Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital (which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Banfield Pet Insurance) is a chain of veterinary clinics with over 750 locations in the U.S. Most are located adjacent to or within a PetSmart store.

Banfield offers a Wellness Plan which is exclusively for use in their facilities. Members get free unlimited office visits, vaccinations, 2 comprehensive exams per year and diagnostic tests aimed at early detection of potential problems.

Banfield's website indicates that behavioral and nutritional counseling are also part of the package. Exotic pets are not eligible. Only dogs and cats may be enrolled.

While Banfield Pet Hospital is equipped to treat illnesses, injuries and perform surgeries, these are outside the scope of the wellness program. Members do receive a discount ranging from 5% - 20% on most products and services that are offered by the clinic.

...And the Cost?

Well, here's where things get a little murky. Unlike most pet insurance companies and Pet Assure (another insurance alternative), Banfield doesn't offer the ability to obtain quotes or pricing on their website.

If you want to know how much the wellness plan will cost you, it seems you must talk to one of their sales representatives. So, I called their toll free number. But, being Saturday, the office was closed.

So, I did some research on the internet beyond the Banfield website. There is a sign-up fee to start the program. I saw quotes on that ranging from $65.00 - $139.00--not sure what accounts for the difference--perhaps type or number of pets.

There is also a monthly fee which ranges from around $19.00 to $38.00--presumbably based on the level of coverage, type of pet and its age.

One thing you should be aware of, with Banfield's Wellness Plan you are entering into an annual service contract. From consumer comments I've read, they seem very serious about enforcing it. It's not easy to cancel if you decide you are dissatisfied for some reason.

If your pet passes away while on the plan, you may be required to keep up the monthly payments until the contract term expires or pay the balance of the retail value of the services your pet received whichever is less.

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