wow that is really scary and I read just about all of the stories. I don't have that, and I just didn't see how you save money with that plan at all. How sad for so many of those people. Sheri
I have a good friend who got the health plan in the Garner store. Her German Shep was in perfect health, but it sounded like a good deal. 3 months later he was dead. No joke. They still said she owed them 9 months on the health plan. It was so hard for them to pay (emotionally) each month, it just reminded them their baby was gone. I did some research and found out some of the new meds they put him on for heartworm prev etc had caused liver problems... he died from his liver crashing... they also missed some other symptoms they should have seen. She took my findings and typed them up and mailed them to 'corporate' and they suddenly let her out of the contract. Still out all the money she paid them and her beloved family pet is gone... but at least she didnt have to continue paying for a health plan on a dead dog. (that I believe they killed!!)
Banfield also developed and tried to sell their own proprietary microchip and reader. Trouble was that their microchips could not be read by the readers that currently exist - in shelters, rescues, vets offices. All these 100s of thousands of organizations would have to buy the Banfield chip reader to identify Banfield microchipped animals. There was either a lawsuit, or whatever, and Banfield stopped using their own microchips. God help the animals that they already microchipped, if they turn up in a kill shelter.
Oh yeah, forgot that one... my Chihuahua has their chip (I had him neutered there) I need to get another chip, but I hate to do it with him awake. He would end up in J.county shelter, do they even scan?
Yes they scan, but I don't know if they have the Banfield scanner. They do have the scanner that detects all other microchips. You could have him rechiped when he has a dental cleaning.
I read almost all of them too. Can't believe how many pets DIED after going for routine things such as teeth cleanings, etc. My questions are this... how is Banfield still in business and how have they kept from being sued? Especially after stories such as this one where a necropsy showed that the poor dog clearly died from what should be considered malpractice! :-(
I briefly googled the internet and was able to find only one lawsuit against Banfield - vet was a drunk. Did find out that Banfield sells franchises, so those offices would be independently managed by the franchisee. Also came across this warning from the Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, and western Washington state.
Those stories are horrible! They'd have some SERIOUS issues if that happened to Shelby or Mattie. I mean SERIOUS!!! :twisted:
i am just speechless after reading those stories - if that had happened to me, there would be h to pay - i am not a nice person when it comes to mistreatment of my kids or pets:evil:
I've never used Banfield but after reading so many horror stories, I will continue to warn everyone to find a REAL vet.
See, I have a problem with Banfield. I have a friend that used to work there and she is FULL of horror stories. She would never take a pet there, left as soon as she could, and was considering reporting them (finding out who the regulatory authority is, etc). I don't know what ever happened, but I know I'll never use that place. Ever. Frogger
Thank you for the information. I will never forget the things I have read. Heartless!! Seems the only concern at Banfield's is getting you on the plan and taking your money. I have a friend who was on the wellness plan at the White Oak location. They were very unhappy with it. Personally, I use Old Stage Animal Hospital for all our animals. It's in Angier, a bit of a ride, but well worth it to us. They are reasonably priced, clean and very caring!
