Banfield Pet Hospital

The love and understanding of the staff at this location was immensely appreciated. We had to make a very hard end of life decision and they walked us through every step and allowed us the time we needed to love on our Lizzy P. They allowed us to share stories about her and shared with us about their own 4 legged babies. The love was evident and for each of them I am eternally thankful. We can never thank you enough for caring for us at such a difficult time. From our small cold and wet rescue puppy to our old girl. We’ll love you forever P Dog 💖🪽💖 Rest easy Liz.

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.

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.

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.

Banfield Corporate Feedback: To Whom It May Concern, I’ve been a loyal client at the Banfield Pet Hospital on Archer Rd in Gainesville, FL for years, bringing my beloved cat there regularly. But on December 1st at 3:30pm, I experienced a level of disregard and lack of compassion I never expected from a place I trusted. The vet performed an exam, found enlarged kidneys and possibly a mass, and recommended a blood test. I told her, “Please do whatever you have to do.” They drew the blood while I comforted my cat. Shortly after, the vet returned and informed me the bill was already $315—before the blood test. When I said I would need to be billed, she replied, “Oh, you're not paying today? Then I need to tell them to stop treatment.” I asked, “So you’re not going to help my baby?” and she just walked away. After years of loyal visits, I felt abandoned and disrespected. My cat deserved better. I hope Banfield seriously evaluates what kind of care they’re offering and how it aligns with the compassion pet owners expect—and deserve. Sincerely, Casey R. Chick