Petco/Petsmarts side services (ie: vets, grooming, training, boarding), useless!

Dorcella,
I apologize for the inconvenience that you experienced with this plan. I hope you have since been able to resolve this issue, but please don't hesitate to reach out to our Wellness Plan Relations team to address the situation if you are still having trouble. The number is [protected]. Thank you for your feedback and, again, sorry for the inconvenience.

In fact, they specifically told me when I called after our dog died that we cannot cancel the wellness plan. They are making us pay for an additional three months because (as best I could decipher what the snotty rep was saying) the so-called "discount" on the care he got before he died somehow counts against us and extends our liability. Then they told us it's an annual lump sum pre-payment for services (NOT an ongoing "plan") that is just spread out on a monthly plan for our convenience. The two explanations don't gibe and neither seems fair to a pet owner who no longer has any need for vet services, discounted or otherwise. I'm sure it's in the fine print somewhere but when the store clerks sign you up they sure don't tell you you'll be financing a dead pet's non-care on the installment plan. I'm afraid that even if you got the name of the person who said they could cancel it, the company would deny your request anyway. I now find out that this is a frequent complaint about these "wellness plans" and has made it into David Lazarus's consumer column. Good luck getting any satisfaction. Let us know if you hear of any class action cases we can join. Meanwhile I'll be watching my bank account like a hawk to see if they really cancel it three months from now as promised.

Doctor Laura is lesbo and tried to finger little girls in waiting room stay away!

You are such a dumb b****. You got fired because you are slandering a good practice. You think you know it all, but hell you were only a groomer and quite frankly had your back to us the whole time you worked. What i also dont understand is how you were on maternity leave, but then talk about how this incident happened. WHERE YOU THERE? or is this some second had BS someone is telling you. I remember you almost blinding a dog because you stabbed its eye out with sisscors, OH and who was there to clean up your mess... Dr. Laura. I remember, because unlike you I was actually at he event when it happend. So here are some facts for you. During business hours we do not have meetings, we are way to busy, second we would NEVER turn down a dog. By the way we got you booted of yahoo local and we will get you booted of here. And going back to my first statement, you using your real name and picture is another reason you were so easy to identify and fire. LOL we are still laughing at you stupidity.

I have been buying products from Petsmart for years and other than the high prices had no complaints. However, recently I acquired a new puppy from a shelter and wanted to have her bathed and clipped. Sadie is a Lasa-Poo and has poodle like fur and she smelled like all animal shelters smell. I called Petsmart grooming salon, made the appointment and was told to be sure to bring her shot record. Having other pets I was well aware that that was a requirement and told her I had all her information. When I arrived, there was one groomer clipping a small dog another was sweeping the floor and a third was signing in a customer. I stood at the counter for several min. w/o being acknowledged. While waiting I watched the groomer still clipping the small dog already tethered and when she was ready to clip the other side the took the front leg and jerked the dog around, never saying a word to it. That was my first clue. The little dog being signed in was shaking and obviously scared but neither the owner or the employee said anything to calm the poor little dog. I leaned over and spoke softly to it and as the owner left he handed the leash to the clerk. The dog was dragged through the grooming area into the back holding room. I thought if she would just pick the poor thing up and speak to it the dog may calm down. It never made a sound other than a whimper. Finally it was my turn and I told the clerk my name and handed her Sadie's shot record and she said she needed the certificate not the record so she could not groom my dog. I went to the store check out clerk and asked to speak to a manager and suggested a call could be made to the Vet to verify the information the phone # was on the folder I gave the goomer. I did have the certificate at home but was told they needed the record. He went into the salon and spoke to the women and when he motioned me back in and was told they would do the grooming. In the meantime the women who had dragged the scared little dog got bitten. I stated that maybe if the animals were not treated so mean they wouldn't bite. Well, the Manager stated "she did not ask to be bitten" but if you have a problem you can leave. I said that is exactly what I am going to do. I was so upset thinking of all the people who leave their pets and do not have any idea what is happing to them. I have never written a message like this before but since I am sure this was not an isolated incident I felt I must.

Angeline Howard, [protected]

And that is the wonderful choice of a second opinion. Thanks for being mature about it.

Please understand that the Banfield Animal Hospital Pet Wellness plan is a very poor value. For what you spend in a year you can get better services from an independant Vet. Banfield uses the Wellness plan as a way to get you in for your limited free/included services and recommend many other procedures, some needed and others not, so that they can max the profit on your visit. It is purely about profit. I understand a need to be profitable but this is their primary focus. Additionally the 10% discount that is offered on the wellness plan is off of prices that I have found to be 40-70% higher than the independant vets. Do the research and save yourself alot of money. Banfield is not the best place to take your buisiness.

My understanding, at least at my Banfield, they tell you when you sign up for a Wellness plan that you are responsible to pay the entire wellness plan fee. In particular, if you choose monthly dedudctions, they tell you that if anything happens to your pet, you are still responsible for the annual plan. So I knew that going in. Same thing when my brother brought his cat in for the first time in years. He set up a wellness plan for his cat and they told him the same thing before he agreed to sign up.

I think it's best to have it writing and tell someone when they are signing up. Our Banfield made it clear to us so at that point, it was our choice. Our vet diagnosed our cat with renal failure and she made sure I understood if I signed her up and something happened in the next couple of months, I was still responsible for the year. I appreciated the honesty.

I just signed up for the puppy plan thinking it was a great way to economize costs without neglecting service or care for the puppy we just got, I was told I have 7 days to cancel. It is day 5 and I just waited for 17 plus minutes to speak to someone to let them know that I would like to cancel due to the fact that we found out the local shelter will give our dog her shots for less thn half the cost. I spoke with a gentleman that stated that I was passed the 4 (yeah 4 days was never what we were told) and to cancel I would have to pay $78 dollars on top of the 139.00 dollar initial fee and 31.00 first month payment. So to cancel the plan there is no fee because the initial fee covers that, but it's 25.00 to end your agreement (kinda like canceling but with different words so they can charge you again) When I told him I wasn't understanding what the initial cost covered and that it seemed a little crazy that they would then charge me for services rendered when I had payed the first month, he asked me what I wanted him to do about the fact that I was giving up on my dog! Really! I then asked to speak to a supervisor he told me " Fine but they'll tell you the same thing" he then hung up on me! Great job Banfield, I now am locked into a year long contract with people that seem to think PLEASE CANCEL means please attempt to humiliate me on the phone and tell me that I obviously can't see the virtues of the plan that was created by people much smarter than me! If you need to keep on a budget with your pet try the local shelter they have a lot of great services at a much better price, and they seem to actually like pets as well as their owners.

BANFIELD Pet Hospital - Please know that I have previously exhausted BANFIELD'S Customer Relations offerings who incidentally explained to me that BANFIELD'S "Business model" does not have a waiver exception for someone who has lost their job. MORE IMPORTANTLY, despite the job loss, my "core" complaint, which was verbally being sold one thing that ended up being something entirely different was ignored. In fact, it was terribly insulting when the BANFIELD representative turned the situation around on me by inferring that I was lying, and that the Wellness Plan was ultimately my responsibility, gee thanks. It became abundantly clear to me that BANFIELD'S "Business model" is primarily concerned with is the almighty dollar. Somewhere along the line, BANFIELD subtracted the human factor from their "Business model". In any event, aside from my "core" complaint, I do appreciate your outreach, however generic it may be. However, if you were serious, it would be more appropriate to provide me with contact to someone who possesses executive decision making power. Your referral puts me back at square one, like a Dog chasing its tail. Best Regards!

@Rectitude,
We would like to discuss your situation with you to see how we can help. To discuss the terms of your plan, please call our Wellness Plan Relations Team at [protected]. Or, to discuss your experience at your location, please call our Client Advocate Team at [protected]. Thank you.

BANFIELD Pet Hospital, Please know that your response to my complaint is anecdotal to my complaint. It is mis-leading at best, and an out and out lie at worse. Too state as you have, "if a client would like to cancel, then he or she is only responsible to pay for services that have been provided." Is not true! If a client must cancel a Wellness Plan 2 months after obtaining it due to Hardship, as I had to, BANFIELD will demand payment for the additional 10 months of the 12 month plan. The only service the CLIENT will receive for those additional 10 months is harassment from BANFIELD Collections incorporated. My complaint is specifically related to being verbally sold one thing that ultimately became another in the infamous "SMALL PRINT". I fully understand contracts, however, when something is sold to you with trust and under good faith, you do not tend not to scrutinize the "small print" lest you care to go cross eyed. As a result, BANFIELD responds by hiding behind what my respondent neglects to mention, "the Wellness Plan is a 12 month contract". Which you will pay whether you get service or not! Additionally, BANFIELD discriminates with their payment structure by requiring a credit or bank account number so that they can access your money for auto payment. This is a sneaky means of seizing your accounts to ensure they obtain payments whether you agree with the payment/service or not. This clearly discriminates against those who don't possess credit accounts or who for privacy matters do not care to freely relinquish their personal finances to the trust of BANFIELD. "Buyer beware!"

@Rectitude,
Please know that all Wellness Plan contracts explain the terms of the plan within the contract and, if a client would like to cancel, then he or she is only responsible to pay for services that have been provided. If you feel that you were misinformed about your Wellness Plan, or would like cancellation options, then please give us a call. You can reach our Wellness Plan Relations Team at [protected] or our Client Advocate Team at [protected].

I have no problem with the Banfield service per se, however, their itemized billing practices, and claimed services rendered practices is a scam business model. The Wellness plan essentially covers your visit and shots. Each time I visit for shots I end up with a Bill that claims I saved hundreds of dollars. The plans DO NOT cover most other services. Additionally, each time I visit they want to excrete my Dogs Anal glands and clip his nails for an additional $50. As it happens I do both of these myself during bath time. The Anal excretion takes all of 5 seconds, and it is not what you may be thinking. I suppose the most worrisome issue you should be aware of with Banfield is their Wellness contracts. If they aren't illegal, then they are borderline. They typically sell them without consumers clearly understanding the "12 month" obligation. They also restrict payment to auto credit card or bank account charges. This is discriminatory, worse yet, it allows Banfield to seize your money, not to mention the security risks you take giving them your info. I would strongly recommend several options to you if you have been wrongly sold a Wellness Plan; Send a letter of complaint to your State and County District Attorneys office and BBB, and most importantly share valid complaints via online resources such as this post, Yelp, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Cheers!

We had a Wellness Plan for our Basset Hound, Harley, for at least 13 years! We took her in for her annual check-up in January and confirmed our suspicions that she needed to be put down. We had her put to sleep January 19th. Now, we are being told that because of her check-up (which is supposed to be included in her plan), we have to keep paying for her wellness plan until November? This is outrageous! We've had issues with her treatment in the past, but this tops the cake! This is the most cold-hearted customer-service I have EVER received and will be sure to post my opinion on EVERY review website I can possibly find! Not only will we NEVER take another pet to Banfield, we will NEVER shop at PetsMart either!

Wellness Plans are not the same value to everyone. If you only take your vet to the Doctor for a rabies so he can get groomed then no do not get a plan. If you tend to take your pet in a lot (i.e. a health issue, trouble puppy, nervous parent etc) then you save lots just by the office visit.

FOR PUPPIES AND KITTENS- the wellness plan is SOOOOOO worth it. This is very true for chronic condition pets and elderly pets

Regions vary as well. In the region I live now Banfield has the least expensive office visit and dental cleaning (by $100) . However in other regions I have seen those more expensive then average.

Same care? A 50 dollar neuter and 200 neuter may not be the same thing... Ask details about procedures etc no matter where you call.

Meds- yes way more expensive then pet meds (and the vets hate that it cost more) however Banfield is not a pharmacy, this being said they keep limited amounts of lots of meds at hand for when they are needed NOW .
I always tell my clients if they are going to be on a med long term to explore the option that is best for them. Some clients would rather pay more to have it now and be done, others like to shop around or order in larger #.
A generic human rx can range (quite a bit) in price from rite aid to walgreens.
Meds have to be bought stored packaged (in some states you must have a lisc).

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Our former banfield hospital at the Citadel Crossing Petsmart in Colorado Springs, Co., was getting so bad that appointments just were not being taken because the hospital was closed so often. One of my dogs is on phenobarbitol for seizures. So, I called in my refill over a week early at the pharmacy t make sure we did not run out. I kept calling the parmacy asking if the vet had faxed in the refill order...after a week of no reply from the hospital, I called Banfield. The woman who answered was very snotty and said she was only taking appointments and there was no one there. The following Monday I went down in person and waited until a vet signed off on the refill. And this was not the first time this happened. Finally, we decided to transfer our dogs' records to the Banfield on Powers Boulevard. It cost us $212 just to transfer the records because it is Banfield's policy that the dogs have a complete check-up. After we checked our dogs in, we were told that it wasn't necessary for one of our dogs to have been given the check-up because he was not on the wellness program. But, this was AFTER the fact. Our other dog is on the wellness program...the Optimum one. Then we were told that they would meet any price on the Heartgard Medication. All I had to do was bring in the paperwork from the online medication store I use as proof. Well, I did that this morning, yesterday was when we had our appointments. I was told, "Oh no we can't do that because it had to be done before the purchase was made and besides, only the manager can ok it and the manager is on vacation. " None of this was ever explained to us. So, I agree with you 100%. They take advantage of situations. But, I have to agree with their logo: We treat pets like family." Many families stabbed each other in the backs!

My dog maxx was a the benfield doctor last saturday feb 23 08 for his regular shot. He have 3 shot on that day, when i was ready to leave my dog staring voming and diarrea at the same time, i run to take him back to the vet, they take him inside and tell me the my dog have a reaction for the shot and he almost died. I was crying and nerves, i went to see him and he was look like he was dieding.but what i don t understang why now i have to be charge with $155.55 dollars when my dog got sick b caus what happen. They call me today i tolk if i don t pay my money they going to sent my name to a collection agence, plase can someone help me. My cell is [protected] this happen in colorado springs colorado, thanks, Brunilda.

OKC, OK Banfield Clinic. Dr. Camjie Clough--she killed my 68 day old puppy. She operated on her nose, spayed her and removed a hernia. She weighed a little over 2 lbs. SHE did the autopsy. I turned her in to the Okla. Vet. Medical Bd. She was called in and I was refunded the money on the stupid Wellness program. BUT--she killed my puppy. We are seeking justice. Banfield is a disecting, uncaring, money making company that is worse than the animal humane society!

The owner who wrote a blog about "Murphy, " named "Cheryl Caliolio" has the same last name as the vet being discussed by the commenter and the previous commenter. Murphy's owner seemed to praise Dr. Caliolio. But is it just a coincidence that her and the vet have the same last name? If you ask me, it can easily be assumed that Murphy's owner is related to Dr. Caliolio, and she wrote a "blog" to put a good name on the vet and devalue the previous commenter's complaints.

I agree, years ago Banfield was great, but now its another story. So sad! It used to be a convenient and affordable place, now they are sales people and the doctors dont seem to know what they are doing. One even pulled out a book in front of me to research what I was describing. BASIC Seizures in LABS!

We enjoyed the Banfield years ago, the hours, the staff, and the convenience. Now the staff is new every time we go there. Minimum wage, incompetent, Middle school education staff, absolute ###s. Every attempt by the staff is incorrect not once but 12 or more times. I knew how to use a fax machine at 6 years old. They are so Lost. Absolute ###S! They require a fee to terminate their *** plan because they know their service will not stand up to their promises. They denied further service to one of my dogs and want to continue to charge me till the plan ends. Pure harassment and their practices should be looked into by fraud services. Below is a letter sent to the Dirtbag Company.

At my pets last visit the Dr. Insulted me horribly verbally to my face she said "I don't know why people don't take their dogs to Aggression training, Its its like someone Bipolar not going to a Psychiatrist" WOW TO MY FACE OUT LOUD, she would not treat my dog anymore if I did not take her for aggression training. She is perfectly mannered and responds instantly to my commands except for when at that unprofessional zoo. She is 4 years old and has never hurt or attempted to hurt anyone. The employees change lately so often, The personnel are different every time I go. The staff consists of people who are minimum wage, no experience, insulting and mainly incompetent. She does get upset at Banfield, so I always muzzle her there, she is only scared to death. It is not a good environment for any animal that is breathing. Please cancel my wellness plan as of today. I have had nothing but hassles with the local pet hospital. My pet is scared to death and they do nothing to try to soothe her or make up to her, no good "bedside manor" offered. Again hugely unprofessional for a Vets office. Besides that point, it took almost 2 months to get them to write a prescription for Heartgard for my dog, Somehow screwing up over a dozen times. I had to call both Banfield and the online company I was ordering from numerous times. The first request (before 1 year from previous test had expired) they said they couldn't find her in their records, "Find employees with brains" and then they waited long enough for her to need to go for a new test before they would write it, so they denied it. Then I got the above mentioned talk about not wanting to see her again. I asked to pick up a prescription this past Monday, left work early to get there in time and prescription wasn't there. They said they would fax it Tuesday, never happened again. Called them again on Thursday and requested fax, they said maybe they would call the company I was ordering from and send it to them. They sent it to the wrong company and the only way I knew that was that company called me to ask if I wanted to place an order. Finally faxed request again today and they faxed me the prescription. The first time it was wrong and I had to request it again. (my hair is turning grey) Now, finally after nearly 2 months I have a prescription in hand. No professionalism. Everything has just been a tremendous nightmare. When we first started going there it was convenient, evening hours, weekend hours, could go anytime great professional staff. Now it is very difficult to get an appointment and they always request that the pet be dropped off for whole day. I'm sure under the circumstances they don't want me to drop off my pet (since they don't even want to see her)! And I wouldn't want her left in a cage for hours being neglected and scared to death! I would not leave my neighbors pet Rat there! I called in to cancel and they said I still had 3 or 4 months left on contract which I would be liable for even though the hospital does not want to take care of my pet. I have been on the plan for almost 4 years and did not sign a 4 year contract! If Banfield was a Professional Vet with professional staff today as they advertise I would be glad to continue to use them as a vet. Please mail me a copy of the 4 year contract with my signature signed.

I will do everything in my power to Distribute this nightmare story to warn people from getting Scammed into their contract just to find out that their pet is lucky to be still alive today. GO TO A REAL VET NOT A PETSHOP.

This is an actual comment of a grateful client from Banfield --Alexandria.

Murphy's TPLO Surgeries
**First time viewers note: It is best to start from August 2006 and work your way forward**
August 14, 2006
A little about Murphy

Our Introduction

For starters, my first name is Kendra and my husband's name is Rob. We are currently living in Washington DC, as my husband is in the military. This blog is dedicated to our wonderful 2-1/2 year old Yellow Lab named Murphy, who is about to undergo knee surgery in both legs!

Why I choose to create this Blog?

Well for starters, Murphy is an 82 pound Labrador Retriever, one of American’s most popular breeds. I searched the internet and didn’t readily find any documented TPLO surgery accounts that involved Labs (not saying that there may not be any out there).

Secondly, we live in a 3-story apartment and in my searches I didn't find any past recovery cases from TPLO that had this many stairs involved!

Our first level is where Murphy will be confined to during both of his healing processes, it consists of the laundry room and foyer. The second level is where we spend the majority of our time because this is where the kitchen and living room is located. Murphy typically camps out on the couch, but during his recovery he won't be allowed to come upstairs at all. Our third level is where all the bedrooms are located. Murphy is used to sleeping with us as well, so that will be another change that he isn't going to like.

Thirdly, a blog is an easy way for our family and friends to keep track of Murphy’s progress, as well as give anyone who may face a similar situation what to expect during and after a TPLO surgery.

Murphy's Arrival

Murphy became an addition to our family in February of 2004. I drove 5-1/2 hrs to Meridian Mississippi to get him for a surprise for my husband for Valentine's Day. From the moment the two met they have pretty much been inseparable. Their together time consists of wet kisses and playing fetch. We have been blessed with Murphy's temperament and personality. He was no trouble to potty train, and discipline came very easy for him. He has never been a chewer, is trained by hand signals, and even passed puppy kindergarten with flying colors (Except for getting into trouble from flirting with his 'girlfriend' who was a Chocolate Lab).

Past Medical History

Murphy has really only had one minor health problem. He was diagnosed with food allergies after an ear infection sporadically came and went for his first year. We were prescribed Z/D Ultra by Hills by our local Florida vet, and we were told that he could no longer have any normal types of dog treats as well as no table scraps. Taking away the table scraps was easy because he hardly ever got them, we were adamant about him not being a moocher. However, taking away his normal dog bones, and vanilla wafers was a little sad. His treats now consist of carrots and ice cubes. Occasionally Rob will sneak him a tiny piece of pizza crust, and a few pieces of popcorn.

The Final Straw

We noticed about 1 &1/2 years ago that whenever Murphy would wake up from a nap, he would be slow in getting up, and that he often limped for a little while until his muscles warmed up. The first thing we thought of was hip displacia, however his hips were guaranteed as a puppy, and he didn't do it all the time. With that in mind, we literally chalked it up to him just getting older. We did however make sure to question two different vets about it, the last being this past March. We were told that he was over weight (95 lbs at the time) and that it was probably putting a strain on his joints. This really wasn't any NEW news to us. We have been told since Murphy was six months old that he was over weight, but we had a hard time believing it. Labs are supposed to be big and bulky, have thick necks, and broad shoulders. It was also hard to believe because the only thing he ever really gets is his dog food. We took the recommendation to heart and decided it was time to be proactive about his future. We cut his food back to 4 cups a day, and began the use of a measuring cup.

Fast forward to a few days after the Fourth of July this year. We were in the middle of our move, and were staying at a local hotel that accepted pets until we got housing. We tried to take advantage of Alexandria's many dog parks, and about 3-4 times a week we would walk him to the nearby parks in an attempt to give him some normality, as well as continue with his daily fetch routine.

One day, after waking up from a nap he was slow in getting up, and refused to put any weight on his back right leg. He continued to do this for two days. It was then that we decided that it was time to have x-rays done so that we could finally get some answers.

Since Rob is military and we move often, we decided that it would be best to start using Banfield Pet Hospitals as our primary vet. They are attached to most PetSmarts which makes them easy to find, and they have a Pet Wellness Plan that carries from state to state.

On July 19th, Murphy was seen by Dr. Caliolio at Banfield and by that afternoon we had our answers. Murphy’s hips and spine were picture perfect, however, both of his knees were cause for concern. Based on the X-rays Dr. Caliolio diagnosed Murphy with a possible cranial cruciate rupture and joint effusion with apparent bilateral stifles. I didn’t quite understand what all of that meant, but Dr. Caliolio was wonderful in explaining it to me and even went as far at to pull out a text book to help. He advised me that he was going to refer me to a local orthopedic specialist for confirmation.

The Diagnosis

On August 3rd, I brought Murphy to South Paws Veterinary Specialists for his referral appointment. I met with Dr. Daniel Brehm, who looked at Murphy’s X-rays and did several tests. He determined that Murphy indeed had partial Cruciate Ligament tears in both legs.

The following is a link to South Paws website for an explanation of a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture http://www.southpaws.com/topics/cruciate.htm

After careful consideration, we decided that the TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery would be the best choice for Murphy. The main reason is because we still don’t know exactly how he injured himself to begin with, neither of us can recall any events within the past 2 & 1/2 years where he may have hurt himself. Unlike other surgeries that rely on scar tissue, TPLO uses pins to fuse the bone together and eliminates the need for the ligaments. It is our theory that with the TPLO it will be harder for him hurt himself again, and that it will be worth doing it right the first time. The TPLO surgery is relatively more expensive than other types of surgeries, the cost being $3000 per leg (* However, that price includes everything, including his follow-up visits). The TPLO has a healing period of 6-8 weeks, and history has shown that dogs that have it will typically develop arthritis the same as any other normal dog. The plan is to do one leg, go through the 8 week recovery, and then do the second leg.

Current Activity Level

Murphy isn’t what we would consider a very active dog. His days consist of lying on the couch until we come home from work. Then he wants to go straight outside to take care of business and do what he loves the most... play fetch!

Since the Diagnosis we have had to cut back on his play time which has made him a very unhappy camper. There have been several days where he has been vocal about 'what time it is' and has even gone as far as to go pout in the corner for an hour when he didn't get his way. As you can probably tell, he is our only child!

Winter is coming, and Murphy has spent all of his winters up until now in Florida. This winter will mark his first snowfall, and we are hoping that if we get started on the surgeries ASAP that he will be able to enjoy the snowfalls like a normal dog, and spend the rest of his years happily running and playing fetch like any other dog!

The Date for Surgery No. 1

We broke down and scheduled the surgery for this Friday, August 18th. We decided to start on his right leg first since this is the one that bothered him last. Since he has partial ACL tears in BOTH legs, there is a chance that he could further injure his left leg during his recovery simply because it will be bearing the brunt of his weight for at least the first few weeks. We are hoping that there will be no complications and that his left leg will hold out.

Other Helpful Links

The following are some GREAT links that I found of other people who have had success stories with TPLO:

http://www.lauriebryce.com/tplo/index.html

http://www.ginnie.com/DaDane231.shtml

posted by Murphy TPLO 2006 at 09:47

1 Comments:
Anonymous said...
I am sure "The Murph" will do fine and I hope that for his sake he will have a speedy recovery on both knee's. (Otherwise you two will pay!)
I'm glad that you created this blog and included us! Thank you! I will be checking in occasionally. Talk to ya soon.
Jamie

6:36 AM

Banfield Hospitals should be the "last" place pet owners should consider taking their pets for pet care. I've read many complaints regarding this company and I and shocked that there has not been a law suit filed against them. You would think the corporate office or main headquarters would look into these complaints being that so many of their customers are taking time to tell their story, surely "all" of them (if any) are telling a faulthood regarding Banfield. It boils down to "not caring" as long as money is being brought into the company. What about the customer is always right... I guess this doesn't apply here.