PetSmart Vet Service - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ashley V · 07-08-2011, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Wellness days are basically just a shot clinic. If your dog has an issue or isn't "well" and needs to be seen by the dr the waived wellness office visit fee does not apply. You can go to the humane society or low cost s/n clinic or shot clinic to get the same exact shots for cheaper. Plus they don't push you to get more vax than you need to.

I know what a wellness day is. I was suggesting the OP go in for one of those so she could get a feel for what the office is like. And I have never been forced to give my dogs anything at Banfield that I don't want my dogs to have. If I say no, then they just say ok.

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Sorry for all the multiple posts in a row.

Now I'm just thinking out loud... people that think Banfield is a good hospital, have they even been to other vets before? What are you comparing them to that you think they are good?

So what they call you the next day for a follow up. Is it the dr or the receptionist? The times I've been to Banfield it has always been the desk girl. My vet now, it is one of the dr's themselves that calls me. Good news or bad news. If I don't pick up, they call my alternate number and they leave messages on both lines. I love my vet.

I don't understand why people who maybe had a bad experience at one automatically think all of them are bad. I've had a lot of animals in my lifetime and have used various vets. Chip used to see a vet at another Banfield and she was awful, so I switched to a different location. They have never, ever turned us down, they have always helped us even for the silliest things, they have never forced us to have or give them anything I don't want to, they always are more than willing to explain things and take time for my dogs, and they have saved Chip's life I don't know how many times when he was having vaccine reactions. It might not be the best decision for some people and there pets, but it was a good decision for us.

Yes it is the receptionist that calls the next day, but if there is a problem, typically I'm calling first or am already in there getting the dogs seen, or if not, then the receptionist will go talk to the doctor and the doctor will come to the phone if it's something urgent or get the tech to talk to me. I don't have a problem with that, because like I said, if there is a problem, I'm not going to wait on them to call me. Forget that, I'm heading in or picking up the phone.

GoofyBritt · 07-09-2011, 01:10 PM

I would never use Petsmart Banfield again. They hurt my baby when giving him his vaccines! He yelped at each shot and tried to get away! And then he was sick and in so much pain that night that we had to hold his head up (he was in the sitting position) as he was falling asleep because every time he started to fall over he'd be in so much pain! It was terrible!

I found another vet near us and have had his shots done there and they are so kind to him and pet him and he never whimpered with any of the shots he's received there. And he was not in pain from the vaccines that night either. He was fine. Their prices might be good (we had a plan also) but it's not worth it for them to hurt your baby. Not at all.

nancyf007 · 07-09-2011, 04:44 PM

Well I certainly appreciate everyones input. Abby is finished with her shots for the year.
But the first month I had her I had a lot of panic moments that resulted in vet trips that were more for me than Abby.
I like her vet. I just liked the idea that someone is there all weekend if I have a freak out.
I guess I can use them as an emergency weekend vet.
The next thing Abby needs is to get spayed. She cannot do it until August when she is six months old. I do not know what it will cost but I will probably feel better having it with the vet I already know.
Is she going to suffer a lot after it and if so for how long?
I am freaking out already and she still has another month to wait.

AbbyMax · 07-09-2011, 06:51 PM

Fear not - Yorkies are quick healers! My last yorkie bounced back after a few days. It was all I could do to keep her from running and jumping around for the week. I got some pain meds to take home for her and they were great.

Sounds like you will be having your Abby spayed the same time as I will be having my Abby spayed. My vet did say he may want to wait an extra month due to her size - she is 2.6 ounces at 15 weeks (hoping she will have a growth spurt soon - her parents were about 5 pounds).

The costs vary from place to place. My old vet currently charges 395.00 for a spay - my new vet charges 150.00. I asked the new gal at my new vet why they were so cheap and she laughed and said she had never been asked that before - most people thing they are expensive. The new vet is great and the cost for all other services is comparable other vets in my area. Most important, I feel comfortable with my new vet and trust him with my babies.

We have a spay/neuter clinic in town and they run $60.00. The vets at the clinic are all board certified and there are several local vets who donate their time for a wonderful cause. A few of my friends have taken their dogs and/or cats there and they all had a good experience. The breeder I got my babies from takes her recuse cats and dogs there (she has rescued several cats and dogs over the years.) The spay/neuter clinic include pain meds in the the cost.

It is best to check things in your area.

qt2168 · 07-09-2011, 08:11 PM

We actually had this plan at banfield and it is a total rip off! They tried to charge us 25$ for benadryl and tried to slip it in by calling it the generic name but I knew what the real name was and called them out on it. They will nickle and dime you on every turn. Every thing they do is more expensive then at my regular vet, in fact they are more expensive then all the vets in my town. I would stay far away from them. The relationship you build with your vet is priceless by the way.

Xsassy2macyX · 07-09-2011, 08:29 PM

There is a Petsmart near me and they have the vet program too. I've never used that program. I've always took my dog to local vet that is not open 24 hours.

After Macy got sick with collapsed trachea and it was 2 in the morning when she got sick and the vet was not open. We had to look through the phonebook to find a vet place that was open 24 hrs. After Macy got better, I decided to transfer her from the vet we normally went to to the one that is open 24/7.

The reason I decided to transfer her is because if something like this ever happen again, I won't have to worry about getting all her history, etc., because they'd already have it and would be quicker and easier for Macy.

I hope that makes sense. Just some advice for you.

My Sophia · 07-09-2011, 09:31 PM

I guess, like so many things, it seems it's just luck of the draw. I've got both of mine on Banfield's plan and have had nothing but positive experiences. From the receptionists to the doctors, they all treat the kids like royalty and are very caring with them. Their estimates have always been dead on accurate with what I end up paying. Gulliver's neuter was included with the plan and if I remember, I think it was under $100 including pre op blood work, surgery, pain meds, the whole bit. I dropped him off that morning, picked him up around 5:00 and he was fine. Never even touched the pain meds they sent home with us. If I don't want them to have a certain vaccine they're fine with it, never have tried to push it. Whether it's a surgery or an office visit for a pedicure, I always get a call the next day to see how the "patient" is doing and if I have a question they either go ask the doctor or have him call me back, usually within just a few minutes. I also love that they're open 7 days/week and are 5 minutes from the house since it seems like my little angels never get sick at a convenient time and I don't feel like paying $90 just to walk in the door at an E-vet because it's not Monday-Friday 8-5. All you can do is check your local Banfield out, give them a chance.

Yorkie_mommy · 07-09-2011, 10:32 PM

DO NOT DO IT!!!! I used Banfield it was suppose to be 20 dollars a month yeah right that kept going up. My dog had to get 2 rabies shots because they didnt want to honor the rabies shot that the vet gave my dog when we was stationed in Germany. Even though I had the certificate, she said that I had to get one through them in order to enroll in the program. The plan i got included spay/neuter. So I went to get my female neuter they said $500 mind you this was a puppy husky roughly 30lb. It said free vet visits, I had to pay every time I went in there. So I told them I wanted to cancel it because it was bogus, the lady behind the counter said okay no problem give it 7-10 business days and you will receive your cancellation statement. I asked the lady was there going too be a charge for cancelling she said no I just had to pay the bill for the current month which i did. Well I got a bill for $350 dollars instead of a cancellation statement saying that I owned it to the vet for the visits I had. I told them to contact my lawyer and sue me, because that was BS.

Little mama · 07-10-2011, 09:55 AM

I live in ft myers and use banfield at page field, I have seen 3 of their vets, stephanie, Lisa, Dr camp, I have never had any problems with them, all 3 different but equally knowledgable,caring and helpful. I never feel rushed as I tend to ask a lot of questions, always a follow up call the next day. Allie is having itchy skin issues, Dr camp told me not to waste my time or money doing the tests they offer but to take her to a dermatoligist, he is also very conservitive with prescribing meds.
Good luck in whatever u decide.

Banfield · 07-14-2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkie_mommy

DO NOT DO IT!!!! I used Banfield it was suppose to be 20 dollars a month yeah right that kept going up. My dog had to get 2 rabies shots because they didnt want to honor the rabies shot that the vet gave my dog when we was stationed in Germany. Even though I had the certificate, she said that I had to get one through them in order to enroll in the program. The plan i got included spay/neuter. So I went to get my female neuter they said $500 mind you this was a puppy husky roughly 30lb. It said free vet visits, I had to pay every time I went in there. So I told them I wanted to cancel it because it was bogus, the lady behind the counter said okay no problem give it 7-10 business days and you will receive your cancellation statement. I asked the lady was there going too be a charge for cancelling she said no I just had to pay the bill for the current month which i did. Well I got a bill for $350 dollars instead of a cancellation statement saying that I owned it to the vet for the visits I had. I told them to contact my lawyer and sue me, because that was BS.

Yorkie Mommy, We'd like to help better understand your situation and see if we can help. Please call our Wellness Plan Relations Team at 866-277-7387. Thank you, and we apologize for the frustration!

Banfield · 07-14-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkie_mommy

DO NOT DO IT!!!! I used Banfield it was suppose to be 20 dollars a month yeah right that kept going up. My dog had to get 2 rabies shots because they didnt want to honor the rabies shot that the vet gave my dog when we was stationed in Germany. Even though I had the certificate, she said that I had to get one through them in order to enroll in the program. The plan i got included spay/neuter. So I went to get my female neuter they said $500 mind you this was a puppy husky roughly 30lb. It said free vet visits, I had to pay every time I went in there. So I told them I wanted to cancel it because it was bogus, the lady behind the counter said okay no problem give it 7-10 business days and you will receive your cancellation statement. I asked the lady was there going too be a charge for cancelling she said no I just had to pay the bill for the current month which i did. Well I got a bill for $350 dollars instead of a cancellation statement saying that I owned it to the vet for the visits I had. I told them to contact my lawyer and sue me, because that was BS.

Yorkie Mommy, We'd like to help better understand your situation and see if we can help. Please call our Wellness Plan Relations Team at 866-277-7387. Thank you, and we apologize for the frustration!

capt_noonie · 07-14-2011, 09:30 PM

Oh you have GOT to be kidding me

Now we have "Banfield" trolling YT too?

My lil friend · 07-14-2011, 10:08 PM

SEEE!! I knew that someone would be able to say it better than me. All I could think was "REALLY! I mean REALLY! for SERIOUS!!".

Dolcesmama_xoxo · 07-15-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallmans

We rehomed our little Bella and she came with a "wellness plan" with Banfield already paid for 1 year. We decided to use the plan and found that it worked very well for us as first time dog owners. We could take Bella in for a check anytime with no additional charge. The vets in both NY and AZ were wonderful!
Bella's first dental, extractions, cleaning only came to $115.00. We were amazed. I know everyone has an opionion, but we have had nothing but wonderful service/care from Banfield. We were also impressed when the vet called to check on Bella the next morning after we made a trip to the emergency vet. They had faxed the report to Banfield and the vet called us for follow-up. The emergency vet did not. I think any service is only as good as the people that are it's employees. You have to shop around. I don't think it's good to "lump" any service provider, you can have a "certified" vet that is not the best. You find the vet that you trust, gives good service, is well educated, and most important of all . . . cares about your pet. Just wanted to give a different side to the story.

Well said!

givemecouture · 07-23-2011, 04:55 PM

I think it may depend on the area your Banfield is in too. It is kinda like a franchise, so if you happen to have an awesome vet at your local Banfield you just get lucky.

For example, my mother lives about an hour away and has taken family dog Cisco to Banfield since day one. She loves it and has a great relationship with her vet, it is always the same gentleman and he is very good.

Now, I live in Dallas-much bigger city. I took Milo there a few times when I first got him and was incredibly unhappy with that plan. Plus I never saw the same vet twice-it was a much bigger Banfield/Petsmart. So I quickly looked for another vet.

07-09-2011, 01:10 PM	#32
GoofyBritt YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Grove City, OH Posts: 328	I would never use Petsmart Banfield again. They hurt my baby when giving him his vaccines! He yelped at each shot and tried to get away! And then he was sick and in so much pain that night that we had to hold his head up (he was in the sitting position) as he was falling asleep because every time he started to fall over he'd be in so much pain! It was terrible! I found another vet near us and have had his shots done there and they are so kind to him and pet him and he never whimpered with any of the shots he's received there. And he was not in pain from the vaccines that night either. He was fine. Their prices might be good (we had a plan also) but it's not worth it for them to hurt your baby. Not at all. __________________ Bentley Bentley is my angel. I never knew I could love a dog so much, he is truly a miracle.

07-09-2011, 08:29 PM	#36
Xsassy2macyX Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH, USA Posts: 82	There is a Petsmart near me and they have the vet program too. I've never used that program. I've always took my dog to local vet that is not open 24 hours. After Macy got sick with collapsed trachea and it was 2 in the morning when she got sick and the vet was not open. We had to look through the phonebook to find a vet place that was open 24 hrs. After Macy got better, I decided to transfer her from the vet we normally went to to the one that is open 24/7. The reason I decided to transfer her is because if something like this ever happen again, I won't have to worry about getting all her history, etc., because they'd already have it and would be quicker and easier for Macy. I hope that makes sense. Just some advice for you. __________________ Proud Mommy to My Two Babies: Macy and R.I.P. Sassy

07-14-2011, 09:30 PM	#42
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	Oh you have GOT to be kidding me Now we have "Banfield" trolling YT too? __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

07-09-2011, 04:44 PM	#33
nancyf007 YT Addict Join Date: May 2011 Location: Fort Myers Posts: 339 Blog Entries: 8	Well I certainly appreciate everyones input. Abby is finished with her shots for the year. But the first month I had her I had a lot of panic moments that resulted in vet trips that were more for me than Abby. I like her vet. I just liked the idea that someone is there all weekend if I have a freak out. I guess I can use them as an emergency weekend vet. The next thing Abby needs is to get spayed. She cannot do it until August when she is six months old. I do not know what it will cost but I will probably feel better having it with the vet I already know. Is she going to suffer a lot after it and if so for how long? I am freaking out already and she still has another month to wait.

07-09-2011, 06:51 PM	#34
AbbyMax Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 481	Fear not - Yorkies are quick healers! My last yorkie bounced back after a few days. It was all I could do to keep her from running and jumping around for the week. I got some pain meds to take home for her and they were great. Sounds like you will be having your Abby spayed the same time as I will be having my Abby spayed. My vet did say he may want to wait an extra month due to her size - she is 2.6 ounces at 15 weeks (hoping she will have a growth spurt soon - her parents were about 5 pounds). The costs vary from place to place. My old vet currently charges 395.00 for a spay - my new vet charges 150.00. I asked the new gal at my new vet why they were so cheap and she laughed and said she had never been asked that before - most people thing they are expensive. The new vet is great and the cost for all other services is comparable other vets in my area. Most important, I feel comfortable with my new vet and trust him with my babies. We have a spay/neuter clinic in town and they run $60.00. The vets at the clinic are all board certified and there are several local vets who donate their time for a wonderful cause. A few of my friends have taken their dogs and/or cats there and they all had a good experience. The breeder I got my babies from takes her recuse cats and dogs there (she has rescued several cats and dogs over the years.) The spay/neuter clinic include pain meds in the the cost. It is best to check things in your area.

07-09-2011, 08:11 PM	#35
qt2168 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: anderson Posts: 30	We actually had this plan at banfield and it is a total rip off! They tried to charge us 25$ for benadryl and tried to slip it in by calling it the generic name but I knew what the real name was and called them out on it. They will nickle and dime you on every turn. Every thing they do is more expensive then at my regular vet, in fact they are more expensive then all the vets in my town. I would stay far away from them. The relationship you build with your vet is priceless by the way.

07-09-2011, 09:31 PM	#37
My Sophia YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA Posts: 467	I guess, like so many things, it seems it's just luck of the draw. I've got both of mine on Banfield's plan and have had nothing but positive experiences. From the receptionists to the doctors, they all treat the kids like royalty and are very caring with them. Their estimates have always been dead on accurate with what I end up paying. Gulliver's neuter was included with the plan and if I remember, I think it was under $100 including pre op blood work, surgery, pain meds, the whole bit. I dropped him off that morning, picked him up around 5:00 and he was fine. Never even touched the pain meds they sent home with us. If I don't want them to have a certain vaccine they're fine with it, never have tried to push it. Whether it's a surgery or an office visit for a pedicure, I always get a call the next day to see how the "patient" is doing and if I have a question they either go ask the doctor or have him call me back, usually within just a few minutes. I also love that they're open 7 days/week and are 5 minutes from the house since it seems like my little angels never get sick at a convenient time and I don't feel like paying $90 just to walk in the door at an E-vet because it's not Monday-Friday 8-5. All you can do is check your local Banfield out, give them a chance.

07-09-2011, 10:32 PM	#38
Yorkie_mommy Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Williamsburg Va Posts: 42	DO NOT DO IT!!!! I used Banfield it was suppose to be 20 dollars a month yeah right that kept going up. My dog had to get 2 rabies shots because they didnt want to honor the rabies shot that the vet gave my dog when we was stationed in Germany. Even though I had the certificate, she said that I had to get one through them in order to enroll in the program. The plan i got included spay/neuter. So I went to get my female neuter they said $500 mind you this was a puppy husky roughly 30lb. It said free vet visits, I had to pay every time I went in there. So I told them I wanted to cancel it because it was bogus, the lady behind the counter said okay no problem give it 7-10 business days and you will receive your cancellation statement. I asked the lady was there going too be a charge for cancelling she said no I just had to pay the bill for the current month which i did. Well I got a bill for $350 dollars instead of a cancellation statement saying that I owned it to the vet for the visits I had. I told them to contact my lawyer and sue me, because that was BS.

07-10-2011, 09:55 AM	#39
Little mama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ft myers,fl usa Posts: 169	I live in ft myers and use banfield at page field, I have seen 3 of their vets, stephanie, Lisa, Dr camp, I have never had any problems with them, all 3 different but equally knowledgable,caring and helpful. I never feel rushed as I tend to ask a lot of questions, always a follow up call the next day. Allie is having itchy skin issues, Dr camp told me not to waste my time or money doing the tests they offer but to take her to a dermatoligist, he is also very conservitive with prescribing meds. Good luck in whatever u decide.

07-14-2011, 10:08 PM	#43
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	SEEE!! I knew that someone would be able to say it better than me. All I could think was "REALLY! I mean REALLY! for SERIOUS!!".

07-23-2011, 04:55 PM	#45
givemecouture Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: TX Posts: 402	I think it may depend on the area your Banfield is in too. It is kinda like a franchise, so if you happen to have an awesome vet at your local Banfield you just get lucky. For example, my mother lives about an hour away and has taken family dog Cisco to Banfield since day one. She loves it and has a great relationship with her vet, it is always the same gentleman and he is very good. Now, I live in Dallas-much bigger city. I took Milo there a few times when I first got him and was incredibly unhappy with that plan. Plus I never saw the same vet twice-it was a much bigger Banfield/Petsmart. So I quickly looked for another vet.