AVOID BANFIELD
I need to warn other pet owners about my devastating experience at Banfield Pet Hospital (owned by Mars Inc.) also located in many Petsmart stores.
April 17, 2024: Took my completely healthy, happy dog Beanie for a routine checkup and vaccine update. Lead Vet. Paaymans, DVM administered a ProHeart 6 shot along with two additional vaccine shots. That same day, Beanie began showing symptoms - fainting, heavy breathing, and became nearly immobile. I immediately called and brought him back to Banfield. Their response? 'There's no problems, but call emergency if it gets worse.' They dismissed clear emergency symptoms and sent us home.
April 18: Rushed Beanie back to Banfield as his condition worsened. They charged me $400 for an x-ray and three additional shots. Vet Paaymans, DVM stated his heart was swollen in x-ray, telling me to see a cardiologist, they don't know why he is fainting and to go to emergency if worsens. No urgency, no accountability for the fact that he was perfectly healthy just 24 hours before coming in for simple shot update.
Easter Sunday, April 20: Beanie had become so weak that I took him to emergency care. Heavy blood in stool, throwing up dark red, no eating or drinking water, and hardly breathing. Beanie tragically passed away that evening. Just four days after a simple vaccine visit, my beloved pet was gone.
The aftermath was equally appalling:
- Banfield corporate only offered a hollow 'sorry for your loss' and claimed Beanie 'did not respond well' to the Proheart 6 shot
- They promised to contact ProHeart 6 about splitting cremation costs but never followed through
- They're still forcing me to pay for my other dog's wellness plan that I'll never use because I've lost all trust in their care and service
- They refunded the $400 from the second visit and canceled Beanies plan.
Banfield ( owned by Mars, Inc) operates like a sales organization, not a veterinary hospital. They push wellness plans and treatments without proper care or consideration for our pets' lives. My healthy dog died because of their negligence, and their response showed zero compassion or accountability.
I urge pet owners to:
- Avoid Banfield entirely
- Research all medications/shots thoroughly before agreeing
- File complaints with your state's veterinary board
- Report to pet advocacy organizations
- Read wellness plan contracts carefully - they trap you in payment plans
- Document everything in case the worst happens
SPECIFIC ACTIONS TO TAKE:
- File a formal complaint with:
- Your state's Veterinary Medical Board
- The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine
- Better Business Bureau
- American Veterinary Medical Association
-File with the small claim court or contact a pet attorney
- Write reviews everywhere!
Remember: Corporate vet chains like Banfield often prioritize profits over pet care. Always trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right about your pet's care."