Comments on Banfield Wellness Plan: Beware

This is in reply to the info on Banfield. I had a wellness plan. For the most part it worked out ok but I hated the upselling they seem to be required to do. The icing on the cake and reason I will never get another wellness plan is that my dog died and when I called to notify them and stop the plan ... they wanted me to pay it off. I told them ... well never mind, it wasn't nice. I figure that is like paying health insurance on a dead person. No one would do it and it's ridiculous to be expected to pay the balance on something that I can't use on another animal or use at all. STUPID that Banfield even has this in their agreements.

If your pet is an adult it doesn't necessarily get vaccines 2x. As an adult that is up to date on vaccines rabies and distemper last 3 years. For those adults that have never had vaccines such as a rescue pet off the streets, they provide a booster in their packages for cases like these. You should really know the facts before you lie. Post this comment!

It would appear that you are insanely uneducated on Banfield and their policies. We don't have "well over 1000 locations" now, let alone 2 years ago. Banfield follows the AVMA guidelines as far as vaccinations go. Therefore, essentially your entire argument is a sham.

Hi Dr F,
I started a FB group of about 20 owners of Fozzie and Gonzo's siblings about a year ago. We are all crazy about our dogs and doodles in general. Although it started as a way for me to help new owners with typical puppy issues and a way to show off my countless photos to others who would enjoy them as much as me and not bombard my personal FB page with dog pics (although I still do), I now use it mostly as a platform to expose others to unconventional ways to raise a "vital" dog. I link to your site, dogs naturally, whole dog journal, and Dr. Becker's articles among others. I'll read something and get so excited to post it and share my newfound knowledge. Guess what happens? Radio Silence. Guess what I continue to do? Post away. I feel like i have discovered something so great (with your guidance) that I just can't help but to share it with the world. At times it's exhausting. But at other times i can make a difference. I saved one dog from a round of antibiotics by suggesting a fast and adding pumpkin to firm up stools. Another young owner was devastated when her pup got papilloma virus. When the wart was slow to go away, i suggested the remedy thuja and vitamun E topically but gently suggested the need to strengthen his immune system through a better diet. Some have even added tripe, canned tripe but still a great feat. Others have added coconut oil. I encouraged one owner to switch to canned food while her pup was showing signs of an UTI. I have shared your skin and ear suggestions. They are receptive to a point. Dr. White coat comes up from time to time. I am nicknamed "The Doo Guru" and "My local natural vet" by some and I have a feeling that although they may not take all of my advice right away and do a 180 as I have, it may slowly sink in and when the time is needed for a "DOLR", at least they'll be familiar with the bigger picture and more prepared to jump in head 1st when they show up at your door. Sadly, I have a feeling it's gonna take a serious issue or a life lost too soon to wake most of them up (as it did me...although the difference was I didn't know any better). I remember a time when we were discussing raw food and how Dr white coat was supportive in one owner's decision to supplement kibble with things like eggs, veggies, cottage cheese, cooked meat and liver (all of which i encouraged the group to try and of course they sought vet approval before starting). But the vet warned of raw (no surprise there) and God forbid, raw bones were the devil. It was then that I had an urge to shout it from the rooftops and I went with it despite an already growing feeling of being slightly alienated in my practices from the rest. I exclaimed (as politically correct as I could muster up) that we are our animals voice, their very best advocate. Even though we naturally seek the stamped approval from our vet whom we bestow our utmost faith in doing the very best for Fido, the truth is that most vets don't treat the patient, they treat by what works for the majority, what rids the symptoms. I pleaded with them that day that THEY need step up and be the coach (not Dr Whitecoat) and let their dogs be the cheerleader. It's a little scary at first. I was so happy when you took us on to help. I want to be able pass the key along and help unlock a life of health for others. I wish someone would have been there 8 years ago to take me by the hand, to offer raw guidance, to tell me not to feel guilty when I was a month or two late with an annual rabies vaccine or a HW med when there was a foot of snow on the ground! It's hard to be the gentle leader when you are so passionate. I feel like I have found 20 golden tickets but can't find a single friend to tour the chocolate factory with me! With force comes resistance, so I just continue my posting despite the radio silence. What gives me sanity is I can monitor who's viewing. They're there...they may be quiet, but when the time is right for them, I want to be there to help.

Hi, Dr. Will! I have a fairly young litter of carefully planned-for Whippet puppies, to be raised pretty naturally, and one of the people who wanted to purchase a pup from me is a vet who just moved to another state to take a job--with Banfield! She seemed like a knowledgeable, caring pet-owner, but now I'm really glad she backed out of the sale!! I can only imagine what could have happened to a Whippet Puppy, on the Employee Version of the "Wellness" plan! That pup would have been dead in six months or less from Banfield's idea of ''Health Care". And by then, they'd have probably indoctrinated her to the point where she'd blame me, and say I sold her a sick puppy!!! Thanks for being the Voice of "Not-So-Common" sense!

I discovered your resources page and wished I had just opened my eyes and looked through your site before asking! Thank you so much, Dr. F.
Your recent post about Tenchu brought tears to my eyes...sending much love and light to all involved in his healing.

Hi Dr. Falconer,
I'm grateful to have found your page by way of a comment following one of Dr. Becker's Mercola articles. I have a 10-year-old Golden, who, sadly, has been receiving boosters as long as I've had him, and has also had the rattlesnake vaccine in the past when we lived in a high rattler area. I don't know how this whole vaccination thing never entered my mind - I have methylation and detox issues myself, but I just never thought of my poor boy! Can't slap myself in the forehead enough.
Since I'm new to all of this , I'm wondering what he *should* be getting, if anything, at this point. Is there somewhere I can find information on what's actually appropriate, and when? He's not my last dog, but he will be the last one that I will unnecessarily vaccinate.
And how do people that don't vaccinate deal with boarding facilities that require them? I haven't found one yet that doesn't, but maybe I just haven't looked hard enough.
Appreciate your hard work and true care and compassion for animals!
Best,
Tara

Dear Dr. Falconer, I am new to your website. My Jack Russell terrier, Patrick, newly diagnosed with IMHA, nearly died 3 weeks ago. I found your site while searching for information and knowledge to help him. He is doing much better, and he will NEVER get any more vaccinations! I'm so thankful to have found your site - I'm certain it will help me continue to learn about how to help my dog and cat to stay healthy. Thanks so much for all you do....Linda

I think you should call yourself the Renegade Vet as you are willing to discuss issues, others are not. I applaud your bravery and compassion.

Dr. Falconer,
I believe the Banfield Corporate, (Wall Street), business model is what has so negatively impacted our countries well being, our lives in health care, drugs, medical equipment, as well as our metal & fiscal well being...............and now animal care? Wow, whatever it takes to make a buck!
You are on the right path and we appreciate you! Ms Mornin says you are the best, evidenced by her 13+ years of perfect health on your suggested diet and assistance.
Thank you for standing up and speaking the Truth!