[iSaidNoSprinkles]

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to find a vet for my new pup. I'm wondering if anyone uses the Banfield Hospital. There's one at my local petsmart, and it seems that have a great plan that's really affordable, but I feel like I'd be taking my pup to the "walmart" or vets. I know private vets are alot more expensive. any advice? He really just needs a check up and his next sets of boosters.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Bryan

 

[Lolas_Dad]

Ask friends and co-workers where they take their pets for vet service. I travel 30 miles for Lola because the vet I have was recommended by my sister that has 2 dogs.

 

[melgrj7]

I drive about an hour to take my dogs to the vet I use. It took me a few years to find her and now I've been going to her for 7 years I think. You can call them up and ask questions or go in and see how you like them. With my vet I know if I had an emergency I could call her at any hour and she would meet me at her clinic. I also know she will not scam me for money and is honest with me about options and wether they are really a good choice or not.

 

[spotted nikes]

Call the State Veterinary Board and ask if they have any complaints/cases pending or cases resolved against the vet's there. You'll need to give them the vets' full name. (Make sure you check out all the vets in that office).

There was a vet I used, before I knew about needing to check on them, that misdiagnosed my dog, resulting in her early death. I later found out he had 8 cases against him for veterinary malpractice where dogs and cats died. I filed a case against him, and he was found negligent by the veterinary board.

 

[InkedMarie]

If you're feeling like you're talking the dog to Walmart, then you probably should have a regular vet. How old is your dog, don't you have a vet now? You said he/she just needs a checkup and vaccs but you never know what your dog will need a vet for, find one that you're comfortable with. If it's Banfield, then that's fine.

 

[iSaidNoSprinkles]

If you're feeling like you're talking the dog to Walmart, then you probably should have a regular vet. How old is your dog, don't you have a vet now? You said he/she just needs a checkup and vaccs but you never know what your dog will need a vet for, find one that you're comfortable with. If it's Banfield, then that's fine.

He's 11 weeks and I'm getting him on Thursday. All i meant was that's what he needs for his first visit next week.

I got a couple messages that convinced me not to go with banfield. Prolly gonna go with a local pet hospital I know of. thanks everyone.

 

[CorgiKarma]

I second not going to Banfield. Their vets never stay for long and I wouldn't trust a Banfield vet with my dog ever. I worked at PetSmart in pet care through high school and worked with many different Banfield vets. It is sad when you know more about the different animals than the vet One of them claimed to be a herp vet but had to look online for information every time I brought a reptile back to her.
Also, many vets have puppy care plans that are very economical. Banfield is not a cheap vet. Way overpriced for the quality of care they offer.

 

[Rescue-mom]

I used to use a vet from petsmart and really liked him,but when i moved to the country i interviewed alot of vets.The one i currently have is great no office fee just what they charge for the vaccinations and other services,multi pet discount since i have 3 adult cats-3 dogs(plus any fosters i take in)-7 kittens(a stray i took in had them)-2 rabbits-1 bird.....So cheaper the better

 

[InkedMarie]

He's 11 weeks and I'm getting him on Thursday. All i meant was that's what he needs for his first visit next week.

I got a couple messages that convinced me not to go with banfield. Prolly gonna go with a local pet hospital I know of. thanks everyone.

oh, this is a puppy you don't even have yet! I hope someone here has the link but there is a new vaccine protocol, maybe if you look at the other forums, such as the health one, the link will be there. You do not want to overvaccinate your dog, you want to space out the vaccines and not do the "all in one's". Call around to vets, starting now, and find a vet that does not push yearly vaccines, unless your state has to do yearly's, per law.

 

[iSaidNoSprinkles]

First I want to thank everyone for all their input. It means alot to a first time owner who's trying to do the right thing.

I went ahead and made an appoint with a local animal clinic. However, their microchip costs alot more than Banfield and there's like an activation fee every 3 years or something. Banfield is alot cheaper and it's a forever charge ($60 + $15/3 years vs $30 one time). Does it make sense (financially and pet wise) to get his boosters and check up at one and his microchip at another? Think it's going to matter? They told me they have to put him under to do the chip, which makes me nervouse, but if that's normal than ok. I feel as long as the important care is done at a vet i trust.... but i'd like some input if you have some.

Thanks again,

Bryan

 

[InkedMarie]

First I want to thank everyone for all their input. It means alot to a first time owner who's trying to do the right thing.

I went ahead and made an appoint with a local animal clinic. However, their microchip costs alot more than Banfield and there's like an activation fee every 3 years or something. Banfield is alot cheaper and it's a forever charge ($60 + $15/3 years vs $30 one time). Does it make sense (financially and pet wise) to get his boosters and check up at one and his microchip at another? Think it's going to matter? They told me they have to put him under to do the chip, which makes me nervouse, but if that's normal than ok. I feel as long as the important care is done at a vet i trust.... but i'd like some input if you have some.

Thanks again,

Bryan

They don't put dogs under to microchip them! I've had many a dog chipped, couple parrots too and the activation fee is forever. My vote is to find a good vet and then worry bout the chip. Do a google searches for microchip companies, find one that is forever and then find a place in your area that does them.

 

[craven.44]

I would not feel comfortable taking my dog to Banfield. I have heard way too many horror stories. They do offer pretty good incentive packages to new vet school graduates, so even good doctors can be tempted to get on board. Unfortunately, the corporate aspect of Banfield often prevents good vets from doing good. Good luck!

 

[iSaidNoSprinkles]

I was wrong. It's actually an annual cost of $15 to keep him registered. I'm torn.