Banfield Pet Insurance
Before I dive into this article I would like to make it absolutely clear that I am in no way associated with the Banfield pet hospital and I have nothing against the as a company.
What I would want to talk about in this article is that fact that Banfield is not a pet insurance company like the many you probably already know the names of such as Tesco, ASPCA and VPI. All of these are regular insurance companies which mean that they live from providing you as a pet owner some level of security to that when your pet gets sick or has an accident then you’ll be able to pay for the bills from the vet or from the pet hospital.
Pet Care, Not Pet Insurance
The Banfield pet insurance is a totally different thing as it has nothing to do with what we know of as a normal insurance. What they do is provide you with a wellness plan for you (and your pet) to follow in order to keep your pet as healthy as possible. As you probably already know a good health will give you a good immune system which can fight off illnesses and your pet will most likely not get sick that often.
Besides keeping your pet from getting sick as often you will also find that a good health with good bone structure and a healthy muscle mass will have your pet recover faster if it is in an injury than it would otherwise.
So can your call the Banfield pet insurance for an “insurance”? Well I guess it depends on how you look at it. You’ll not be a 100% certain that your pet won’t get ill or that it won’t have a hard time recovering from both an illness and an injury but if that was the criteria then would “insurance” even exist? From the many comments on this blog you can see that a lot of pet owners that have signed with regular pet insurance companies hasn’t received what they expected from their pet insurance companies so I guess that we can say that even though it is a little different, the Banfield pet insurance options will probably provide an equal end result.
I am currently doing research on insurance options for my new dog and am torn between a wellness plan versus a policy for accidents and injuries. These “pets” are so much a part of our life why can’t they/we expect more??
From: Catherine, Boss, Gibbs, Drain-O, Cephra and Snuggles
Hi,
I had two dogs on a wellness plan with Banfield. From my experience, a wellness plan is similar to financing medical expeneses for your pet. I don’t know much about pet insurance but I lost both dogs, one because the Banfield wellness plan would not cover the dog’s leg amputation and I could not afford the thousands of dollars out of pocket. My other dog was hit by a car and died. The dilemna I am having with Banfield is that I am still paying a monthly fee for two dogs that I no longer have for another 8 months! I just got another dog! I tried to talk to Banfiled about working with me in transferring at least one of the wellness plans to the new dog, and the would not listen.They said the plans are not transferrable. At least cut me some kind of deal! So I will not be getting anymore wellness plans with Banfield! So I hope this is of any help to anyone.
Banfield covers standard shots and dental cleaning (with the plus plan). When I take my dog in for his annual shots, it’s like taking my car to the dealer for an oil change … you’ll end up with a laundry list of items that they want you to fix! I’ve learned to ask the vet for a prescription and buy the medication online for MUCH CHEAPER. Banfield sucks but at least my dog is healthy.
cynthia i feel your pain. i had a situation like that with banfield, where i had to continue paying for a cat i didn’t have.
We had the wellness plan for out last dog. It did cover his visit when he ingested rat poison, and the out of pocket was only $40 at the time for his meds. However, when he got sick a few years later nothing was covered. There was even a cost for them to check him because his illness was not covered. Fortunately we were able to cancel the plan immediately after he died. I am currently looking into other plans for my new puppy and I will not be going with Banfield.
I had a plan with Banfield, which worked well (shots and regular check ups) until I really needed it. My dog got cancer and they didn’t cover it. I ended up paying to an independent pet hospital more than $10K for my dog’s treatment. My little one died and some months after I still was paying Banfield for the nothing at all,
My dog has had the bansfield wellness plan that I have paid for 12 years, but now that the dog is sick nothing is covered. Don’t waste your money on the plan.
You are not buying insurance, it is a WELLNESS plan. You are buying a package of services that are greatly discounted; vaccines, visits, etc… You also have the benefit of paying for these services monthly therefore, helping a lot of families pay for essential preventative care. You have to look into pet insurance companies to cover illness, not the wellness plan. Check a private practice price for preventative care, add it all up and compare the difference. You will think different of the wellness plan if you understand it.
i completely agree Wendy. people are not doing their research. There is a HUGE difference on WELLNESS and INSURANCE plans. I have read the wellness plan over and over. And there are ALOT of savings with the plan. And the plan offers ALOT of vaccines and check up that you should be getting for your puppy/dog to help maintain a healthy pet. No where does it say that it guarantees your pet will stay healthy for the life of your pet. It does however state they offer a discount for other services that are not covered by the plan. If you can, do both. The wellness plan AND the pet insurance. That is your best bet.
Thanks for the info, My neighbor just got the Banfield for his new pup, With all this good info, I wont be using Benfield for my new pup.
I know your frustration I had my blue-chihuahua on the wellness plan, it sucks,my dog became ill and we payed for x-rays and etc, out of our pockets and they said they did not know what was wrong with him, they knew he had loss weight, stopped eating, diarreah, vomit a little, fever,head shaking when I got back home, they did not even care,finally, he died, sometimes they have even told us this visit is free on the wellness plan and we still ended up coming out of our pockets, sometimes I think they give dogs shots that they don’t really need just want money, all they interested in is getting your dog fixed, I will not get anymore insurance with them.
I posted a comment while my dog was sick. Took him to Bansfield and got this story of how his anal glands were swollen and he had an eye infection, fever and they had to run all these test,etc for over $500.00. It was so obvious that my dog had something seriously wrong. I dont feel my dog was given the proper care and needless to say he had become so ill that he was suffering and I had to have him put down to sleep. I was told by the animal hospital that put him down that he had cancer. I wonder why Bansfield couldnt tell me that. I cancelled my plan with no problems, but then again I had paid on the plan for 12 years and thousands of dollars later. All in all you will not get the care and attention your pets need there. I have searched other plans for our other dog, but think I just might set up a seperate savings account and put the monthly fee in the account to cover wellness visits and emergencies.
I did find comfort in how All Heavenly Creatures pet crematory handled our baby Chip. I miss my Chip, we had him when he was first born so he was like our child.
I am having the same problem as I type this letter. My dog is 2 1/2 and has had the same problems/symptoms since birth. Every week I have been in Banfield to just get the same story over and over. He has fever, allergies, stomach flu, anal glands are full etc. Now my dog is worse than ever a I am forced to go to a specialists that is costing me thousands of dollars. I know something terrible is wrong with my dog and will find out the results on Monday. I would have rather spent the money on a specialist earlier in his life rather than fork out over 40,000.00 to Banfield in 2 years for nothing. I am very angry and hope my dog will make it. I am very sorry you lost your dog. Banfield should be shut down for the way they “practice” medicine. =(
I am so sorry about your beloved baby. They are like our family. I have had Banfield insurance and it has worked well for my two little dogs. But they have never been sick. Not yet. After reading your pst. it made more sense to me to just save money for the costs, thus saving the monthly payments.
I would recommend you actually take that monthly saving account money and put it into a strictly accident or illness plan as you already no that one illness can be more then you’ve save in the year and you get the money back from the insurance company. with the savings account you just put in when you use it your empty and start saving all over again.
I have been using Banfield for about 15 years. We have saved THOUSANDS on routine visits and the ‘balancing’ monthly payments make shots and visits palatable. However, over this past weekend, our dog went ‘lame’; he lost the use of his hind legs. The Banfield vet is trying to solve this issue medically, but the cost is only partially covered (about $200.00 out of pocket). However, the vet said that there is a strong possibility that this neurological issue will requrie “specialized care” not available through Banfield. The potential cost, upward of $6K, is prohibitive. Although our dog is very special to us, the only option, if he does not improve over the next 48 hours, is to have him put down… and he is only 7-8 years old (he was a rescued dog).
The bottom line is that the basic wellness plan is great (balancing the normal annual costs over the year), a VPI-type supplemental plan is also necessary.
I’ve been using Banfield for about 8 years already. They have been nothing but great. When my first dog was diagnosed with a tissue cancer in his mouth (and yes it was a Banfield Vet who diagnosed), our Banfield Vet was there for us throughout the whole ordeal doing everything possible to help us understand. When we decided to put our dog to sleep, it was the humane thing to do and even our Banfield Vet shared our tears. I called the main number to Banfield and they, without any hesitation, canceled our plan and told us when we were ready to get another dog to call them up and we could pick up the plan at the same cost. 5 weeks later we did just that. Banfield has been a cost saving, helpful wellness plan that I recommend to all my friends who have pets.
My problem is not with the vets or their staff, my problem is with Banefield itself. I paid cash for their insurance and was told that I could take my pet to any Benfield around the country; I travel a lot so this is why I bought. I paid in full for my “insurance” contract with Benfield in the Mobile store and had my pet looked at by the Vet, no problem, that day. I had my pet see the vet in Jacksonville Fla for some shots and stuff, No problem. Then went back to Mobile, where I bought the contract, and had my dog in for some shots, they said she needed, after the vet and staff saw her and gave the shots they wanted to charge me because I had been out of state? So this store got the Corporate on the phone and they said anytime you go to another Benfield you move the contract to the new store and I now have to pay a renewal fee to the new location to buy another year of the contract. Even though I had 6 months left in my contract, I was being forced to buy another contract for another year after they worked on my pet. I reviewed my contract with Benfield and do not see this anywhere in the contract. So here’s how it is to date, I bought this one year contract in Mobile and now 6 months later, to have them see my pet under the “insurance” contract, I have to buy another year of the contract, sounds like a scam, each time to take your dog in to have something done you have to renew your one year contract even though I have 6 months left on the contract I bought here in Mobile. Ask your store about this scam before you buy the “insurance” contract! To date no one has offered anything to settle this problem just for me to pay for a new year again for the things that are covered in the “contract” that is still in force!
Banfield vet talked me into upgrading my plan to cover teeth cleaning since she said my 8 mo old maltese needed a baby tooth extracted. The plan would pay for a cleaning and all I would have to pay for would be the extraction. When I took my dog in .. I was told that the cost would be near 300.00 on top of my plan. I said no and took my dog somewhere else. This place is a joke. Now I am stuck with paying for an upgraded plan I dont want.
hello,
i have a question. im also about to have a new puppy and im looking around for insurance. im not gonna lie, i was thinking of going with Banfield and im so glad that i have read everyones story on this website and realized that i must do more research. im so sorry that some of you have lost your loved ones, i cant imagine losing my puppy. so my question is do anyone know a good pet insurance for my new puppy? any advice would be great, thank you.
I just had the most horrific experience at PetSmart with my two puppies whom have had all their shots except for their last Bordetella and getting fixed. The vet whom it turns out happens to be ther owner treated me like crap, to which there are several employees as witnesses and I reported it to the PetSmart store Manager who said he could do nothing about it. So, I got the card to call you I was on hold the 13th in line and after 15 minutes of holding standing outside with my two 4lb and 4.6 lb pups the phone died.
The vet seems to be having a nervous breakdown of some kind.
I called you twice to verify the pup insurance information and amounts I was there twice reverifying and setting up the appointments. I waited two weeks asking for daytime and having to get night time or nothing for weeks so I took it.I could have gone back to my vet for what a tech does there the Bordetella for under $20 each but wanted the insurance for the future of my pets which are very healthy pups there is nothing wrong with them.
I was trying to sign my pets up for the insurance plan of which you gave me all the information and I have the flyer and the vet techs gave me the same numbers. The vet told me NOT TO DO! He said just call one week before hysterectomies in three months and it will cost $300.00 each and today is $15.00 each only. So, I still wanted the insurance in case anything happened during all this time. He told me to wait til they were a year old AND THEN sign them up. This really puzzled me….I went to check out and gave my Visa card and was told it was $110.20 for todays visit. I reasked re the insurance and was told they would discuss it with this crazy vet I did not see HOW I was saving anything when the insurance plan is about $350.00 combined the techs told me. So, I asked again for them to show me it on with pen and paper and refused to pay until they did.
They went in to get the Vet, there were no other customers at the counter which had been unmanned, the vet was busy I said just show me the numbers. I am a retired accountant and not a vet but I do know numbers. $110.00 plus $300 x2 = $710.00 plus then the adult fees and if anything should ever happen! In fact I was there at 4:00p.m for a 4:30 appointment and no one was there, I checked back in again after shopping to tell them I was in the store with the pups several times over and over every 5-10 minutes…the front was unmanned every time save one. The woman said we will call you we are behind. I got home at 7p.m. after crying in my car after the way the Vet now aggravated at his people started yelling at me and said HE REFUSED to give me the PET Insurance. I have shopped at PetSmart and know all the people there for years and years, I take my dogs to be clipped there and I have 6 pets, Three dogs and three birds! Petsmart will hear about your nutty vet…the manager knows and there are employee witnesses who know what a nice elderly lady I am to everyone in that store I am in there several times a week buying something.
I never knew about the pet insurance but I have seen first hand that the facility is not manned properly and attitudes need adjustment. The vet was angry that my pups messed but I cleaned it up before he came in without a tech to help him and I did not know where to discard it again there was no one at the desk and I had been left alone in the room for quite some time. I am SO Upset about this I will write PetsMart. I understand the guy owns this place thre and the manage can do nothing but I will write to the Editor of the Naples Daily News anything I can to deflect from this practice of yelling and screaming at people. I stood there dumbfounded and amazeed and then crying as he screamed at me like a lunatic. I am not responsible for the fact that he is on the edge and has a staff that does not know how to handle their front desk. I have called my credit card company immediately then you and was on hold for over 15 min till phone died…..WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS ARE YOU RUNNING… I have been with my vet for a long long time over 13 years and have never been treated lilke this. I was told that I should get the girls covered again they are healthy and all shots have been done and paid for…
I just wanted them fixed and the insurance just in case something EVER happened in the future. I have had dogs my whole life and vets and bred dogs and sold them I have never been so shamefully humilatied in all my life. I am a stong woman and I was reduced to tears! This is in Visa Dispute now all I am willing to pay is the $15.00 each the vet told me or the Insurance somewhere else, but do not know where to go after having been DENIED insurance because the man said I was “difficult” which I was not I was questioning what the hell was going on here….SO NOW YOU MUST DO SOMETHING.. His name is Dr. Alan Grisshart and looks like the nutty professor. I only asked for the follow up not an exam I provided all the certificates from my vet and all the detailed bills for his review. I never asked for a physical except as it pertained to the health insurance. I was overcharged as well as humiliated. I expect an apology from your compnay and some kind of answer I will not accept he was having a bad day his behavious was totally unacceptable for a Professional of any kind in any walk of life. I am still upset andit is 8:30 p.m. Three hours in Pet Smart and I walked out without my items that I had shopped for during the time I was there waiting for them. Deplorable. I will make sure that this is resolved!!!!!!!!!!!!! Denise Hannum Shields and upset customer
Banfield represents the Optimum Wellness Plan Health Care as an insurance policy that will save you big savings in the treatment and health care of your pet. This is false! It actually is misrepresentation. It does not save you anything on your basic pet care services. Vaccinations, under professional services:flea control,nutrition counseling, weight counseling,:Exam when needed, basic exam: Diagnostics: fecal, heartworm/lyme/Ehrlichia test and an ear swab, Parasite Control; routine deworming, Surgery; Spay or nueter, anesthetic,bloodwork! Cost$350.00 The next week had to take pup back for treatment for demodectic mange that was missed at exam costed me another $105.oo. Did not cover anything. Rip Off don’t do it.
RIP OFF plain and simple, is this clear enough for you !
My little mini dachshund scully had banfield’s insurance.
Everything was extra, when he had his teeth cleaned had to have a complete workup.
Everything came back ok for him to go under and have his teeth cleaned. two weeks later he woke up in the middle of the night with trouble breathing, so my husband took him to an emergency hospital where they put him in oxygen tent. He was there only a half day and passed away. The vet said he had cancer of blood. The vet said if banfield did blood work two weeks ago there was no way they didn’t know he had cancer.
When I called to cancel insurance said I could cancel after finish paying for rest of year.
I’m being harassed by IC Systems a collection agency for banfield,and the lady said banfield provided a service for your pet. I told this lady you can’t possibly be serious when banfield was the cause of my baby’s death. If not for the incompetence of
the staff at the hospital he could be alive today.
The Staff also misrepresents the insurance coverage and cancellation.
Nobody says anything about if your pet should die one month into insurance that you have to pay for eleven months till insurance is up for renewal again.
This is the most outrageous thing i have ever heard of
I can relate, we just learned that after Pet Smart killed our dog and Banfield said they would cancel the insurance and they never did (I know my fault for believing a Banfield Employee), and now have learned that I should have certified mail my request to cancel the insurance.
We have learned we have a collection from IC Systems from Banfield.
The same happen to me my puppy is dead because of them in the firs week of visits and now i have to pay for the 12 months this is crazy and Iam paying for my other dog and i do not want go there any more so I’m paying $47 a month for nothing…can I do something about it???
Don’t know if anything we can do, but I know Banfield has a collection agency on me called IC Systems and are they ever rude. The that spoke to me the other day said Banfield provided a service to my pet an I asked her if calling the cause of my pet’s death a service than she had another think coming. I told her I’m sorry but I can’t see paying 47.50 for ten months when my dog died because of thier service
After signing up for the plan, do you receive “well checks” at zero cost or is there a portion you still have to pay? And, how much dental cost is covered? My current vet seems to have very high costs & I am thinking of switching to Banfield but don’t like what I am reading here. Banfield is $100 cheaper for yearly dentals. Exams & other things also seem lower. But, I don’t want to give up quality of care!!
Thanks!
I am a veterinary technician for a Banfield Charter (not corporate so I can’t speak for them) but here’s a little clarification for everyone. What Banfield offers is a Wellness Plan it is not nor is it ever referred to as a form of insurance by the company, any of the paper work or the pamphlets, the general public has a habit of mistakenly calling it “insurance,” I hear it every day at work.
It IS a preventative care plan, you pay a one time membership fee and your first month’s payment on your first visit- if it’s a puppy (which is the most expensive plan to join) your fee will come to around $130 (unless you opt to pay for the whole year at once, then it’s around $350-400). Now you also receive a list at the time of covered services, and all of these services are what any pet needs throughout a year to keep healthy plus the neuter/spay (if it’s an adult plan you get a dental).
For your first visit, you will get a full comprehensive exam by a vet, vaccines the animal is due for, Heartworm test and routine bloodwork (CBC,Differential and Chemistry Panel), a fecal test for intestinal parasites and bacteria, a preventative dewormer (pyrantel pamoate),a full urinalysis, ear swab & microscopic exam & tonometry (checks the pressure of the eyes, helps diagnose problems like glaucoma). And when you join the plan you never have to pay the base office visit, which at most vet clinics runs from $45-$75 and that’s the charge for just coming in a being seen at any clinic. If you came to our clinic and had all this done you would easily pay over $200 and my clinic is one of the less expensive clinics in the area. So you’re already saving a load of money by joining the plan.
Now any responsible owner will #1 Spay or Neuter thier pet to prevent prostate/testicular/mammary cancer & making more homeless puppies to be euthanized & abused. They will also bring thier pet to a vet every 6 months for vaccines & check-ups. Just a 6 month routine visit getting the Bordatella vaccine (which btw is not for boarding animals- it prevents your dog from picking up any air born upper/lower respiratory infections- and there are several) can cost a bit. Our office visit is $34.95, Bord vaccine runs $20, a fecal should be done evry 6 months $40, and God forid there’s an ear infection or skin irritation, it adds up. If your on the Wellness plan, you won’t pay for the office visit, the vaccine, the ear swab or the fecal. See the advantage here?
Now if something should happen where your pet becomes ill or needs care outside of the wellness plans perameters, you do have to pay, but you again don’t pay the office visit for coming in and you get a 10% discount on all the services we do charge for.
I don’t understand how anyone can expect any business to stay afloat if we don’t charge something for our services, maintenance of our diagnostic machines is ridiculously high, and we do have to survive on some kind of pay (us techs & receptionists), and despite what you may think Veterinarians don’t make that much money, have you ever noticed how many older vets there are? It’s because they cant afford to retire!
The only way to get full pet care with “insurance” is to go to Banfield and join the Wellness plan, then join an insurance company, because of what I’ve read of them they don’t cover any preventative care and they charge a hell of a lot more for cancer coverage.
I’ve worked in human and animal medicine and any well educated, decent doctor will tell you the best kind of care is preventative care, keep your pet on a high quality food, keep them on Heartworm treatment and their vaccines updated (all of them), exercise them regularly and love them with all your heart (as dogs don’t treat them like little humans!) and you will have a dog with a long happy life!
On a side note, research your breeds before you get a dog, some are predisposed to some rather serious medical issues. If you cant afford what may come- pick another breed (preferably a mutt they almost never have medical issues if they’re taken care of properly.)
Best of luck
-Jenn
Just a question for you Jenn,are you a licensed vet tech? At 2 of the bamfields near here none of the techs are licensed. And the Vet did indeed say the “plan” was insurance,never said a wellness plan. And she wanted to do more than any othe vet place had done before.I said no and she said it was company policy to ask to get more done,Better business? THATS how Banfield makes money and profits..
And the prices are NOt lower.You cant please everyone but no sugar coating. It shopuld be not forced test/meds and the “plan” should be totally openly HONESTLY explained. It only takes a few Banfield/PetSmarts to ruin it for the many… Keep up the good pr job,I hopoe you are as good at being a tech also..Be blessed and watch over OUR pets as if it was YOURS…..thanks,Dana
They have been treating my pup now for about 3 weeks, I am taking her back tomorrow. I would advise anyone who needs actual pet care done to go to a reputable vet. You aren’t saving any money with this plan and it really is just for care of healthy pets. I am going to see what they say tomorrow and decide if I’m going to take her some where eles. She has demodectic mange and the only thing I really think is helping Marley is my prayers.
You will not save any money with the wellness plan. Add it up. I spent a fortune on my dog above the “plan”. I cancelled the plan when the year was up and just received a collection notice from IC systems 6 months later for 42.00 plus 9.00 interest and I have no clue what it’s for. I haven’t been to Banfield in nearly a year and they never notified me of any charges, so how can it be in collections? Scam, scam, scam.
That’s the point… it is just for care of healthy pets, to KEEP them healthy which is why it’s called a Wellness Plan, not insurance. Just as with people you have to have a physical once or twice a year to stay healthy, if you think the wellness plan doesn’t save you money with what you would spend for that maintenance care at any other clinic, I invite you to go to/call other clinics and compare prices and the services Banfield includes in its Wellness plan, then comeon here and preach about what a scam you think it is.
The only way you’re going to spend money above the plan is if your dog becomes ill or theres some kind of injury, even then you get a 10% discount on all servies and you are not charged the office visit fee.
And $42 dollars in collections isn’t a membership fee or a monthly payment, you may want to actually call the company and find out what they’re charging you for before you start slandering a company for charges.
And regarding Mrs Denise Hannum Shields, Dr. Alan Grosshart is the vet I work for. I have veterinarians in my family and have worked for several local vets and can tell you that you won’t find a better veterinarian in Naples that actually cares about the animals (so much so that he doesn’t worry about pissing off owners with the truth about their poor choices in pet care). If your post made any sense I might be able to help clarify why you had a problem at our clinic. And our receptionist occasionally gives us a hand with emergencies in the back or will need to ask the doc a question, so yes occasionally our front desk is unmanned but if you’d have waited a minute or 2 someone would have been right with you.
Jennifer, I don’t know which Banfield Hospital you’re with,but let me tell you that the one on Clearview Pkwy in Harahan Louisiana gives you this pamplet and tells you this is pet insurance,and that you can cancel at any time. I’ve got four mini dachshunds so when they explained to me that with this INSURANCE, I could not beat what I would have to pay if I didn’t have INSURANCE.
They and I mean vet,vet tech,and asst. who handled my pets and the desk,all said the same things to us((husband & I),so I did not misunderstand.
What upsets me is Banfield can tell you this verbally and in the find print it’s different.
Let you lose a pet who is more like a child to us and then have them tell you, you still have to pay this wellness or insurance this the year expires, which could be in my case only 2 mos.
You call this wellness plan, then why didn’t Banfield after treating mu baby for over 5yrs did not know he had cancer?
I tell everyone at work,friends,relatives, everyone Banfield sucks stay with your vet or if you don’t have DO NOT go to Banfield.
IC Systems can go ahead with bad rate on my credit I simply do not care because I will not pat 200.00 for the death of my baby!!
Jennifer I need to say I’m sorry you’re taking this personally, because it was not meant to be.
I believe everyone who wrote a reply was just getting things off their chest.
Sorry you took it as an personal attack.
As for waiting at the desk for service I did and young lady took me to exam room, where she told me about the insurance banfield had.
We enjoyed the insurance while we had it, Nice group of People in Ocala Florida, of course READ The contract since they will renew the insurance each year unless you say STOP. After having a Local Petco spray perfume into our dog’s eyes during a drying session at the salon and taking her to Banfield right next door and being advised that “They (The grooming salon)scared her eyes permanetly and she will see like she is looking through a sheet” and then 7 months later when we took back and she died, we thought someone would have figured out that Pet Insurance was NO longer required. Even the Doctor mentioned that they would have to cancel the insurance.
Well as we went for a mortgage, guess what popped up on our credit report? A collection from Banfield Pet Insurance for non payment for the last 2 years (Katie passed in March 2008.
Great Insurance just watch the Fine Print and Trust No one at Banfiled when they say they are going to take care of something, put it in writing and register mail it to them to keep a card of sending it.
It was a local PETSMART Locate in the same location as Banfield Hospital, Not Petco. PETCO is wonderful and our new dog just loves them, Katie always fought when we were taking her to PetSmart for grooming, now we know why.
Darline the only thing I’m taking personally here is Mrs. Shields attack on a very good veterinarian. (I’m in Naples, FL btw). I’m writing because I see a lot of assumptions and attacks on a plan that is beneficial for MOST people and thier pets. It’s by no means perfect, but it is a contract and as such anyone who signs any contract should read it (even the fine print) no matter what any person or employee tells you, you as the person agreeing to it are responsible for knowing what you’re signing- not anyone elses. It is not a scam, it saves people a load of money, the numbers are very clear and undeniable when added up. I don’t agree that if someone’s pet passes they have to continue paying the year out, especially if any fault can be held with the clinic, in fact I think it’s hurtful, but I didn’t write the rules, I’m just letting everone know what it really is.
TO JENNIFER: I am sorry but there seems to be a Doctor Jeckell – Mr. Hyde going on with Dr. Grosshart. I have seen this man in action and I can tell you he has an anger problem – BIG TIME!!!!! I will never EVER
have this man attend my dogs. Beware!
Jennifer, thank you for all the wonderful information. I have only been going to a Banfield clinic since Jan 2010, but I wish I had known more about Banfield years ago!! I have 2 dogs and 2 cats (all on Wellness Plans), and have several family members who also have their pets on Plans.
It was made clear to me when I signed up that the Plans are for preventive care, and are in no means insurance. Yes, one of my dogs got sick, yes I did have to pay out of pocket; office visit was covered, and I got a discount on everything else.
If you truly want your pets to have the best preventive care, at an affordable price, please give Banfield a chance. I am a huge supporter of the Wellness Plans, and tell everyone I know who has a pet. It truly is good deal that will save you money on preventive care.
Banfield doesnt have pet insurance…. it’s only perventive care.
I agree with Sam as it is only Preventative Care, and even though they FAILED to keep our dog alive after getting sprayed at Petsmart Grooming Salon during a drying process and they stated they would take care of cancelling the “Preventative Care Contract”, we were wrong in trusting a facility that is known for “Lack of” follow through.
It is our mission to provide our clients and their Pets with high quality medicine and exceptional client experiences on every visit. We apologize that any of your visits to our hospitals were unsatisfactory. To address a specific concern, and to help us improve our overall service, we would appreciate it if you would call us at 1-877-500-2288 to tell us what happened.
To provide clarification for all pet owners, Banfield Wellness Plans are not insurance. We think they are better. Unlike insurance, our Wellness Plans provide preventative services Pets need throughout the year at a highly discounted price.
For Wellness Plan customers who have lost a pet while on the Plan, we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your Pet. At Banfield, we consider your Pet to be a part of our family, too. Regarding your Optimum Wellness Plan payments, our Wellness Plans are packaged together with the convenience of a 12-month financing option. We hope you understand that you will only be paying for veterinary services your Pet has already received. For cancellation options please call us at 1-866-649-2716.
To: Banfield Pet Hospital. I think your staff is the rudest that I have ever encountered! I have reported 2 different employees to the Petsmart manager and he spoke to them. One of them that is still currently there (Robin) does not even acknowledge me. She just ignores me which is actually better than her smart mouth and beinga sarcastic. She was spoken to but I do not understand why she is still employed there. Don;t you care how your customers are treated??? Banfield in Boynton Beach has a walk in policy and sometimes there are as many as 80-10 dogs in the small waiting area. Some of the dogs are jumping around and there is no other place for them and their owners to wait. Why don’t you have a walk-in policy between certain hours? And, your grooming salon is absolutely the worst there is. I will not go there anymore and most people I speak to already know they stink as groomers…cutting dogs in different places, etc. They don’t even take ownership when they cut a dog’s foot or around the eye. They lie about it. I will go to a private vet for my next dog visit. At least, they cover the follow-up costs! I will not longer spend a penny at your store either. Believe, the word is getting around about Banfield being so awful and your grooming salon, too.
I am a doctor who has recently quit Banfield. The wellness plan can’t possibly be a bad deal for the owner as it is a ridiciously low price for a group of services that a pet needs………..what is substandard about banfield and causes all the issues is the 50 % off wellness plans which causes the business to not be able to hire,train or retain staff! It is the most disorganize company with shotty management at best and this causes poor consumers to be exposed to poor staff that do
not have the first clue!!!! Get rid of 50 % off vet care and charge what is necessary and be up front..only then will there be well trained staff, low turn over and no more complaints from any clients about a rip off wellenss plan. Oh and BTW pay your doctors jackass and stop abusing them!
I don’t think that even if some of the staff at Banfield was paid more that you would be nicer. They seem to have plenty of help but with the walk-in policy, they are overloaded with dogs/owners. Banfield has a ton of clients from the times that I have been there so it is not because they are huring for business. I am new with them and don’t have a Wellness Plan since my dog is 14 and super healthy because I have given her regular visits with a vet. However, the Wellness Plans encourges shots that may hot be needed at an older age. Again, I have no probems with the vets…just the lack of decency from the staff.
I have used Banfield Wellness for 5 years for 4 dogs and for the approx $240.00 a year I paid for each which was great paying monthly, I definitely have gotten my monies worth. Everytime you walk into a vet it is a $170.00 where they get this figure is beyound me. But I have all their shots done and any emergency I think I have I walk right in at no charge. I have a puggle that gets backed up a lot and I pay a small fee no more than $20.00 for that on ocassion. This is not an insurance plan but if you had to pay for all the shots and any one emergency visit to your vet it would cost well over $240.00 a year so if I need extra I will pay but for now I am saving money unless I want to dish out $500+++ ayear just in case I need more INSURANCE. It is a toss up but in the past I have brought my dog to the vet 2 – 3 times per year and this is a savings even to that.
So if I understand correctly, if I want to save a few bucks, I can finance a yearly fee by paying monthly and take my dog to see a vet any time I have a concern or whenever the dog needs a normal checkup. I’ll also get other benefits and discounts. Sounds reasonable. If something happens to the dog during the year, I’ll still have to pay out the amount I agreed to pay. Logical.
As for the rest of the posts…Well, I could cancel my cable and tune into this for entertainment. Between Mrs. Shields the elderly bird/dog lady, Lin the take no apologies consumer, dr person who says banfield is a jackass employer, banfield the company who says we are here to appease, and Jennifer can’t we all just get along – y’all are cracking me up. The best has got to be the woman who spent $40k on her dog. Wowzers. People are dying of starvation in third world countries and we’re spending what on four legged creatures?!?
Maybe cable isn’t so bad after all.
thanks charlie. u summed it up perfectly. this is hilarious! not to belittle the emotions of the pet owners ( i am one myself with a banfield WELLNESS plan), but these stories and incidents are unreal. thanks for injecting a lot of humor (to me, anyway) into what seems a heated issue.
DO NOT GET BANFIELDS WELNESS PLAN… Biggest wast of money ever. If you are looking to save money on your vet visits my advise see another local private vet. If you go to Banfield and something is wrong with your pet, GO GET A SECOND OPINION.
To Good luck Charlie and Karen, I did get a bit of a giggle but want you to know that I accept apologies. No one apologized though. I just moved to Boynton Beach and had transferred my dog’s records to Banfield because I liked the hours that they are open. I was lucky to get a great vet there named Dr. Kelleher. He was exceptional in caring for my dog when the Petsmart groomers cut the tissue under my dog’s eye causing an absess and having to have surgery on it and a drain placed. It was not fun for my little gal who is 14 years old. Of course, the groomer refused to believe that she did that to my dog. Dr. Kelleher gave my dog free follow-ups because Banfiild is a corporation and charges for any and all follow-ups. Although I like the vet. I will not go to Banfield and wait for hours when I have an appt. while people walk in from the street without an appt. simply becaue their dog threw up. Luckily, thanks to Dr. Kelleher, my dog is doing great. I don’t know about Banfield’s Wellness Policy; I think it sounds pretty bad. I would caution anyone who loves their pet to stay away from Petsmart groomers! Lin
To Charlie, If someone has the money to pay $40K for her dog, why are you making a joke of it? Obviously you have never loved a pet or are too silly to know better.? People starving in the world – does that mean all of us should put a “cap” on what we spend on cars, houses, food and pets and donate to other coutnries. Get real, little Charlie.:)
I enrolled my puppy at 2 months old in Banfield for the wellness plan, she only got her first set of shots, whic by the way wasn’t ALL the shots she was supposed to get because according to them my dog’s breed was extremely allergic, which is b.s because no other vet seems to think so, they prescribed a med for parasites she didn’t have and after the second dose I gave her at home, she became ill, I took her in to get checked up since she wouldn’t eat, they didn’t want to see her, because the vet just felt like leaving 2 hours before the hospital closed, the day after I took her in, they hospitalized her claiming she was intoxicated ( they never did any research to find out with what) AND only gave her sugar saline through I.V., all ended up coming to close to $300 that of course I had to pay from my pocket, the day after my puppy ended up dying because it was too late, and the vets on that place didn’t care at all, as they were joking around and laughing, talking about how they’re going to take weight loss supplements because they’re fat, while my puppy was dying in front of them.. My point is, what enrages me is not that I had to pay because she got sick, since I know I signed up for a wellness plan, not an insurance, but that they are absolutely careless, only one vet seemed “worried” yet didn’t do everything possible to save her, and that I still have to pay for a year for a puppy that’s gone.. they truly suck, and is expensive, not worth it, they don’t work with people at all in such extreme cases, all they cared about is their money..
This response has been submitted by the Banfield customer outreach team:
Yuli,
First, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Pet. We hope you are doing well, considering her passing. We take these allegations very seriously, and we certainly want to discuss this in further detail with you. A customer advocacy team member is the best person to reach out to in this situation: 1-888-500-2288.
Yeah, once again you prove my point on how incompetent your company is, I called this number you’re giving me (1-888-500-2288) and is of course disconnected, I love how deceiving you people are..and how you’re not willing to take responsability for your action.. Thank you very much for nothing.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield customer outreach team:
My mistake, Yuli! Here’s the number that we’ve been providing throughout this forum: 1-877-500-2288. I accidentally typed 888, not 877. I take full responsibility for this mistake – didn’t mean to be deceiving. Hope we can help now that I didn’t give you a disconnected number. This will direct you right to our customer advocacy team.
Guess I should have looked at this website before I commited to a “contract” that I obviously cannot get out of. The bottom line is this is the biggest rip off ever. I brought my puppy in with proof that it had its first round of shots from a reputable breeder. They didn’t care and redid that first set. They shove benadryl in the dog everytime they do something before hoping the dog won’t react to their overdoses of needless drugs. My puppy is lethargic and in so much pain which they gave me more meds for. This is nuts. I bought the dog for a young family member who is allergic to it and I cannot keep this dog due to health problems. I told the vet I wanted out and he said if I gave him my dog he would rip up the contract! Gee, isn’t that sort of illegal? Every week they want to see the dog for another round of shots. So far, between the contract and extra charges I have paid over $500 which is more than I paid for the dog! If this dog survives Banfield it will be a miracle. I will be putting a stink of this company shortly and even if I don’t get a dime back I’ll make sure no one makes the same mistake as I did and all those that wrote in before me.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield customer outreach team:
Connie,
We take your allegations very seriously. The best thing for you to do is call 1-877-500-2288, where our Banfield advocacy team can discuss your specific situation with you.
Wow-zer,
I have been searching for insurance for my two dogs and two cats. I do not have a lot of money to spend, but whatever I choose I want to make sure my animals have the best care. My aunt has Banfield insurance for her dog and so I seriously considered this one. After hearing all of these heart wrenching stories there is no way I will use them. My heart goes out to all of you that have had trouble with this insurance, and I also thank you for the heads up.
Tracy, as you can see from the web site Banfield may tell people it’s insurance but when something goes wrong it’s not insurance but a wellness plan.
The wellness plan did not work out for me and my scully, he was a mini piebold dachshund we brought to Banfield in Harahan, La.
We brought him for teeth and ear cleaning. He was getting ear infections all the time and the vet said it was most likely something in the grass that was causing this. When he woke up in the middle of the night on Saturday we brought him to an emergency hospital because Banfield is closed
and he expired later in the day. The emergency vet Dr. said he did not understand why Banfield was not treating him for Leukemia,thaat was cause of death he was in advanced stage. Every time Banfield did blood
work always said everything looked good…When he passed away we were 2mos. into plan, when I called to say I didn’t need this insurance plan
anymore because Scully died,they said you still have to pay till end of
year. They tell this is a service they provide not transferable,can cancel at end of the year, before time to renew..
Let me tell ya these people are not sympathetic to you for your lost,even when they are at fault.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
Darline,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Scully. At Banfield, we consider your dog to be a part of our family, too.
We want to make sure to address both of your concerns, regarding care and payment. To discuss your specific situation regarding Scully’s care, we encourage you to call our client advocacy team at 877-500-2288. We’d be happy to address your concerns and will use your feedback to ensure continued quality care and service.
Regarding payment, please know that you are only responsible for the services that Scully had received. Unlike insurance, Wellness Plans provide preventive services that Pets need throughout the year, with payment spread over 12 months for client convenience. To cancel, simply call our Wellness Plan Relations team at 888-649-2716. Payment will only need to continue if services that were provided have not yet been paid.
I hope this helps. Again, please feel free to call us at 877-500-2288 with any concerns you have regarding Scully’s care.
You know there is one possiblility to fight this kind of disgusting theives. Class aciton suit. They need to be put out of business. Also, PetsMart needs to hear from disatfied customers demanding that these filth be ran out of their stores or campaign against them for promoting fraud and scams. I just took one of my three dogs on Banfield plans for one of their annual comprehensive exams. What you get is a thermometer stuck up their rear and a listen to their heart by a tech. then the so called Vet comes in and takes a listen to their heart, maybe take a ear swab and administer any covered shots. This is not a comprehensive exam for human or pet and will not prevent anything from occuring to your beloved pet. They are a joke. I am cancelling my membership and reporting them to the BBB and filing a compaint with the state attorney general, stop.fraud@state.co.us, http://www.shareowneronline.com, storehelp@petsmart.com, my attorneys and taking all legal means available to me. Let enough people and agencies hear about these fraudsters and eventually they will get the hint – stealing doesn’t pay.
I could not agree more. I saw three different so called vets and only one seemed like she was educated and actually cared about my pet. I am extremely disappointed as well. My pet had cancer and the vet tried to counsel me on treatment but had never dealt with his form of cancer. I would never recommend them and I am making sure to share my experience in effort to help save a pets life.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
Wayne,
For help cancelling your Wellness Plan, feel free to call our Wellness Plan Relations team at 888-649-2716. If you would like to address any concerns regarding the care of your dog, please know that you are welcome to discuss them with our client advocacy team at 877-500-2288.
Banfield offers a wellness plan. It is not insurance. I got the Optimum Plan when my dog was a puppy six years ago. The discounts are great and I know that if anything serious were to happen it would NOT be covered under the plan. It’s a plan to keep you dog well. Nothing more. Do your research. Seriously, if the company is misleading you, it’s your own fault. You took the responsibility to get a pet and you should know you need supplemental insurance for more serious issues. If you love your pet and consider them family then treat them like they are. Find out exactly what you are paying for. I did that and my dog is covered nose to tail. Luckily I didn’t find this site or I would have passed up a great opportunity for a very good wellness plan.
Texas Girl, I could not agree with you more. The discounts are great!!! I have had nothing but positive outcomes with them. I had the Wellness Plan for my 2 labradors. They take extremely good care of my dogs. I was recommended to Banfield by someone who has had great care as well. I guess not all Banfields are good.
i have three small yorkies and they all been on the wellness plans since birth my boy who is 3 years old got a muscle spasm that was up in his neck and at that time we didnt know what it was just that he was acting in pain we took him to banfield and the doctor that was on duty after doing his test and psychological evaluation tells us that we need to put him to sleep because he is in so much pain or the surgery to try to help and fix the problem would be 25000 that it was some form of tumor near his brain me and my husband sat in that office and cried and cried and cried and we prayed on it but something else told us to get a second opinion and we took him to another vet the next morning let him sleep with us just incase that vet said the same thing we would have went on ahead and made arrangements to put him to sleep because he was in so much pain well the other vet did a series of test and come to find out it was a muscle spasm that was taken care of easily within a week he was just like it never happened so needless to say i took all my dogs off of banfield and now we are with another vet for the last 3 years
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
@mydogismylife,
Please call to provide more detail about this situation to our client relations team: 877-500-2288.
My only Bad thought with Banfield is that they AUTO RENEW your policy at the end of the term period automatically without consulting you. So while they tried to save our 4 legged Daughter Katie Ann after a Salon mishap, and even though she passed away and the facility stated they would cancel the policy, at the end of the 1 year period their system automatically renewed the policy and now we are in collections for a policy on a deceased pet that was cancelled by the Ocala Florida location.
The care and the policy is OK, it certainly saved us $$ from the salon injury, we are just upset that after a period that the policy was renewed by the “SYSTEM”, since if we had been contacted we would have shared that we had no pet and no longer required the policy, and today Banfield states “The monies owed regardless of which or any pet was covered are due and must be paid”, so we are paying for NO PET.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
Gary,
This is certainly not a situation where we want a plan to be auto-renewed. Were you able to get this resolved?
Question,are ALL your Vet techs licensed and your Vets licensed in the state they are working in? I personally know of 1 vet that JUSt got her liceense here in the state and she works with NON licensed Vet Techs.I have NO faith in this if this is standard polocy for Banfield.It only takes a few to ruin it for you,if you care???? Good luck in Va.. Been to 3 and they all our horrible..Send in an undercover person..And they tell people the “plan” is insurance,no mention of a wellness plan…Sooooo?
Banfield responded: “Were you able to get this resolved?”, and the only response I can get from anyone right now is to PAY the collection note and then work on getting it righted, the issue I have is even if I pay the Collection note it is only going to change from UNPAID to PAID and still prevent me from getting my promotion at Work and it keeps us from getting a loan for a Home.
I simply wish Banfield had truly canceled the policy when they said they would and that it did not auto renew. If you have any suggestion I am open to listening and getting this resolved and off my credit report.
Today I came searching for a group like this because last week I upgraded my Banfield service. They had already charged me for the month for the lower priced plan. A week later they charged me for the new plan as well. In a tight month like December you think they would at least wait until January to begin charges or just charge me the difference, but no, they charge me TWICE. When I called them about it they just told me it’s not the month I pay for but the service.
I agree that the problem lies with Banfield. They just seem like a shady money grubbing cooperation, like AIG and all of those CEO’s who gave themselves 10 million dollar bonuses and then left the country with high unemployment rates. I agree with the person who says that they will just put their monthly payments into a bank account and draw from it. At least YOU’RE earning interest on it and not them.
I’m going to wait out my contract and quit my ‘Wellness Plan’.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
C Steven,
To make sure we’re understanding this issue correctly, is your complaint that the Wellness Plan was incorrectly billed? Or is it that the timing of the charge is inconvenient? Please feel encouraged to call our Wellness Plan Relations team to discuss if you feel your plan was set up incorrectly: 888-649-2716.
Also, if you do not feel that you are getting enough value from your Wellness Plan, feel free to call us to discuss. We can explain all services that your Plan covers, or we can discuss cancellation options with you so you don’t feel like you have to continue paying for services that you don’t use.
I was charged for the old plan and the new plan in the same month, which to me is very dishonest. Whether it’s incorrect billing, I don’t know. To me it looked like incorrect billing, but when I called customer service the explanation that they gave me made it sound like it was correct billing, although as dishonest as every housing lender who passed off those bad loans. I think that it is just a dishonest way to deal with customers.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
C Steven,
If we are understanding this correctly, it could be that you are simply being charged for the difference between your original plan and the upgraded plan. This could be seen as two different charges. However, we certainly don’t want to make that assumption without speaking directly with you. Feel free to call the Wellness Plan Relations team (888-649-2716) anytime for further clarification. We do not want to be dishonest in any way and we’d be happy to discuss this with you.
Catherine; I can understand your feeling towards your pets as being part of the family, our little girl was our 4 legged daughter, she had a car seat and a stroller and a bike trailer for when we went to the part to ride, so she was more spoiled then my own child. And from my understanding: a wellness plan is similar to financing medical expeneses for your pet. The care given was OK, my largest upset was when I went for a Promotion in the US Navy and was advise that a Negative Item on my Credit Report was holding me from being promoted, I pulled my Credit Report and it was that after the death of our 4 legged Dauther “Katie Ann” and our asking for the policy to be canceled, it “AUTO RENEWED” in the same month for another year, and NO one said anything about not being able to collect a payment and we never heard anything from Banfield again, they simply waitied another year then sent our file to collections, so I am a little Negative on Banfield on there Billing and since the State of Florida says Insurance Policies CAN NOT AUTO RENEW without Direct authorization from the client, so Banfiled then says “Oh we are not an Insurance, we are a Wellness Plan”, sounds like they like playing on words.
The final outcome is that Banfield is NOT willing to assist me in getting me out of collections and as long as this NEGATIVE Item remains I can not get a promotion. Even if I pay this $168.00, it will still just become a PAID Collection on my Credit File. My suggestion is to send every Banfield employee over seas to fight for their own freedom, most would fail, since they do not take garbage or play on words, either you do what is required or you lose your life.
The plan is OK, just watch the billing and the AUTO RENEW feature and then Banfield NOT saying a word about not being able to get paid and just sending it to collections to place a Negative Item on your Credit File for 7 years.
i saw bansfield on tv and decided to go on line to check them out even looked up the nearest location after reading all the comments and sad stories posted i will not be taking my babies to them i feel that if u are rude to me than more than likely thats how u they will treat my babies and if i wanted them dead i can kill them myself for free there is more negative than positive comments about bansfield on this page no thanks so glad i read this first
I have four pugs on the wellness plan with Banfield for the past 3 years and have never had a problem until we went through some hard times financially and we could no longer support the plans.
I called to cancel and I was immediately confused on the legal guidelines to cancel the plan. It almost seemed purposefully deceptive in order to confuse the consumer. All four dogs had different cancellation dates and all the plans were automatically renewed every year. However, the notices we received never involved a copy of the contract and the terms and conditions and most times all we received was a notice that the monthly fee’s were going up.
After questioning the customer service rep on the confusing nature of the plan I was met with a rude reply and an irritated tone. They were rude after that point and very unfriendly.
Finally, I decided to do some research on the plans and I was surprised on the numerous websites with complaints. Seems to me like this should be a class action lawsuit – similar to the deceptive practices of credit card companies to confuse consumers.
I am still trying to get out of these contracts and would rather communicate via certified mail than phone, but have not found any address I can address communications in writing. That also seems deceptive.
Beware consumer going forward!
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
Christy,
We are sorry to hear that your experience with Banfield has left you feeling this way. We certainly don’t mean to be deceiving with our Wellness Plans. Our plans do automatically renew annually, but can be cancelled anytime. We simply ask that, if a client cancels, he or she pays for the services that were provided. Or, if the cost of the 12-month plan is cheaper than the cost of the services, then we are happy to allow the plan to cover the services at the discounted rate.
I’m not sure if you’ve spoken with our Wellness Plan Relations Team to discuss this matter, but feel free to call 888-649-2716 to discuss.
I don’t mind the fact that it is a Wellness Plan. What I mind is the fact that I called to cancel my Wellness Plan because I had rehomed my 2 Airedales and was told I had to pay for the last 4 months of the 12 month term because I was paying for services rendered. The dogs will not be having their February shots so that is a service I am paying for that will never be rendered, nor will they be visiting in March, April or May. So basically I am paying for something I will never recieve. That is NOT right. That is why I will be submitting a complaint to whoever I can.
This response has been submitted by the Banfield client outreach team:
Sherrill,
Hopefully we can help here.
In the event of a cancellation, you are only responsible for the services that have been provided. So, if the cost of the services your dogs received is less than the cost of the plan, then you certainly do not have to pay for the full cost of the plan. Services can be paid for either as one consolidated payment, or we will certainly honor your current monthly payment if it is cheaper. Monthly payment is not meant to act as monthly “coverage;” it is simply how the plans are structured for client convenience. Our Wellness Plan Relations team would be happy to discuss your cancellation options with you at 1-866-649-2716.
I have been using the wellness plan from Banfield since its introduction to the Georgia area for my dogs. I have lost 2 dogs and found them Banfield to responsive and I do understand logically, you have to pay for your services even if your beloved is gone. Whenever you deal with one’s pet or children, it becomes an emotional issue hence the reason the lines are blurred between Banfield and PetSmart (they are not the same), insurance vs wellness plan (everytime I accidentally say that at the clinic, they are quick to remind me that it is not an insurance). Vets that misdiagnose your pet can be found anywhere not just at Banfield so the argument that your misdiagnosed pet warrants you not paying your bill is an emotional high jack (understandable). You know about this from buying a car that doesn’t work all through the payments. I know it sounds harsh and I am sorry but financing to take care of ones pet actually introduces better possible pet care that wasn’t affordable not so long ago for the average home (when I was growing up, our dogs never went to the vet).
I moved and there was no Banfield’s in the town we moved to. Banfield’s refused to cancel my policy even though there was no way to use what I was paying for. I was finally told after several calls that they would cancel but they lied and kept taking payments. I will never take a pet to Banfield ever again and will tell everyone I know about there “pet wellness” plan. DON’T DO IT !!!!!
Deborah,
Please accept our apologies for your frustration. Were you able to get this resolved with our team? If not, please let me know and I will get you help.
So, would it be best to just have pet insurance? Or would banfield and a supplemental insurance be best?
I have been using Banfield for 4 years. They definately take advantage of you in an emergency. My dog was having problems opening his mouth. Dr. Creto called me and told me he needed $129 for blood work. She then rattled of a list of the other proceedure that will be required and then the potential cost was $900. Dr. Creto is a hack who is in this business for the money and nothing more. She probably couldn’t get into dental school. I left Banfield and went to the Lake Villa Vet Clinic a few miles away. $150 for Xrays and sedation. Banfield is nothing but a bunch of “just out of school” amateurs who are looking to make as much money as possible. Total assholes.
I have a Chihuahua mix who has been on Banfields Wellness plan for approx. 6 years. I recently moved & have started using the Bellevue, WA branch & am very happy with them! I have to say there is a huge difference in the quality between my old Banfield (Aurora, Seattle) & the Bellevue branch. The last time I took her to the Aurora branch her anal glands were expressed & I could tell she was in pain afterwards. I tried to look if there was something wrong & the poor girl wouldn’t let me near her butt for more than a week. She would tuck her tail and cry if I tried to look. Since she is a small dog I figured the person doing the expression had large fingers or was just rough with her. I was weary about using Banfield when I moved but after taking her to the Bellevue clinic I have changed my mind. I suppose it’s like any things else, some places are run better than others. Since I was going to have to pay the remainder of the year for her plan anyways I took her in for a yearly checkup at the Bellevue branch & was impressed with the staff all around. Since then she has had to go in quite a few times for an eye problem which turned out to need surgery, they referred me to an eye only clinic & I’m happy to report she is doing fine now!
Toony, Thank you for your years as a loyal Banfield client. We are sorry for any problems that may have been caused at the Aurora, Seattle location and are glad to hear that you and your Chihuahua mix have been enjoying our Bellevue, WA location. We appreciate any and all feedback given to us so we can continue to improve our services and satisfy our customers!
From my past experience, all vet’s are crooks. They are only out for the money knowing how we all love our animals so dearly that we struggle to pay. I just paid $350.00 for my Dog’s swollen foot pad. They have put her on antibiotics, pain killers and already drawing blood to prepare her for surgery not even knowing if the antiobiotics will help! She doesn’t limp nor seem like she is in pain. Someone suggested Banfield Insurance, but after reading about the awful stories, I wouldn’t even consider it! Shame on the Vets… How can they sleep at night knowing how they screw the little guy! There should be a law against the Vets high prices and miss diagnosis.
I wish we have read this before we bought the wellness plan. I am soooo regretted. my dog is 8 years old. so far he is ok after all the shot he get since 10/10. the next appointment is due on June. I hope and pray that Banfieds do their own adjustment since so many negative post here. I hope my dog will be all right that know there are possible scam from such people – smile at your face that stick a knife on in you back if is killing your dog for some extra $$$$$! my dog are my life as he is my child. it make me so nervurs to think that the vet could easily lie about any issue about my dog ….. than is would be too late to do anything because they kill your dog for money. I am with Wayne Bass. I would like to see some justice for these poor 4 legs children. I am taking down the communication with Banfied # I want to be out before they AUTO renewal my contract. nothing in the world is worth for risking life. just because these 4 legs have no languages! they too can feel the pain when is hurt/injury ! shame on Banfied to allow they employee ruin the company
I had the Wellness Plan on my dog from 2000 until I lost him a month ago. I saved over $10k on yearly check-ups, office visits, surgery discounts and vaccines. No, it does not cover catastrophic events like being hit by a car or chemo for cancer. What it does cover though is every office visit, vaccine, physical and exam your pet needs plus a percentage off your bill each time. My dog had a lot of medical issues over the 12 years I had him. Office visits add up fast when it comes to being in there 3-6 times a month. Have the OWP made it so getting him in to be seen was no big deal and I was able to spend my money on the meds he needed to get better. When I adopted a second dog this past fall, I instantly enrolled him in the plan. I also took out a catastrophic policy for him should something major happen to him. I also had no problem canceling the plan when I lost my older dog. They didn’t charge me the remainder of the plan life or anything else anyone is talking about.
Our vets are part of our family. Its expensive to run a vet practice between location and utility costs, support staff costs and vet salaries. These locations are not privately owned, they are owned by Banfield corp. If you have a true issue with the individual vet at your location, file a formal complaint.
The local vets charge for a full exam everytime i take my dog in.. They also were over the top in charging for dental cleaning. I changed to the Banfield wellness plan so I could get a good dental cleaning at a reasonable price.. My nervous dog got really tramatized with the cleaning, so not sure if I will renew this year.. as I won’t put her through another dental cleaning for a few years.. if then!
You’re all using Banfield as a escape goat. It’s PREVENTATIVE care. When you get a dog
It’s not some accessory. You should medically provide for your pet. This means getting heartworm, flea and tick, rabies, and every 6 months a exam and bloodwork. if you take your dog out like you’re supposed to then vaccines like bordatella(which is transferred by nose touching) lymes, ect should be given as well. All I’m reading
Is blah took my dog to said other vet and they didn’t cover it. Or they didn’t cover my dog getting hit by a car. With your wellness plan you get free office visit and 10-15% off of other services. So there’s your savings.
I think with stories like the Maltese and the tooth extractions and the cancers and stuff. Those are breed things. When you get a dog. Research the dog and if
You can financially provide for the possibilities then by all means. Maltese’s rot right out of their mouth no matter what so you should be thankful that banfield offers the dental prevention plan. Stop milking the system and provide the animals you get. My dog as food and environmental allergies and has to be bathed every week, wear clothes constantly, take medications every day, get special food and treats, the whole nine yards. Banfield serves the
Purpose I need it for. Prevention and vet advice/help. My vet is also a university of Penn graduate.
I’m reading a lot of people pissing and moaning about thongs they could have prevented or could not have prevented. Banfield has their stuff together and pet parents need to realize the reality of owning a dog and what is really taking pet responsibility compared to treating a dog like an accessory. The only thing I would like to see is plans transferring if one pet dies going to a new pet at least what services were not performed.
I’m an accredited veterinary technician (Not for Banfield), certified dog groomer.
I had Banfield wellness plan as well for my two dogs. In the beginning I thought that the service was outstanding until my dog was bitten by another dog and I took him there. I was told by the staff that I had to pay for the services because accidents were not covered. I was highly disappointed. We had another incident and my dig was hit by a car in the same month and before they would see him I had to pay for xrays up front. The Vet told me that my dog’s leg needed to be amputated and that was going to cost over $1000. I was devastated. I went to many websites that helped dogs but I had no luck. I ended up taking my dog home and giving him a baby aspirin everyday and keeping it wrapped up. That was 2yrs ago and my dog couldn’t be better. He is running and enjoying having all of his legs. RIP OFF
So glad I never got Banfield pet insurance….I almost did! And now I never will!
Still asking,licensed vet techs @ banfield.Nope not at all the Virginia stores.And Vets that are licensed in other countries but having got it here in the US yet but in the process. I worry about the level of care and havent seen it here .. And the “plan” was told as insurance by these folks so corp banfield needs to wake up.. Before more pets die needlessly
Hello. In response to the licensing question, it is currently NOT required to be a licensed vet tech/assistant in Texas. This is true in most states if you look it up. It is, however, going to be a requirement in about 2 years. I am a lead vet ASST(no license) that has worker for Banfield for 8 years. I completely trust my doctors, so I stay. If I didn’t I wouldn’t be here. Also, we only have 1 RVT(licensed vet tech)on our entire staff, and she is the worst out of all the employees. Licensing means nothing to me as a tech if your skills are horrendous, and this is with 2 years of training. This person is booksmart, but often misses the obvious and most owners ask not to see the staff member again. They are hardworking, but that doesn’t help efficiency. I hope this clears some things up.
P.S. I sympathize and empathize with owners who have lost pets, but 90% of these complaints are the fault of the client. I urge my clients to read their agreement prior to signing, and yes I know not ALL employees do this, but I make sure my staff knows to do so and they are reprimanded if they don’t. I even give them a “broken leg” and “pet ran away” scenario. Do you know what most of them do? They look at me, listen to half of what I say, then scribble the agreement without looking at it. Then 6 months down the road, they want out of a plan due of one reason or another and get upset when they have to finish out the year. This is why I document everything in their notes. Also, the auto-renewal is to save you from paying the one time fee over again. It states that you have to let us know , in writing and 30 days prior to the renewal date, that you don’t want the plan to renew. I even tell my clients that they don’t even have to do it in writing, they can call and inform the company. Do they do this? No. How is that my fault? Anyone who signs up for a plan must be 18 and, therefore, an ADULT. YOU are responsible for yourself and your pet, so act accordingly and make good, educated decisions. And most of all, if you don’t understand it, DON’T get the plan. Plain and simple.
People need to stop assuming the wellness plan is insurance. If you read the fine print on the hand outs you can clearly read that it’s not insurance… The Wellness plan is just for basic lab tests (blood tests, ear/ fecal testing, heartworm testing etc), vaccines, & routine deworming and discount on spay/neuter and dentals depending on which one you get. from my experience the puppy/ kitten wellness plans are the only ones worth getting, since they need multiple vaccines and lab testing and need to be spayed/neutered. When getting a puppy or kitten it’s good to get a base line on their testing so that when they get sick you can determine how bad they really are(do blood work to see their normals, it’s a great idea). I would recomend the adult wellness plan only for owners that are paranoid (not a bad thing since it means you care enough to go a bit over board) and care about knowing wether or not your pet is healthy. Wellness = healthy. Wellness plans are designed to keep your pet healthy and to screen for any possible hidden problems. The one thing that I wish would change is when your pet passes away you can’t get your money back, yet again if you read the fine print you should already know that and be willing to take the risk. With corporate hospitals they usually offer wellness plans so do your hw, and ask the drs a shit ton of questions don’t feel bad for asking a lot of questions, always do your research, if a dr feels neccessary to draw up a plan for dentals or spay/neuter get a copy of everything (drugs) that will be used and always always remind your vet of any allergies your dog has. Rediculous sounding allergys or not your vet needs to be reminded
For those who live on a buget the Wellness Plan help keep my dogs in great health. With FREE office visit I have EXTRA money I can spend on getting the help my dogs need. I am very happy with my Wellness Plan and I ask before spending any extra money. Maybe everyone should do the same.
My son and his wife are very young and very poor. They really couldn’t afford the rescue dog they took in, but were trying to do a good thing. When they took the dog for a check-up, someone at Banfield suckered them into a year-long commitment to automatic withdrawals from their checking account. Two months later they had to move to a new apartment that did not take pets so they found the dog a new home and “canceled” the policy with Banfield. Banfield made the withdrawal any way causing multiple overdraft fees. After further review I was able to establish that the contract binds them to continued payments for 9 months after they no longer own the dog! For my child, it’s been a bitter lesson about reading the fine print on contracts. I have two dogs and I will NEVER go to Banfield again! I will NEVER recommend them to anyone I know with a dog! And I do not Ever plan to go to the store associated with them because of this treatment!