Banfield wellness plan...is it a good idea?

Question

i have an 8 week old puppy and i came across the wellness plan , it looks like a good plan but im scared its just a scam, is there anything else better out there that is affordable? i liked the plan because it included getting my puppy neutered,,any suggestions?

Answer 1

I had the wellness plan for my dog at first then when she started dropping weight and I took her to them they couldnt find anything wrong. After she dropped 40 lbs was down to skin and bones and our local animal control was called on me because of how skinny she was I took her to a reputable vet in my area. Her problems were fixed in the first visit with a proper study of the stool sample and a dewormer. So I would say great plan for spaying but other than that take your pet to a vet who knows what they are doing. Plus the plan doesnt cover at every Banfield they only cover at that specific one.

Answer 2

To the "consumer affairs" link-you can find people to complain about just about anything out there. I personally don't like that link because it is just a "bit**" session for disgruntled people who may or may not be telling the whole story-very one-sided. I have quit vets who had no affiliation with Banfield. That being said, you have to interview your vet and get references, whoever you choose. What does your friend say about this vet? I have also been told that the Wellness plan is a great deal until the pup reaches one year old, but then the costs become very similar to any other vet in the area. In addition, they tend to over vaccinate, so you will need to study up on what is really necessary in vaccinations for your area and ask lots of questions. Edit: I AM real. I don't just take someone's word on the Internet-I make sure my sources are reliable, like a person with common sense and the brains I was born with (which I exercise). Anyone who believes everything they read on the Internet IS insane! And once again, how do you know these stories are true? Do you know all those people personally? You would be better served if you checked on lawsuits filed against Banfield-much more reliable information. Edit: I just realized that you think I TD you. You are incorrect, but that's okay. I don't pay attention to TD anyway. Seems like a silly way to way to lash out.

Answer 3

I am not familiar with Banfield's plan, but I doubt it is a scam. Banfield is a chain of vet hospitals all over the country. You might want to do a websearch and see what you come up with.

There are a lot of pet insurance plans available now, and I predict they will become as common as human insurance in the future because of the rising aware of the need for pet care and the rising cost of that care. My vet has brochures of some plans on his counter--you might want to call your vet and ask what plans they are familiar with and recommend. I have five dogs, and I pay out thousands of dollars in vet bills a year, so believe me, if you plan to take good care of your pup, a wellness plan will be money well spent. Good luck.

Answer 4

I think it is just ok. As it was posted it will only cover the dog if they see it but if you have an emergency and you need to go elsewhere because they are unavailable, the cost will come out of your pocket. I think insurance for the dog would be a better option since the insurance would be accepted in most places and it will give you more options, I believe insurance will cover the nueter for a an extra cost. You can also get the nueter done inexpensively at a local shelter or you can get a coupon and get it done for $55 with any vet that will accept it. Here is the site:
http://www.spayusa.org/search/default.asp

Answer 5

okay I had banfield and I had to pay the rest of my contract off in order to get away from there . I had an emergency with my dog during business hours and took him there and both the drs were gone to lunch so no one was there to look at him . we were told it would be at least another 3 hrs before they could get to me . Nope I cancelled my contract and paid my way out of it .Also I am a foster mom and when i needed a vet reccomendation they talked behind my back that is wrong . Well anyway I would not reccomend banfield to anybody it sucks .

Answer 6

It's a good plan. There's lots of them out there though. I have personally had the Banfield plan and my sister has both of her dogs on it. Jess has used hers alot with ear infections and routine shots. If I remember correctly, the plan doesn't cover meds...as most don't. It's worth the expense each month to be a responsible pet owner. You never know whats going to happen...especially with puppies!