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  • Report:  #448779

Complaint Review: Banfield The Pet Hospital

Banfield The Pet Hospital NO MORE VACCINATION CLINICS!!! YOU MUST PAY FOR AN OFFICE VISIT $40 or $60 + VACCINATION COST TO HAVE YOU PET VACCINATED NOW!!! Aliso Viejo California

  • Reported By:
    — Aliso Viejo California
  • Submitted:
    Tue, May 05, 2009
  • Updated:
    Fri, July 23, 2010
  • Banfield The Pet Hospital
    26761 Aliso Creek Road
    Aliso Viejo, California
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    949-643-2285
  • Category:
    Veterinarian Services
*Consumer Comment: Here is an idea *Consumer Comment: :( *REBUTTAL Owner of company: Really???

I received a postcard from Banfield stating that it was time to get my dog vaccinated. I called (like I have for the past 7+ years) to find out when their wellness hours/shot clinic was and was told they do not offer that service as of 2 months ago. In order to have your pet vaccinated now they are forcing you to 1) Pay for a normal office visit of $60 + the cost of the vaccines 2) Pay $40 for an office visit if all you want is vaccines + the cost of vaccines or 3) Join one of their "Optimum Wellness Plans" which are over $60/dog each month and have very limited coverage. Come on- it's a recession!!! People are turning in their pets left and right to the pound, and Banfield has the nerve to increase the cost of basic care??? I am outraged. I called Banfield to question them about this newfound policy that I had not encountered in 7+ years and they stated that the Banfield is franchised, and they have no control but would find out if all (PetSmart) Banfield Hospitals had adopted this policy. I was told by Tom, a VP, that this was not a "Banfield" policy and to call the PetSmart and speak to the Manager. I called the Aliso Viejo manager who was new, but was under the impression that all Banfield's had adopted this policy, and I assured her that they did not. Later this evening I received a call from the 503 area code Banfield Manager that defended the policy saying that they decided to try this NEW policy in Orange County, CA. Isn't that special??? We get to be ripped off in the name of "better care that sets us (Banfield) apart." Suddenly it is now necessary to have a full pet exam in order to get a vaccine? NOT! I called PetCo in Lake Forest and they offer a shot clinic every other Saturday. I also called the PetCo in Mission Viejo and they offer a shot clinic every Saturday. I have always gone to PetSmart, but until they disassociate themselves from Banfield, or Banfield changes the policy regarding pet vaccinations I will not be a patron. PetCo- thank you for meeting the needs of the community, and I will bring my rescued pets to you for all our pet supplies, grooming and care.

Marcia
Aliso Viejo, California
U.S.A.

3 Updates & Rebuttals

Sachmo

Palm Coast,
Florida,
USA

Really???

#4REBUTTAL Owner of company

Fri, July 23, 2010

Follow your advice on grammar.

HappyPerson79

Ault,
Colorado,
United States of America

:(

#4Consumer Comment

Wed, July 07, 2010

Hi! 
I have been using Banfield for my veterinary services for many years now. Unfortunately, I have to admit there are shady or incompetent doctors, and each location seems to vary. I am lucky to live near an excellent location with a knowledgeable staff and doctors.
I also receive those postcards, which I think it a wonderful free service Banfield offers. Regardless of whether or not you schedule your appointment with them, it does remind you that your pets are due.
I was made aware that their clinics were not going to continue when I visited the location and read a notice they had posted at various sections of the hospital. I wasn't even aware that it existed, but thought it was a nice thing to of offered to their clients, even if they are now choosing to end it.
I think your prices are not correct. Banfield charges an office visit fee every time you pet is seen by the doctor, regardless of what else you are getting. It is a flat fee that does not vary whether you do or do not get vaccines. The office visit fee is never more than $45. Exact pricing is different in each location and ranges from $33.95 to a maximum of $44.95. $60 for an office visit is not correct information. Yes, they charge for each individual vaccine, and do not offer any sort of "package" discounts like some other vets do. I have found their vaccine prices to be the lowest from a hospital in my area. Clinics, of course, are much cheaper, but I usually end up waiting upwards of 2 hours, and they are not the cleanest or brightest places.
As far as the Optimum Wellness Plans go, I know the most expensive "tier" in my area is 39.95 a month for dogs, and the cheapest for dogs is 24.95 a month, which cats being less. However, like I said, I'm sure they vary by area also.
I agree that it is a shame that the prices have gone up, but as you said, this is a recession and the prices of everything else have also increased. I work in the non-veterinary medical field (for humans) and I know when the prices of our medications are increased by the company who makes them, we unfortunately have to increase the prices for our patients also.
Banfields being franchised is also not correct information. They are a corporation, and while not a franchise, it is correct that they have no control over a corporate policy. They are expected and required to do exactly as the new policy says, just like any other company in the world. Banfield and PetSmart, while share the same building are two separate companies with separate managers, corporate offices, and policies. I find it both surprising and unlikely that a Vice President of Banfield would tell you to call and speak to a a manager at PetSmart. That would be like Lowe's telling you to call the manager at Best Buy because you had a complaint about Lowe's.
If I were always happy with my service at PetSmart and experienced a bad situation at Banfield, or vice versa, I would most likely continue my shopping at the other. It sounds to me like the manager at PetSmart was polite, and even though it was not her job to take a complaint regarding Banfield, as they are two separate companies, I would of continued to shop at PetSmart in your situation. However, you are a completely different person, and it goes without saying you are entitled to make your own decisions! 
Again, like you said, this is a recession, and while it frustrates me at times to pay additional for certain products or services, I do try to take a moment or two to consider the situation of the other side. 
Good luck Marcia, and thank you for rescuing! More people in this country need to do so.

Stacey

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Here is an idea

#4Consumer Comment

Tue, May 05, 2009

If you have a feed store near you they sell pet vaccines for about $6 dollars a shot
I have been vaccinated my pets for years -
If not - you can go to any online vet store and order vaccines (this does not include rabies since the law only allows a vet to administer this vaccine)
Next - learn to make a paragraph

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