[Heycher]

We enrolled in the Wellness program at my local Banfield. I really like ours actually. Included in the program are all of the shots for the first year, the entire spay surgery (includes all the bloodwork etc), and free office visits. I think total it cost me about $325, so it definitely pays for itself. I don't know if we will stay with them beyond our first year though because their prices, generally, are higher than other vets. I've done a bunch of comparison fees on things between my Banfield and our other local vets.

I do also think that your experience will depend greatly on WHO the vet is IN your Banfield. There is only so much that can be controlled on a corporate level. It sounds to me like you went to a bad one, if your pup was that sore after a routine exam! Jeez! I happen to really like the vets at the Banfield we go to, and to me that makes all the difference.

Just today I took Violet for a pre-op appointment (she is getting spayed on Monday)... not something I had to do, but I just wanted to meet with the vet prior again, to ask my questions, get an overall check up, have him look at her teeth etc... They were glad to do this, and it cost me nothing. And I feel so much better about putting my baby in their hands when they treat us this way.

Again I think your banfield experience depends almost entirely on who the docs are. You've GOT to feel comfortable with your vet, just like you would with a human doc. I'd shop elsewhere on this one.

Hope this helps,
Cheryl