Banfield Pet Hospital

The Banfield in Traverse City was very well-run. The staff was friendly and professional. Our appointment was on time. We asked to pick up our dog asap after her appointment and we were pleased when they expedited her care so we didn't have to wait several hours for pickup. I received a thorough report from the doctor after Minne's visit. We use Banfield for our dog's veterinary care not only for the quality of care and their Wellness Plans, but because we travel in our motorhome 8 months of the year. With Banfield having locations in many cities around the country, we can almost always be assured that we will have coverage when needed, wherever we may be. This was a very good Banfield experience.

posted: 08/18/2023

Took me a couple visits before I got used to the routine/rhythm of how they work but other than that, always wonderful service, friendly staff, knowledgeable and helpful veterinarians! Everyone I have encountered at the TC office have been great to work with and absolutely wonderful with my pets!

posted: 07/05/2023

I didn’t realize this, but you don’t actually see a vet here. You drop your pet off and then play a game of telephone through employees and hope they address your concern. After everything is done a vet calls you. All of this makes me very uncomfortable since I can’t be there with my pet to explain and hear in-person what they found. I brought my cat in for eye discharge and to discuss medication for his anxiety. They didn’t examine his eye & they did a urinalysis. When I spoke with the vet I repeated my concern that it was behavioral not a UTI and can we discuss medicine for him. They said they had to do these tests first. I agreed because I understood it as they wouldn’t prescribe him anything without doing those first. When they ended up not finding anything (which I already said in the first place) I assumed they would then address the actual thing I asked about. But I was sent home with a pamphlet on basic cat care and never saw the vet. It was disappointing and at that point I was so frustrated that I was charged almost $200 for tests I didn’t really want and still didn’t get the issues addressed. And again, I didn’t realize you don’t see a vet here so it was all over getting my cat back before I totally knew what was happening. I was tired and just wanted to get my cat back home and let him relax. I called a few times the following week and the office was closed, maybe for lunch? I finally got ahold of someone who said they determined eye looked normal and I could bring him in again (and of course be charged again). Why not deal with it when he was there? I’m literally looking at green discharge, that’s not a “normal” cat eye. I think they didn’t look closely at it, maybe they were too busy. Who knows. I asked well could the vet at least prescribe the medicine I came in asking for. Of course, that would warrant another visit and another charge. I kept trying to understand why they didn’t listen to what I was saying initially & then trying to charge me to bring him back. Feels a little fishy. They said they would talk to their supervisor and call me back. They didn’t. So I wasted a chunk of change & still have a sick animal. As an autistic person, trying to communicate via phone is my worst nightmare. I’ll take some blame because I didn’t totally understand their model of treatment. And if I realized this was some weird drive-thru version of vet services I would have skipped it. The only positive thing was the women in the front where very nice and personable. I really wish I had a better experience here.

posted: 06/03/2023

DO NOT EVER take your pet to Banfield!We have been taking our puppy there for a year now, and it has been a MISERABLE experience. Our 6 month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm medication ran out last month. When we asked for a refill, they told us that they never gave us six months' worth and that they hadn't seen us since we were there six months ago. They also said that since he has been off of the medication, he would need to come in for an office visit (money) and get tested for heartworm and who knows what else (more money). We have been giving our puppy the medication Banfield gave us once a month for the past 6 months. So, they either can't keep good records and lose important information, or this is just one of the many ways they try to SCAM customers out of more money. If you somehow choose to use Banfield, please ask that they provide the cost of everything up-front in writing as the many fees they add on will at least double what they quoted for you. And after they add on more fees anyway, you will still have to argue with them about the total cost 😀

posted: 08/11/2023

We have been going to Banfield for at least twenty years, and have been overall very pleased with their services. Within the past six months or so I have noticed that it is not unusual for phone call hold times to reach upwards of 15-20". Another problem I've encountered is that they will not allow you to pay for a prescription and pick it up later, so sometimes it is unavailable or you have to risk them running out if you can't get there right away. This is very frustrating, especially since it can take so long just to have someone answer the call. I am sure the staff are doing their best, and everyone is always courteous and respectful, so perhaps there are systems and processes that could be put in place to make things easier for customers.

posted: 06/08/2023