Banfield Pet Hospital

Reviews 6

MA

Maria P

Ive been taking my cat here and now my new dog, and was usually satisfied enough. Ive always disliked the upselling - some vets are more aggressive than others - but brushed it off. Recently, I took my dog in for a lump on her head. The vet prodded the lump and said she had "no idea" what it could be, which surprised me. No idea? No thought at all of what it might be? I asked if it could be just from her hitting her head, but the vet said shed never seen anything like it, but that they could take a sample of the cells for testing. I decided instead to go home and see if it got better on its own, but the next day it was even bigger (maybe from all the poking and pressing on it), so I got scared and brought her back. When I picked her up, I was shocked to discover the charges totaled $324 - I paid $238 due to the "wellness" plan. This included some anti inflammatories, the procedure, the office visit, the lab work, and a $136 charge for "analysis and interpretation". Usually I ask about the charges ahead of time, since Banfield likes to add on extras without discussing them, but this time I was distraught and didnt do that. Its still annoying and frustrating that they dont go over the charges themselves. Three days later I was getting antsy about what the results were, so I looked up the lab it was sent to and discovered that this test sends results back in 1-3 days, not the 3-5 days quoted so I called. They had gotten the results back the next day, although no one bothered to call me. The vet who looked at my pup wasnt there, but another one looked at the results for a minute and said its probably nothing to worry about. No explanation of what it could be. No analyzing the history or any notes made from the visit. I decided Im not going here ever again after my plan runs out. I wouldnt say that Banfield Pet Hospital is evil or negligent, theyre more lackadaisical. If theyre not pushing for procedures/services you dont really need, theyre just ok. They dont really followup or seem very concerned about your pet. Theres other, more highly recommended vets in the area, so its not like this is the only place to go. I would give them three stars for my "meh" rating, but I find it outrageous that they charge $136 to look at some bloodwork, especially when I discovered this is the highest amount out of other vets in the area, so one star it is. update: I talked with the business owner over this situation, and she agreed that I should have been notified of all charges before paying. She said shed look into this and see if I could get a refund - but she never got back to me. I met someone at the dog park who was also surprised at extra charges at Banfield, so this seems to be a habit for them. Its too late for me, but heres a tip: file a chargeback with your credit card to get your money back (just be sure to do it within 90 days). You shouldnt have to pay for these surprise charges. This is very unethical and against the terms with the credit card processing. I now go to Bodhi Animal Hospital in North Park, and they review charges BEFORE they render care, so Im fully informed.

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A Private User

The Christmas of 2006, a good friend of mine gave me a chihuahua pup for Christmas and that pup has always been my pride and joy ever since. On January, I went to Banfield inside Pet Smart located off of Aero Drive. I bought a wellness plan that will cover every shot or vaccination my pup will ever need and included free office visits for an entire year. I was happy with the wellness plan and it seemed like the staff really do care about the pets. However, when my pup got her rabies shot, she started balding on the spot she was vaccinated. She scratched it and it started bleeding. I started dressing her up so that she doesnt make it worse. It was swollen but tender. We took her back to the vet and the vet said that it was normal. After much frustration over having my poor dog completely bald on one shoulder, I did some research and found out that my dog was supposed to be vaccinated under the muscle and not under the skin. Otherwise, the result would be baldness and tenderness. I am very disappointed as I thought that it was an unavoidable mishap. Now shed always have to have a shirt on or shed scratch the spot and make it bleed.

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Alarec Scarbrow

There are so many incompetent veterinarians here in San Diego. We tried a lot, but they only provided just enough help to get paid, and could never find a cure for our cats problem. It turns out that our cat - and his mother, may she rest in piece - had Diabetes and related virus(es). We had to put his mother down due to said incompetent vets. If only we had taken her here. They stayed 2 hours after closing to help us. They are the only ones that correctly diagnosed our cat out of nearly 10 different vets here in San Diego, including and especially Cabrillo Pet Hospital (Who said "I dont know." and sent us on our way after paying for nothing) and Market Street Vet. Banfield even understood that we couldnt afford to spend a fortune on dead-ends, and helped us accordingly. This is where you need to take your pets. Dont go on a wild goose chase to find answers like we did. It lost us a family member, and nearly lost us a second. Go to Banfield. If you have a problem with them, try another Banfield location. Just dont go to the incompetent vets, please!

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MA

Matthew Linden

We were "re-gifted" a Christmas puppy in 2006. Not knowing anything about caring for a puppy, we went to Petsmart and thats how we got connected with Banfield. WE LOVE IT! They have always taken excellent care of our dog and two cats. Since we live in East County, one of the doctors offered to meet me at Grossmont Mall to deliver medication for one of our cats. Instead I went in to Point Loma Banfield after hours on Christmas Eve and the doc was waiting for me. They were very caring and sensitive when it came time to put down our 18 year old cat and I absolutely trust them for all my familys vet needs.

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A Private User

Other than having to wait a while to see a doctor my experiences with them have been positive. I know that this practice is a franchise not a corporate Banfield Hospital. I know the wellness plan is not insurance but pre-paid medical services. I have both a wellness plan and health insurance for my pets, heres why. Wellness plan items are not covered by pet health insurance and pet health insurance items are not covered under a wellness plan. So they are actually a good deal when you compare them with pet health insurance "wellness add-ons" Pro: very through with my pets Con: wait time

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Ashley McFarland

They truly care about your pet here. My 4 month old pup is on their puppy wellness plan and Ive had to take him in for multiple sets of shots and exams and recently I had to do a "walk-in" because he had a canine puppy tooth that had broken off and was coming out the side of his gums. The vet tech took him back and the surgery tech pulled it out with no problems AND no charge. I was in and out within a half hour and my dog wasnt even scheduled for this.These people are the best and everyone is so friendly. Hands down the best vet clinic Ive ever been to

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