Usually I have a fantastic experience with Banfield in Waite Park, MN. I know they have been short staffed and over booking with covid dogs joining the vaccination program/vet check ups. I called ahead of time with absolute care and knowledge that I would be booking outward. I found two lumps on my 8 month old dog - yes I am a helicopter dog mom and I worry about everything! I was able to mark the calendar for 0815! Perfect the rest of my day I can plan stuff. Mind you this is one of the only vet clinics that still does NOT let you go in with your animals on routine check ups. You have to call before hand and it is extremely impersonal. I get to Banfield 10 minutes early...I call to check in and I am told that there is a doctor meeting and my dog wont be seen until after 0900 because meetings typically run late. My first thought is...why schedule me for an 0815 drop off then and not tell me about this on my day of scheduling?? Then the vet tech proceeds to tell me the pick up time is going to be around 2pm to 4pm...NO! I had an early morning drop off for a reason...this stuff should be talked about in a scheduling day, again. I would not have scheduled an appointment. So my dog has to sit in a cage until they can be seen?? I am not thrilled with how overbooked they are scheduling and how impersonal this Banfield has become. I am not thrilled that a simple examination can't be checked out... I am not thrilled that none of this was discussed at my time of scheduling! Banfield...do better. I would desperately love to sit in with my dog and talk face to face instead of wait for a phone call and then all of a sudden I remembered something else that heaven forbid I need another examination now...
I used to talk so highly of Banfield...now this morning...I was pushed over the edge. Do better for the animals and the owners. ~Nicole
veterinarian
animal hospital