Pet Owners

[janswizard]

It's that time of year again when the family dog has to go to the vet for his shots and exam. I've been negligent of my best friend - he's overdue for his shots. Because we moved and his regular vet that I was very happy with is a bit too far to travel to, I've been shopping around for a new vet.

I stopped in PetSmart this morning to pick up supplies. I never noticed before that they have a Banfield Pet Center right there on premises. I stopped in to inquire about their charges for exams, vaccines and other services and they told me about a wellness plan they carry for pets.

There is a one-time membership fee of $69.95 and then annual fees anywhere from $143.40 to $419.40 a year depending on the kinds of services you opt into. These fees are automatically withdrawn from your checking/savings account on a monthly basis.

The primary plan includes annual vaccine boosters, two scheduled comprehensive physical exmans, heartworm tests, iintestinal parasite fecal exams, deworming for roundworms and hookworms, and miscellaneous exams that include rectal, otoscopic, ophthalmic, dental, neurological, cariovascular, and pulmonary/lung evaluations. There are also three other levels of care.

Has anyone heard of Banfield before and have any experience with wellness plans for your animals? Other than being extremely overweight, my dog is very healthy. He has had problems with his ears, though, and has had to have surgery to drain/remove hematomas from his ears at two different times.

[Stephanie]

I've never heard of Banfeild before. I would add up what the costs of those tests were that you had to pay for out of pocket and compare them to what they are charging for the annual fee. I'm assuming that they are charging extra for the primary care plans? I know that as they get older, their care gets more expensive so the primary care may be beneficial.

[Lindaloo]

jans.. you would get the same treatments and vaccinations at a vet clinic much cheaper. PetSmart IMO is over priced on everything, even their grooming service.

I would shop around and ask around about a good vet or animal hospital in your area. You need to find a vet that really likes animals. It is always good to have your pet's records when you find a vet. Give the vet a history of your dog and his certain conditions. There is also a new vaccine for rabies that lasts 3 years. Inquire about that also.

If you give your dog HeartGuard once a month that will protect him from hookworms and heartworms. Fleat treatment should be K-9 Advantix because it also repells mosquitoes if your dog stays outside.

[j]

PetSmart IMO is over priced on everything, even their grooming service.

Ditto on that note Linda

[streetsoldier]

Annabelle (she be a ho'), our resident poogle puppy, gets her yearly trip to the vet's in June; cost for shots, fecal exam, tags and Heartguard, about $80.

We usually have her groomed at the same time, which adds another $20 to the total. She's worth it...her's a love-a-baby fluffball, who "lets us live here". And she BE a ho'! ("I'm HERE! You're HOME! I LOVE you! GIMMESOME!!" Ar-OO-OOO-OO-ah!!!)

[weatherlover427]

Well I could ask my friend what she thinks about that, since she works at a PetSmart nearby where I used to live. But personally I cannot say since I don't have a pet and haven't needed to buy for one for a long time...