Banfield The Pet Hospital? - Daly City

I brought my 5 year old Pug in just over a month ago for his vaccinations, as well as a few lumps on his belly and rear end that were of concern. When I first brought Yoda in to discuss the lumps, it was determined that he had mast-cell tumors. We discussed possibly treatments that I could budget for, but the nurse did talk me into signing up for the welness plan. Thinking htat we could possibly get the tumors taken care of, this wouldn\'t be a bad idea for overall care. Anyhow, I hadn't yet been able to schedule the removal of his tumors, and my Pug fell quite ill a few days ago. Head tilt, lethargy, etc. I took him in immediately, and the Dr. suspected an inner ear infection. Considering the mast tumors, there\'s always a possibility of spreading, however - the overall signs at the time didn\'t indicate that it was tumor related. They sent me home with antibiotics and special calorie dense food to feed him. He would eat, but only by hand and I had to work to get him to drink. The following day, he declined, so I brought him back in. This was yesterday. Dr. Jordan suggested - and I agreed - to go ahead and keep him overnight for IV fluids and antibiotics. We went to visit my dog at 6:30pm last night, and he seemed a bit perkier, but overall lethargic (although he had just come out of anesthesia). I spoke with another Dr. this morning (Dr. Jordan was not in today) to see how me was. At 9:30am, he seemed to be improving, and they expected that I could take him home that afternoon (wanted to watch him for the rest of the day). I didn\'t hear from them in the afternoon, so I called at 3:00pm to see how he was. I was told by the front desk girl tha he was ready to go and I could come pick him up. My 7 year old son and I were very excited that he was coing know, assuming htat he responded well to the fluids. Upon arrival, we were asked to wait and they\'d let the staff in the back know we were there (please bear in mind, at this point, they knew I was there only with only my 7 year old son). Prior to putting me in a room, they had me satisfy my bill. They then put us in a room, where, after waiting nearly 5 minutes, the Dr. came in and told us, with no regard that I had a child with me, that Yoda was not doing well and that he was being kept alive on oxygen. I am trying to hold in tears as to not alarm my son, but was disarmed, not knowing how to proceed with him in the room and I couldn\'t send him out into the store on his own. The Vet proceeded to tell me that when they took him outside to \"go potty\", he was still ill-responsive and was very unsteady on his feet. He then notied flickering in his eyes, and was certain, at this indication, that we were dealng with a brain tumor rather than an infeciton (particularly since he didn\'t respond to the antibiotics). As hard as I tried, I becmae hysterical along with my son, and had to call a neighbor to come meet me there so she could care for my son while I handled the issue with my dog. My husband was still about 30 minutes out, trying to make it as quickly as he could. My neighbor and son waited outside while my other neighbor sat with me as I held my dog, having him die in my arms. Please know that this complaint is not that I am dissatisfied with the overall care my dog received. Dr. Jordan is a fine Vet. I am absolutely appalled and shocked that they would \"prepare\" me to tkae my dog home, see that I have a small child in tow upon arrival, put on a perfect poker face to collect my money, and have me enter a room with a little boy expecting to take his dog home to only have the Vet come in and tell us he\'s dying. Had I been given any indication that the vet \"needed to discuss somethng with me\", I would have left my son with family or friends. By the time my husband arrived, our dog had already moved on. He was livid that my son was present, and let the staff know his feelings. Losing a pet is part of loving them, and I understand that, but the extra trauma put upon me to have my son learn the news in a way I would have never exposed him to amplifies my grief. Plus, I am now reading stories with the understanding that Banfield will continue to charge me the $40 a month for a wellness plan for an animal that no longer exists. This is only my first effort of putting my complaints into print. Banfield is next. I know that they cannot bring my dog back, but I, at minimum, want an explanation and an appropriate apology about their process.

There was a high level of emotional damamge put upon my son. He understands death, however, he should have heard it from me, elsewhere, in a way that a mother explains it. He is now frightened of the Vet office. The way they handled this was traumatic and will leave a long term, negative lasting effect on him.

Posted 10/31/09 | Report Abuse

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Bad service and over priced, you should just go to a local vet near you. They over charge you and they put you are on hold for over 5 minutes that is a long wait when you are holding and you are on the job.

What they wanted to charge me for my dog was over 300 I went to a local vet near me and they charged me $100.
I would never set foot in there again unless my dog got sick while walking by their.

Posted 04/14/09 | Report Abuse

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The Veterinarians from my experience are only there every so often. Damn neer different doctor everyday. There seems to be a high turn over for the doctors. I feel like they don't spend the time or they are over booking appts. One of my bad experiences was i had brought my dog in to get some bumps checked out on his body. They gave me some med. and the DOCTOR told me if he is not better in two days bring him back. Two days later he was still the same, so I called ahead to see if I can bring him in that day. They told me there is no available appt till next week. I ended up bringing him in anyways bitched and complained till they saw him. I thought that was some b/s. That's just one of the experiences. I have too many bad stories about this place. I feel they need to do restructuring. I would NEVER EVER recommend this place if you care about your pet.

Posted 03/10/09 | Report Abuse

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My dog was very ill and I called to make an emergency appointment. They advised me they could see him in 3 days. I explained my dog couldn't eat, what he did try to eat was lost as soon as it hit his stomach, drank excessive amounts of water which again, was thrown up almost immediately, was shaking constantly, listless, the symptoms go on and on. The person on the phone again stated that they didn't have anything. Frustrated I hung up and called another Banfield, 30 minutes (at least) from our home. They were able to see my dog right away. We made the drive there and within minutes they advised us our dog needed more tests than they were able to do at this hospital could we go to Daly City where they have more equipment? Well of course we can since that's where we live. I explained to the Dr. that we had asked for an appointment there and were told they didn't have anything for 3 days. He apologised and said he would call them and let them know we were coming. We drove back to Daly City and went into the hospital only to wait...and wait. Meanwhile my dog seems worse every minute. I am terrified by this time that he is going to die before we even find out what's wrong. Finally someone comes up to me and says "You're here for a drop off?" What the heck is a drop off? I guess you can drop your pet off (as I read someone else did) and they will get to your pet between appointments. Well, I wasn't having this at all. No I said we're not here for a drop off! I said Look at him, does he look like he needs to be dropped off and left in a cage while you get to him when you can? I insisted on seeing a vet and refused to leave the dog. They put us in a room and we waited for the Dr. to come in. She examined the dog and asked some questions. Then said they would take him and do some tests while we waited. She returned and asked more questions about what he's eaten. She said there were several things wrong and probably because I had given my dog a bite of people food last night he had become sick. WHAT??? She said he needed to go to a hospital (I thought we were at a hospital) for urgent care. Our dog was very ill and needed immediate attention. (No kidding!) I said and your staff wanted me to drop him off for you to get to him when you had time. She had no comment. So this "Dr." had me nearly hysterical thinking I had fed my dog a bite of people food and it was going to kill him. My husband was livid. She sent us out to pay our bill (almost 800.00) and we could head over to the other hospital. We left there and took our dog to SFVS (wonderful hospital by the way) and found out our dog is diabetic and had a few other complications from the diabetes. NOT from eating people food by the way. Suffice it to say if you have a sick pet don't go to Banfield. Our dog nearly died but after spending 3 days at SFVS and another 2 weeks recovering at home he is as normal as a dog can be with diabetes.

Posted 03/03/09 | Report Abuse

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Just read what everyone else has written...except the one or two people who actually had a good experience there...for which is somewhat subjective - if it's the "hospital" itself writing positive reviews, or a client who didn't have anything done more than a simple check-up. Frankly, unless your dog has a big red target on the front of their head, the "docs" don't seem to be too thorough with their exams, missing symptoms and/or a diagnosis.

Oh...and the prices are horrific! Get a real vet!

Posted 12/06/08 | Report Abuse

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There is a reason why Banfield is a major corporation. Its because they work hard at helping pets and treating them like family. Banfield does extensive research on medication and vaccinations before they are are given to your pets. That in itself is more than any other animal clinic can say. They are on the pricey side but its quality medicine and you get what you pay for. Now, when wanting to bash one hospital because they didnt do things the way you would have liked, remember this...there is a reason they are all over the world!

Posted 08/19/08 | Report Abuse

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In addition to the previous outline of complaints (which was incredible) and participating in the class action, which I'm doing, you should bombard your email complaints to the following addresses:

Director of Operations: chris.sherman@banfield.net
CEO: scott.campbell@banfield.net

I have a friend at one of the major networks who told me that they've just completed an investigative piece on Banfield including hidden footage of mistreatment of animals, unlicensed and unqualified techs administering treatments, medications, assisting in surgery and staff meetings advising staff to disregard requests to cancel Wellness plans.

The more people that complain, the louder the voice.

Posted 07/22/08 | Report Abuse

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As a consumer dispute resolution counselor, heres what I advise with regard to Banfield if you want to get resolution and possibly compensation for your Banfield billing and animal care experiences:

1. Join in on one of the THREE class action lawsuits that are being considered or in preparation against Banfield Pet Hospitals by going to the law firms websites and listing your complaints. Definition of a class action can be found at: http://www.claiminformation.com/classactions.htm The more people that sign-up, the greater the resolution and possibility that youll be compensated for your emotional distress down the road. The law firms are as follows:

http://www.schneiderwallace.com/PracticeAreas/ClassActions.htm
Once there clink on "Inquire About Your Potential Case" and fill out the online form giving specific details of your problems regarding Banfield. Please, make sure that you include either your phone number or send them an email on the link within the "Inquire" link.

http://www.price-law.com/CM/FSDP/PracticeCenter/Personal-Injury/Class-Actions.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

http://www.barronberry.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Complete the online form outlining your experiences.

Please, make sure that you share your experiences regarding billing issues, pet care (or lack therefore of), names of staff, location of hospitals and if you've ever written to the corporate offices and if so, what was the response if any. Remember, the more people that join the class action lawsuits, the greater the chances of resolution and restitution (financial compensation for your losses and emotional distress).

2. Go to www.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission) and file a very quick online complaint. Make sure that you give any contract numbers, names of staff, address of the hospital that you used, leave out unnecessary details and get to the point (short and sweet) and name the CEO as the contact person: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook
Portland, OR 97213. 800-838-6738 Fax 866-477-5120 email: scott.campbell@banfield.net The FTC will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.

3. Google your states Governors Office or Attorney Generals Office of Consumer Affairs and file a complaint. Most will allow you to do this online. Its quick and easy just include specific names, addresses, dates, details of problems (short and to the point) contract numbers, if any, and your contact information. Consumer Affairs will issue fines if they receive enough complaints.

4. Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards by calling 1-877-698-8482 or http://www.aavsb.org/ContactUs/ContactUs.aspx and ask them for the website, phone number and/or address for the regulatory board for your state, then file a complaint against Banfields license in that state.

5. Write directly to the CEO of Banfield (or at least print and copy all of your complaints to all of the agencies above and mail a copy to: Dr. Scott Campbell, CEO, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, 8000 NE Tillamook Portland, OR 97213 Phone 800-838-6738 Fax 866-477-5120 email: scott.campbell@banfield.net VP of Operations direct line 503-922-5244 fax 503-922-6244.

6. Post these instructions on every complaint forum and website mentioning Banfield that you can find on Google.

7. Remember theres strength in numbers. If youre not going to take the time to file a complaint then dont take the time to post a complaint. Change only comes through efforts to make change.

8. Contact the CEO of PetSmart and let them know that youll NOT shop PetSmart until they kick Banfield to the curb. They are separate companies but who would want to support a store that allows another business to operate using such bad business practices while being inside their stores? Contact: Philip L. Francis, CEO, PetSmart, Inc., 19601 N. 27th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85027, phone 623-580-6100.

Posted 07/21/08 | Report Abuse

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Employees at this type of place can't get real vet jobs, so they go to Banfield. Just drop by a Banfield Hospital sometime and watch the staff. They are untrained and basically are trained to work in a fast food place. I would never take any of my pets to a sub-par "hospital" like Banfield. They don't care about animals, only ripping people off with their "insurance" plans,

Banfield rips off people who are ignorant and don't take the time to find a real and qualified vet. If you love your pet, take them somewhere else!

Posted 07/13/08 | Report Abuse

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If you love your pet, do not bring them here. Do NOT sign up for one of their wellness plans which are scams. They jack up the price of their services and also put your pet through unnecessary tests and meds to make up the money. I feel horrible for ever making my dog go here before I did proper research.

Just look up "banfield sucks" on the internet and you will see a world of complaints.

I am lucky in that I'm just losing money, a lot of people have lost their pets by bringing them here.

Posted 07/08/08 | Report Abuse

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As a former employee, I can tell you first hand that this place is a giant rip-off, and has been for many years. After three years, I left because I couldn't stand listening to constant daily concerns about how mistreated pets and clients are. How can you be loyal to a company if you feel this way? First of all, this place doesn't offer "insurance" plans. The Wellness Plans are prepaid levels of plans that are "maintenance" plans. The only things that are covered are the vaccinations, some blood tests, some ua's, and a supposed comprehensive exam. You pay x amount of dollars each month depending on the plan level. According to your contract, if your dog or cat runs away, gets killed, dies, or is given to someone else, you are still responsible to pay this plan off. Now, you would think that most people on reading this would think twice about signing. Truth is, the agreement is given to the customer at the desk, a quick run through is given, then the customer is asked to sign up. The majority of vet nurses aren't trained in the kinds of plans or how the contract really works, so they don't go into anything further then what the customer is looking at right there. If the customer really was given the time to read it through, they wouldn't sign up. That means no money coming in each month. Can't have that. Pets euthanized for no apparent reason, pet's injured because someone didn't know what they were doing, pet's becoming very sick because of vaccinations given at wrong doses, all of these came to my attention everyday. And what would we tell the grieving or angry customer? "Sorry, I can take your complaint down, but you'll have to straighten this out with the clinic". The clinic would then tell the customer to call us again! If you want care for your dog or cat that you can depend on, get yourself a vet that's in your area, one that spells everything out for you cost wise, and stick with them. How many times have you sat in a Banfield clinic well past your appointment schdule? Know why? There's NO vet back there! The good vets all leave. The lower end vets stay, not knowing what they're really doing and cause back-ups which the vet nurse blames on "emergencies". Avoid this place like the plague.

Posted 02/20/08 | Report Abuse

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Banfield in Daly City is probably one of the worst places you could bring your pet. The staff seems uninterested and unwilling to help. I dropped my cat off at 8a.m.. They said they would call as soon as possible to have her picked up.. I waited all day and finally got a call around twelve hours later only to find out that all they did was take a urine sample from her! I called them back the next day because I was having trouble giving my cat her medication. She would spit it out every time I put the tablet in her mouth.. I explained this to the person on the phone and all she had to say was, "Well, you have to just put it in her mouth." I asked her if there was an easier way.. We already tried hiding it in her food but it was no use. She had nothing to say except.. "Just put it in her mouth..." I wasted my time trying to get help from them.

Posted 02/14/08 | Report Abuse

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Yes, they have cheap insurance. No they don't have anything else to back themselves up. Long waiting time, unskilled staff, random charges if you don't check your bill right.

Posted 11/04/07 | Report Abuse

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While the vets may be quite competent, the entire front desk staff frightens me. They confuse the pets, give incorrect information and fill out contradictory paperwork. And they certainly don't care about my pets. Two of the desk staff were complaining in front of me that they were bored and tired and were falling asleep in their classes this morning. They were completely useless and incompetent. Be very scared.

Posted 09/29/07 | Report Abuse

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if you ever want to find out about any complaints against any company, corporation or organization...go to Google and type in
"any complaints about (name the company)"? I did one day and this young woman wrote about Banfield and how her beloved cat died there during routine dental work, the cat was fairly young. She was heartbroken. No excuse was given, just a phone call telling her the cat had died. True story. My experiences with Banfield in Daly City haven't been good. Too much of a turnover with the staff, rude to the point of nausea, I don't trust them.

Posted 09/06/07 | Report Abuse

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I scheduled a Wednesday evening appointment 3 days ago and i went there on time with my puppy that needs his first check up since we got him.

The lady asked me if somebody has called me earlier on because the appointment was canceled by the Vet, No one bothered to call me to let me know that it was canceled, I had to get off early from work to keep this appointment and not to mention my puppy now needs shots that is way over due

Bottom line is that they just don't care about you and your time not to mention your pet's health. I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE BECAUSE OF LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM OF THE STAFF AND THE VETS!

Posted 08/01/07 | Report Abuse

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I brought my 2 cats here for their shots just a couple of months ago. I didnt get that feeling that they cared much about my babies. They weren't treated with the warmth that I would of received from other vets I have been to.

Posted 10/10/06 | Report Abuse

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Banfield is a great place to take you pet and know that they will take care of them the doctors are great and the nurses are really nice and gentle with the pets.Banfield also offers insurance plans for your pets.

Posted 09/29/06 | Report Abuse

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This is a great place to take your pets. Our pets love it everyone there is friendly our pets feel comfortable with all the vets there. They are really great.

Posted 09/28/06 | Report Abuse

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