Banfield, The Pet Hospital

jenny82

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Does anyone have any experience with them or know anything about them? They are located in Petsmarts across the U.S.

I might have an interview there this week for a vet tech position (I am looking for a career change). I've been to their website but would love to hear personal experiences.

Thanks!
 

catmomof2

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I have never been to one myself but I have heard good things about them.Good luck on your interview
 

fostermomm

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When me and my ex lived in Branson thats were we took our pets. They were very nice there. But Ive been to some that I wouldnt bring my cats too.
 

catlover73

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Banfield has been my kitten Starbuck's vet. So far things have gone well with them for the most part. We had a couple of scheduling issues when appoinments were not put in their schedule correctly but we were able to get her in on the day we had the appointment without an ureasonable wait. Also they are very good about taking walk-ins. If you do a walk-in though try to get there when they open or you could wait a while if it is not an emergency. Their pet plans have saved us a lot of money on Starbuck's shots and spay surgery. We went with Banfield intially because they had awesome hours. The one we go to is open both Sat and Sunday.
 

gingersmom

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I never heard about Banfield before joining TCS, and most of the things I heard were NOT positive. I liken the things I've heard to Banfield being the "fast-food" equivilent of vet care.
 

sarahp

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I imagine every Banfield is different, and just like regular vet hospitals, there's good and bad ones. Maybe during the interview ask if you can get a tour of the facilities to give you an idea of how they care for the pets, and whether the staff seem happy or not?
 

jellybella

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Originally Posted by sarahp

I imagine every Banfield is different, and just like regular vet hospitals, there's good and bad ones. Maybe during the interview ask if you can get a tour of the facilities to give you an idea of how they care for the pets, and whether the staff seem happy or not?
Like any large franchise chain, there are good and bad. I've heard reviews that go both ways. I would ask for the tour and trust your instincts if it doesn't look like a place you'd want to bring your furry family members.
 

luckygirl

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the only thing I know is that they are way more expensive than my regular vet, and they would not accept sp/nt discount certificates or any type of discount sp/nt at all....
 
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jenny82

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Originally Posted by sarahp

I imagine every Banfield is different, and just like regular vet hospitals, there's good and bad ones. Maybe during the interview ask if you can get a tour of the facilities to give you an idea of how they care for the pets, and whether the staff seem happy or not?
You're right...that's a good idea.



Thanks everyone!
 

tara g

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Good luck on the interview!
Some days when we are buying our fish at Petsmart, I think about how much I'd love working with the cats there. But I'm also still enjoying my current career - who knows what the future'll bring?!

I've heard good things about the Banfield here (our friend takes her 2 Rotties there) - which is a plus, because we need to take Tigger there this weekend
 

menasmom

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I have gone to Banfield when I had my dog, Holly, and they were always very, very nice. The vets seemed genuinely interested in my dog and didn't treat her like a number or rush through our appointments. My cats have been adopted through PetSmart, who uses Banfield to get their adoptees vaccinated and spayed/neutered before getting adopted.
Again, a good experience with them.
And speaking of franchises, I did work for Veterinary Centers of America in Vegas and I was a receptionist They would try to get us to sell "their" pet food to clients, which I wouldn't do. It was very corporate, meaning the least amount of pay for the most amount of hours you work. THere was a time when I got scheduled to work 14 days in a row because the supervisor screwed up the schedule, and there was nothing she could do about it, because the schedule was already set for that time period. And the vets in THAT particular clinic were so unsympathetic to these animals. One time an old woman came in with a collie who had a big cyst near his eye. She went into the examination room and when she came out 15 mins later, the cyst was still there. When I asked her why it wasn't lanced, she replied she didn't have enough money, so the vet wouldn't do it!!! If I had had money, I would've given it to her. I felt so bad for that dog.
On the other hand, I took all my animals to another VCA in Henderson, NV and I have nothing but LOVE for those vets there (Dr. Winn and Dr. Augenstein in particular). They saw me through thick and thin when my dog was getting her insulin adjusted and was having occasional seizures, which freaked me out. They never charged me when I'd bring her in on an emergency. When I brought my rabbit in because she had died overnight, the receptionist cried with me.
In closing (finally) every individual place is going to be differnt as far as people who work there.
Sorry for the long post!!!
 
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jenny82

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Thanks menasmom!!

The interview went really well, but when I went in to shadow someone, I didn't like it as much. I don't want to say anything bad, because it is just one location and I'm sure it doesn't reflect the whole company. Oh well.
 
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jenny82

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Originally Posted by menasmom

Oh well. Are there other vets in your area looking for a tech? Did you go to school for it?
No I didn't go to school...Banfield was the only place I found that hires with no experience or degree.
 

myfirstragdoll

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I wouldn't take any of my animals there if they hire people off the street without getting a degree. I think that's totally wrong, if I'm going to pay for services I want people who know what to do.
 
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jenny82

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Originally Posted by MyFirstRagdoll

I wouldn't take any of my animals there if they hire people off the street without getting a degree. I think that's totally wrong, if I'm going to pay for services I want people who know what to do.
They say that they train you in everything you need to know, but yeah I agree with you.
 

rugthugs

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jenny
take the job if its offered. I hate judging anything or anybody on first impressions, and you need this on your resume if you are really intent on working in the field. The things you will see and learn will be invaluable, and always remember : even the president wakes up some days and thinks: "I should get way more money since I work for a bunch of ***holes". I am pretty sure even Oprah has thought once or twice "I hate this job".
I've used banfield before, and i will again if the situation calls for it. Crappy vets sometimes, crappy techs sometimes. But ALWAYS better than no vet care at all. I have never had imcompetent care at banfield, which I can't say for every stand alone vet clinic my many pets have been to over the years.
This is a terrific learning opportunity-take what you can use from it!
 
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