Frankly, I don't see how they're allowed to stay in business! The web is full of horrific Banfield stories, there's even an entire website dedicated to them!
Banfield Sucks!
I'd like to add that if somebody is happy with them, go for it but please research the clinic's policies! Only because the Vet and staff seems nice, does not mean they can't harm your pet!!!
I was on the wellness plan for several years for my senior yorkie as I got sucked in by their advertisement and the subsequent guilt they're more than willing to sell to you! I don't know about individual Vets actually buying into the franchise as I was told it's more of a lease type of deal and the Vet has to abide by company policy. Every time I went there, it was a new Vet and the staff was horrible! I switched locations so many times until I figured out the problem was with the whole corporation and their practices in general. Real case scenario; you bring in your dog for spay/neuter surgery. While your pet is under, he/she is getting vaccinated all at once, including for things regular vets don't even vaccinate anymore including lepto and corona. Oh, and while we have him laying here, let's also clean his teeth! No wonder pets routinely die in their care not to mention the inferior dog food they push on people! I did my own research after my yorkie almost died after coming home from them! Sitting in the emergency room all night and $1200 later, I was ready to cancel my subscription but of course I was locked in for another year which cannot be canceled! I paid (had no choice) but never went back to them again! The plan really doesn't save you any money because their prices are grossly inflated! My dog is over 12 years old and I've been to many Vets in his lifetime and from one location to the next; Banfield is the worst of the worst! Somebody mentioned that Banfield is the McDonald's of Veterinary care and I totally agree! During those years that my yorkie was being seen there, his health declined so dramatically that he almost needed to be put to sleep!