BANFIELD PET HOSPITAL

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This was, by far, the absolute worst visit I've ever had with Banfield. We have been coming to them for years with various foster dogs and our own dogs. I have no problems with most of the vet techs, they're very nice and are kind to our dogs. And there are a couple of vets that I particularly like, especially one. But over the years I've seen them come and go like normal.
My 3 biggest complaints with Banfield are these: #1 - the wait time for the vet in the exam room. Horrid! #2 - they're always trying to cram their Wellness plans down your throat. While I understand the Wellness plans are specific to Banfield, in my opinion and those of others I've spoken with, they are too highly priced. And again, I understand its a health insurance for your pet, but a lot of times they don't cover a simple visit. Its goal are for the big ticket issues your pet might suffer with. #3 - Their office visit fee ($45!) and they haven't even looked at your pet yet! If you have 2 pets and bring them in together you only get a $10 discount for pet #2 so you're at almost $100 and your pet hasn't even been looked at or touched! Ouch! The Wellness plans monthly rates are another payment that may or may not fit into your budget - for me its not worth the monthly payment especially since my dogs aren't seen on a regular basis.
On this last visit I had an appt. for 340pm. I believed my dog had an ear infection. The vet tech was fairly prompt in coming in and doing her basic vital checks. But then the wait began for the vet. 1 HOUR later I was still sitting in that exam room waiting for her!! That is completely unacceptable. In addition no one came in to tell me why she was so far behind/late. Only once did a vet tech poke her head into the room and tell me the vet had 2 others in front of me, she was done with one and going into the other. (This was around 415pm by now!) I then still waited a good half hour before she finally came in. Total wait time - 1 hour!!
She takes a quick look at my dog, focuses more on his being about 5-8 pounds overweight, checks his ears and takes a quick swab of them. Then proceeds to add up everything that it'll come to (over $200!) for the visit, ear swab, cleaning, ointment, etc...since I had ear wash at home I declined and I declined a couple of minor things I could do myself. She tells me it'll be another 10-15 minute wait for the swab results. I said fine, I'd already been there almost 1.5 hours so what was another 15 minutes, especially if my dog needed an antibiotic.
30 MINUTES later I'm still waiting, the vet hasn't come back in to tell me why its taking so long, and I can see her through the small window of the back room looking at x-rays, laughing with staff, etc.....so now I'm really p.o'd!! I track down the vet tech and demand he go back there and get the vet and get my test results. Enough was enough. The vet comes into the room about 5 minutes later, no apology or anything and tells me she found a small amount of bacteria and yeast but not enough to prescribe an antibiotic. Tells me to just give him the ear ointment, etc. Come back if it continues.
All in all - I was there for 2 hours!!!!! For a total of 10-15 minutes with the actual vet!! HORRIBLE!! The convenience of Banfield/PetSmart being just down the street from where I live almost totally negates the horrible wait times and 2 other issues I mentioned. While I said I'd come back due to convenience of location and I've been going there for years, it may be time to start looking for a new vet whose office visits are less expensive and who doesn't have horrible wait times. (I've even had appts. where I was the only one in the exam rooms and I STILL had long waits!)

We pay a monthly fee. It has been very helpful for us. With the insurance we have been able to get all of our dog's maintenance shots. All the shots are covered in the plan. The only thing that is not covered is if he were required to have some type of surgery. Most medications are covered. It has saved us quite a bit of money. They are always very helpful and they handle our dog well. We are on our second year with them.

We started using Banfield for our cats' general care a few years ago (2009-2010). Most of the visits have been fairly routine checkups, ear mite treatments, grooming, nail clipping, etc. I can't judge their performance on more serious cases, but we are willing to give them a try should that come up.
We haven't purchased any pet insurance - it doesn't make sense for our situation -- but their prices seem very reasonable, and there was a small discount for bringing in two cats at once for checkups which we appreciated.
So far, 90% of our interactions with the veterinarians, vet techs, and front desk staff have been pleasant, professional and considerate.

The prices are higher, but they do a good job. They are very good with handling the animals and caring for them. They are compassionate and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to other people any time. I am pleased to do business with them.

I WAS HAPPY WITH DR. WISHNER, BUT DID NOT CARE FOR THE WOMAN DOCTOR. MY DOG GOT EXCELLENT CARE, BUT I DID HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN AWFUL LONG TIME.

WE WAITED AND WAITED, NO DISCUSSION, LONG PAPERWORK, AND MY CAT CAUGHT A COLD. IT WAS MISERABLE!