Banfield Pet Hospital

I see a lot of negative reviews for this Banfield location so wanted to share that, having just transferred from another location and going today for my dog's comprehensive exam and annual dental cleaning, I have nothing but positive things to say. Scheduling the appointment was easy and the scheduler was very patient with all of my questions, drop off was smooth, pick up was efficient and I especially appreciated that the tech let me know that she took special care of my very nervous dog because she knew that I was worried about him. When I had a question afterwards the vet called me back after hours and left a detailed message with the answer. I was very apprehensive before the appointment given all of the poor feedback but am very happy to report that I have no hesitation going back.

This location inside PetSmart is a good fit for my kitties and me. Checkers and Turtle have received good care and are both healthy. Having an Optimum Wellness plan really spreads the expense of their care to monthly payments, instead of all at once. Just a couple of things: Wish the Vet was available in person to speak with. I miss the more personal interactions. And lower payments. I've had to drop their dental coverage because it became unaffordable. A sliding scale according to income would be fairer.

January 7, 2025 I called Banfield Pet Hospital on Jackman St in El Cajon Ca to ask the price to euthanize, cremate and return the remains of my daughter’s 19 year old cat. I was quoted $345 to cover all those things for a 3:30pm appt today, January 8. Called my daughter to verify terms, called hosp back within 10 minutes, spoke with Francisco both times. 2nd conversation he said it was actually $343,  due to age and health no exam was required, cat remains to be returned in small box with a paw-print plaque. After the cat was taken to the back they charged $600.46 My daughter, in emotional shock from losing a 19 year member of the family paid it under duress, fearing argument would result in them not returning the remains. Included in the $600.46 were items she was told were part of the process without disclosing they were additional fees and I had been told were not necessary nor required. This is bait and switch. We had an appointment elsewhere for appx $500 and went with Banfield after relaying that to them and being assured their cost would be “no where near that much”. People need to be warned about their deceptive possibly illegal but definitely manipulative of people in their time of grief way of doing business. For legal reasons but no other I’ll include the words “my opinion” here. To top it off we had to demand an itemized receipt before they finally gave it. I did ask to speak to the manager. She was rude, sounded like she was suppressing a chuckle after she said for us to take the cat home nothing had been done then being told by an employee in the background the procedure had been completed. As if to acknowledge “Ha! Got you by the b*lls!” In an attempt to put this behind us and lessen the emotional trauma this was putting my family through I even offered (as she admitted her employee that quoted $343 ”may have had a misunderstanding” of the services I asked about) to meet her somewhere in the middle of the price quoted and the higher price. I can not warn strongly enough against using this business, we have already filed a Better Business Bureau complaint.

Mostly good. What they have done has been good. Last visit, I asked for something to be checked, then they called and asked if I wanted it done. I said, “yes of course, I actually requested it when I came in.” Then, they didn’t do it!! So, I had to bring my pup in AGAIN!! They corrected the mistake, but it was a lot of time out of my work day to have to return, you know!? I’d give 2 stars if it were only about that visit, but they’ve been pretty good other than that. So, not 5 and almost 3 but I’m being nice with 4.

I typically try to avoid corporate chains after so many poor experiences where customers were treated like numbers and all humanity has been squeezed from employees. However, Banfield has been such an outstanding exception. The front desk attendants have always remembered our dogs by name and speak as though we (customers) actually are their priority. It is a welcome treat. The service is exceptional and the doctors on staff are consistent in their treatment regimen for our pets. Even a new doctor to the site is mostly onboard with their health planning while maintaining the ability to think outside the box for challenging ailments (and our dogs have had plenty!). I highly recommend this location. Take naysayers with a grain of salt as people often let a single incident or experience bias their opinions and tarnish the entire staff and location. Hannah and the other attendant at the front whose name i forget at the moment both rock by the way!