Banfield?

SheepOfBlue · Jul 14, 2015

So Sca's dog stretcher has left the practice and I think gone to Banfield :cry:

I don't recall anything good said about them or the groomers in Petsmart either.

So questions:
Is my memory bad and Banfield is OK (she did great work on Sca)

If you go to Banfield how sure are you that the vet seeing your dog is THAT one as I don't want anyone other than a vet certified in Chiro to touch Sca (or Spitfire though he has not needed any help)

Thanks for replies as Sca tossed his shoulder out I think at Flyball :hugs

Calliesmom · Jul 14, 2015

never been to the Banfield vets so no idea how they operate.....

when our Petsmart had a sheltie person grooming, I did take the brown dogs there and requested that particular groomer. that was never a problem for us.
haven't been since that person left- we've had huge turnover at all our pet stores within the last few years.....

poor Sca... hope he feels better soon :yes:

sable · Jul 14, 2015

I don't live in Alabama so I don't know about anything there. I sure hope
Sca's shoulder improves.

Chris · Jul 14, 2015

If you can ask for the exact person you want and always get her, go for it!

lasheltie · Jul 14, 2015

Since it's a chain I think all can be different. I have to say that the Banfield vet where I am was excellent. She runs the practice there & I only used her.

Our sheltie, Jack, ran out & chased the mailman. He bumped the back of the mailman's car & dislocated his hip. This happened on a Saturday afternoon when our vet was closed. I called Banfield & they said bring him in ASAP.

At that time we didn't know what was wrong. Dr Kara examined him & was so gentle with him. She tried putting the hip back in place & doing a sling type thing to keep it in place but she warned it probably wouldn't hold.

We brought him back to recheck it & sure enough it didn't stay in place. So we had to do an FHO surgery on him. I had already gone through this surgery with another sheltie I had & knew it was a tough surgery & recovery. Dr Kara told me of her training & experience in her previous clinic so I felt more confident about it. Even so, I went home that night & checked with my neighbor. He happens to know someone that worked with her in the past & gave her a great review.

Well, to get to the point, she did the surgery & Jack went home that night. The previous FHO surgery for my sheltie, Annie, had her staying in the vet hospital for about 4 days & starting physical therapy. Jack came home & I did physical therapy myself under Dr Kara's guidance.

Jack has healed & you would never know he ever had surgery. He did 200% better than Annie did. Her surgery was about $3000 & she had several months of therapy 3 times a week. Jack's surgery was less than $1500 & I did his therapy.

So in my opinion, Banfield was excellent. But the vet makes the difference. I would ask around to get opinions from people that have used them. I do have to say that the front desk people were less than great but I've had that experience at other vet offices too.

corbinam · Jul 15, 2015

I wouldn't dismiss Banfield because it's Banfield. I know dentistry is different, but there are a lot of great people/dentists that come out of school or a residency and don't have the opportunity (or money) to join a private practice, so they will join a big chain like Aspen Dental (or for vets, Banfield).

Just because it isn't a private practice doesn't mean you won't get a great vet. Now there could be some not-so-great vets there, but if you already know the vet I wouldn't hesitate to take Sca there.

Justicemom · Jul 15, 2015

corbinam said:
I wouldn't dismiss Banfield because it's Banfield. I know dentistry is different, but there are a lot of great people/dentists that come out of school or a residency and don't have the opportunity (or money) to join a private practice, so they will join a big chain like Aspen Dental (or for vets, Banfield).

Just because it isn't a private practice doesn't mean you won't get a great vet. Now there could be some not-so-great vets there, but if you already know the vet I wouldn't hesitate to take Sca there.

In a previous life, I worked for Banfield. I would like to think I was a really good private practice vet. I had a very large clientele that would only see me. They made sure when they made the appointment that I was scheduled and that it was in the appointment book that they wanted to see me. It was no problem(or it shouldn't). Most people who go to there don't care just like the convenience

The biggest problem is Banfield likes to push wellness plans and every vaccine known to man. They also like to attempt to get you to drop off your animal and give estimates before the vet sees your pet. Be very clear on what you what and don't let them pressure you. It is one of the reasons why I left to many differences of opinion in base philosophy.

SheepOfBlue · Jul 15, 2015

corbinam said:
I wouldn't dismiss Banfield because it's Banfield. I know dentistry is different, but there are a lot of great people/dentists that come out of school or a residency and don't have the opportunity (or money) to join a private practice, so they will join a big chain like Aspen Dental (or for vets, Banfield).

Just because it isn't a private practice doesn't mean you won't get a great vet. Now there could be some not-so-great vets there, but if you already know the vet I wouldn't hesitate to take Sca there.

Actually the vet was at a private practice and left. Not sure why but she was great on snapping Sca in place. One factor that I am guessing changed things is that she recently had a kid. Might have changed her desire for hours/goals/etc. though just a guess. I was more concerned with the way they seemed to operate when I walked by at Petsmart. Just left me with the impression of hand your dog over the desk and wait.... I am just a tad protective of the guys

tesslynn · Jul 15, 2015

SheepOfBlue said:
Actually the vet was at a private practice and left. Not sure why but she was great on snapping Sca in place. One factor that I am guessing changed things is that she recently had a kid. Might have changed her desire for hours/goals/etc. though just a guess. I was more concerned with the way they seemed to operate when I walked by at Petsmart. Just left me with the impression of hand your dog over the desk and wait.... I am just a tad protective of the guys

I think it is IMPORTANT to be protective of your fur baby...they are family and they don't have a voice, so you gotta be THEIR voice...is my philosophy

mimiretz · Jul 15, 2015

Although I use a private vet for vet stuff, we do get Cassie-the-Cat's claws "capped" at Banfield and we had Oberon microchipped there. They seem to be very caring and competent. We're always very precise in what we need, and have never felt that they've tried to upsell us or convince us to change to them versus our own vet.