Banfield Pet Hospital

I’ve been bringing my cat to this Banfield location for over a year for his regular checkups and exams, and until recently, I trusted them with his care. However, my recent visit was extremely upsetting and disappointing. I brought my cat in on Thursday after noticing his stomach moving rapidly for about a week. The staff member who checked me in was polite, and since it was a drop-off appointment, I left my cat in their care. Later, I was called back in and met with Dr. Hudak, who seemed visibly distressed. She told me I needed to take my cat to an emergency hospital. When I asked what was wrong and if there was anything they could do at Banfield, she mentioned they could run an X-ray and bloodwork for about $300. I asked if there was any way to get the bill handled differently or set up a payment option, and her exact response was: “If you’re having money issues, then it’s best to put your pet to sleep.” Hearing that made me panic and break down — I was in shock. There was no empathy or compassion in how it was said, and it felt like my pet’s life only mattered if I could pay upfront. After doing the X-ray, they told me to go immediately to the emergency hospital. I paid $387 before leaving, but when I asked for printed records to bring to the ER, they refused, saying I just needed to go. I felt completely dismissed and unheard during one of the scariest moments for my cat and me. This experience left me heartbroken and deeply disappointed. I hope Banfield addresses how their staff communicate with pet owners in crisis, especially when emotions and fear are already so high. Compassion should always come first.

posted: 10/21/2025

I visited Banfield Vet Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, in May 2025 to obtain a health certificate for my cat, Maggie, so we could travel to my home country, Costa Rica. The entire team was incredibly kind and patient throughout the process. Even when the USDA mistakenly told me I had the wrong document—causing me to call the clinic in panic several times—they reassured me and guided me every step of the way. In the end, everything was perfectly in order, and Maggie and I enjoyed a smooth, peaceful international trip without any issues. I’m deeply grateful for their professionalism, compassion, and excellent service.

posted: 08/09/2025

The staff and practitioners at this Banfield location know us and our beloved pets very well. They relate well to our care philosophy, and they remember these details when they see us next.

posted: 10/02/2025

I made an appointment months ago and it was supposed to be 5 days before my flight and they kept rescheduling and cancelled all of them till my flight day which they also cancelled. I told them I needed the paperwork but they still rescheduled it and said my cat was too aggressive so they didn’t want to attend him. They said they would try again and 2 minutes later called me and said they did all they could (which obviously is not true). Btw i got there at 10 am (my appointment time) and said i could go back at 12pm… then changed it to 4:30 pm (FOR A PAPER). Also is kinda weird they also mentioned that for a health certificate they wouldn’t be open on Saturday and yet wanted to make my appointment a Saturday at my flight time?!? So i went and picked up my cat and the lady (an old lady) didn’t even gave me my cat. She ordered me to go inside and get it myself plus didn’t even open the kennel for me just stared at me super annoyed like a grinch. The service was definitely awful and they really don't care about your pets. I recommend you guys go to the Newberry animal hospital instead. They helped me SO FAST in such a short notice and the price was way better than the one Banfield was making me pay.

posted: 12/19/2025

So. Scheduled an appointment to have a kitten that showed up at my works door checked out. Not even my damn cat. Scheduled appointment and received a call that I had to reschedule. So I rescheduled. Arrived at the rescheduled time just to be told that we missed our appointment. (the original appointment) but they could see us because their "online scheduler is bad". We sat there from 3pm to 5pm. No Vet. We left. Well done banfield. Well done.

posted: 09/01/2025