Banfield Pet Hospital

We have subscribed to the Banfield monthly plan for almost 4 years, first for our cat and then for our dog. Yesterday (Wednesday) our 2+year old dog became very sick. We immediately called this Banfield, our vet, the person we turn to for well visits and rely on in emergencies. (I consider throwing up and bloody diarrhea an emergency). The girl at the desk politely told me the next appointment was Saturday! I again explained the seriousness of the situation and was again told they’d be happy to see us Saturday or I could call another local Banfield. We called Willow Grove and they told us they could see us the next day in the morning. So off to the local veterinary hospital in the area. Took her right in and had to keep her at least overnight. $ 1,200 out of pocket later our dog will be home tomorrow.
This incident is actually the second time this has happened at this particular vet. Our cat had to be put down after she ate something she shouldn’t have. They wouldn’t see her that evening either but I went down anyway and put her on the counter and said «treat her now». They examined her, told us what we already knew, and told us to bring her back the next day. Our cat died that next day.
I will not return to Banfield nor will I recommend their services. They have lost a customer for vet and the store they are in, Petsmart, has lost a customer that bought all their dog food, and used their grooming and boarding services many times.
My next step is to contact the corporate headquarters to try and recoup the money for the services that would have been covered if our vet had done what they promised to do when we first signed on with them… Treat our pet.
Lee Fredericks