Banfield Clinics (Petsmart) opinions

[robivi3]

We have used Banfield's "wellness Plan" for six years for Princess (long haired chihuahuah, she has been high maintenance teethwise, and for Sandy our 28 pound lab/shepherd mix four four and a half. We have had no problems with the plans but as we have the upgraded version that covers a hell of alot of items they are up to $29.95 per dog.

The upside is that I don't have a big out of pocket expense for the Vaccinations and check-ups. All of that is included. Office visits for any reason are included and the discounts have been fairly good for medicines. Princess' dental issues are every five or six months.


last week we took Sandy for five shots, the fecal exam and two blood tests. They billed it at $211.00 even though we paid nothing because of the plan.

we are cutting alot of expenses so i need to know is it cheaper in most of your eyes to keep a plan or just pay the Vet as you go, assuming you properly maintain your dog?

[FLBK7]

I see the Banfield clinic all the time at my local Petsmart, where I generally buy my cat's food, litter, etc. It's basically an HMO for animals. I think it may be a good deal for high-maintenance animals such as your Princess because canine dental problems can be VERY expensive to begin with. Also, as animals get older they require more vet care. Just like people.

But for relatively young and healthy animals who only require routine check-ups and regular vaccinations, I think a regular vet is a much more economical venue. I have a great vet who practices with his father and only charges $29 per office visit. Been going to them for 11 years now.

[Flamingo]

Just as you have to figure out what sort of healthcare you will need with the many plans out there, you will have to figure out cost-wise what will work the best for you and your dogs/situation. You would need to figuire out what the plan costs you per year and what you think you might pay if you didn't have the plan and went to the vet. Costs can vary. Some vets give discounts if you have more than one pet with them and also as to teeth maintenance, if it just requires certain brushing practices that you yourself can do, have your vet show you so you can save some visits. Many maintenance things can be done at home without a trip to the office. Shots and major health issues of course cannot so you have to figure out what is most cost effective as to your situation and realize that costs will increase as the dogs age.

[mynameainttracy]

We also have both our pets on the Banfield wellness plan. They are small dogs and have had some allergy issues so the plan has been a big help. The dental cleaning alone pays for the plan each year. We have considered using a local vet but when we inquired they were not that much cheaper on the costs and they couldn't beat Banfield's hours. We just look at the $55.90 each month as an insurance policy for them.

[robivi3]

On the dental issue the plan is great. Small dogs are high maintenance as far certain issues. i have had a major reduction in OT as government has been hit by the declining home values and foreclosures and obviously the sales taxes have fallen. About $18,000.00 per year reduction in OT so the extras have been going away fast. In the Rail Division we are heavily protected by ancient railroad laws and 13c and such but my old stomping ground, the bus division is taking the hit. As it goes by seniority and retention score they are starting to "take out the trash". That's all I can say as i am not a spokesman and the are fellow employees from what i have read here in the forum. That' why I am not around much these days.