Banfield Pet Hospital Vs. Others?
Hi well I take my dog for his shots at Banfield and only get shots that she needs. (not any extra junk)
After I heard all the bad reports about Banfield is it fine that I go to Banfield for shots/vaccines and k9 advantix and heatquard
But if my dog was ill I would take it to a better hospital that's farther away which is why I choose Banfield for her vaccines?
I know this sounds weird but all shots are the same right?
This is was answered by :
kitty98 :
Make sure that your dog is only getting vaccinated for the things she really needs, they will push unnecessary vaccines, such as corona or giardia….. Especially to older dogs that don't really need much vaccinations, if at all… (ps. advantix can be found cheaper in other places, you don't need prescription for that… ie. our local cabelas (which is a sports/hunting shop sells them)
Regarding having two vets, everytime that you check out after your dogs vaccines, ask for the full vaccine record from Banfield. Visit your regular veterinarian at least twice a year for a regular check-up, even if your dog is healthy. That builds enough report w your regular veterinarian and to give them the vaccine record so they can update their paperwork.
And yes… all shots from reputable manufacturers are the same.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Well Banfield is not a bad place to be honest with you the only thing that banfield is known for is high prices. I knew a vet that worked there and he would admit that if your dog had a problem that they would lie or exagerate about the conditions just to make you pay more. But all shots are the same just make sure there given to your dog by a real licensed vet and they provide you with all the legal paper work.
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Banfeild is Ok for shots and the once a month meds. In my opinion, that's it. But wouldn't you rather establish history with a better clinic? Shots are only once a year.
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Have known a few people that were very unsatisfied with Banfield's other services
May 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I think it's important to establish a relationship with a VET or a vet practice. Your dog knows them, they know your dog. They have your dog's complete records.
I don't recommend to any adopter to go to one place for shots and another for vet care. I think it has risks that you could avoid.
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Owned by 5 dogs and rescue volunteer
May 29th, 2008 at 9:14 am
i used to take my pom puppy and my cat to banfield, till i moved and it was too far.. i liked them and had no issues.. i had them both spayed there and they were wonderful… they have a great payment plan service where u pay so much up front then $20 a month and it covers everything from the spay to the shots… i know i heard some bad stuff too but i would just talk with other ppl who have gone there vs the things we hear.. media hypes up a lot of things.. personally, i like to keep my dogs records at one hospital, that way there are no questions if something comes up
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
If you don't like Banfield you shouldn't go there for anything. If you don't like a place, you shouldn't support it.
Also, it is best that your pet see the same vet every time. That way the vet will know your dog, and know you. Makes for a better Doctor/patient relationship.
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:16 am
DO NOT GO TO BANFIELD!!
They mess up my dogs leg, he had a pulled tendon- they wrapped it wrong now my dog is crippled.
pay the extra money, pay to see a good vet who graduated from a good school
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I wouldn't go there….
OK, it's one thing if you are one of those people that knows which shots your dog ACTUALLY needs and you can be firm about not getting anything extra…. but they do push a lot of extra crap on the patients, and unfortunately not everyone knows well enough to say no!!!
Don't support Banfield!!
Find a vet near you that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
http://healthypet.aahanet.org/eweb/startpage.aspx?site=HealthyPet
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I personal use Banfield in NC and they are great with both my cat and dog. But a shot is a shot. if you are not comfortable getting your pets seen by Banfield for what ever reason you should transfer all your records to another vet that you are comfortable with. It is better if everything is in place "Just in Case". that way the vet will know all of your pets history.
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:32 am
All vets get the same vaccinations/medicines to dispense.
However, I believe it's better to have a vet you completely trust, even just for shots. It also is helpful to have your dog's records all at one place. If you trust Banfield, that's fine. As with all chain businesses, some are good, some aren't so good.
I'm not a fan of Banfield. I prefer to go to a vet that has their own practice and that I can get a good idea of what that vet's ideals and experience is. At Banfield, you just get whatever.
(I personally feel like if a vet is good at what they do, they'll likely have their own practice or be working at a specialty vet center; not at a chain clinic. That's just my gut instinct.)
It's like the saying "Do you know what they call the guy that graduated last in his class in medical school? A doctor."
.
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May 29th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I prefer to have a good relationship with my vet… and I'm willing to PAY for it because I know it means he'll be there for me when I have an emergency. It also means that he'll know each of my dogs and know me well so that he doesn't have to second-guess whether I'm being an overprotective owner or merely a consciencious one.
Having a vet who knew me and my dogs well has saved my dog's lives on a couple of occassions- once when a b*tch ate all of her breakfast except 2 kibbles which convinced me she was DYING and he believed me and so scheduled emergency surgery and once when I simply felt the dog was "off" and we found 2 squeakers in his intestines. He also helped me when my cat's jaw dislocated due to a congenital malformation despite the fact that normally he would refer such an issue to a specialist (the cat grew out of it).
Yes, he's more expensive than the box store vets. But the box store vets are there to make $$, have a high rotation of vets and no continuity of care. I believe that in the end you pay for the quality you get.
Edit: I believe in supporting small businesses and quite frankly shots and yearly exams are the bread and butter of most vet practices. Because of this I would rather pay to help support my vet's practice KNOWING that should I need him he'll be there to support me and my dogs.
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May 29th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Personally, I've found it best to find a local vet you're comfortable with and build a relationship with them. I've had the same vet for nearly 15 years. They've seen my animals from the time they were babies to the time they need to be euthanized. They're always honest and up front with me about what needs to be done, how much it's going to cost and what the results may be. I've called them as late as midnight and as early as 6:30 am when I've had an emergency and they always call me back within 5-10 minutes. There's nothing more reassuring than hearing your vet tell you there's nothing to worry about and know that you can trust what they're saying. Or knowing that they'll open the clinic early if it's a true emergency. And because I'm a long-time customer, if I'm short on cash they're willing to let me put things on account and pay them off when I have a little more money. I just can't see any of those things happening with Banfield or any other commercial-type veterinary clinic.
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May 30th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Make sure that your dog is only getting vaccinated for the things she really needs, they will push unnecessary vaccines, such as corona or giardia….. Especially to older dogs that don't really need much vaccinations, if at all… (ps. advantix can be found cheaper in other places, you don't need prescription for that… ie. our local cabelas (which is a sports/hunting shop sells them)
Regarding having two vets, everytime that you check out after your dogs vaccines, ask for the full vaccine record from Banfield. Visit your regular veterinarian at least twice a year for a regular check-up, even if your dog is healthy. That builds enough report w your regular veterinarian and to give them the vaccine record so they can update their paperwork.
And yes… all shots from reputable manufacturers are the same.
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