Banfield is ideal for routine preventative care with wellness plans and convenient locations. BluePearl is better suited for emergency and specialty veterinary services with advanced technology and a large network of specialists.
| Attribute | Banfield Optimum Wellness Plans | BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Coverage Details | Designed for preventive care, including exams, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and fecal exams. Offers virtual visits and 24/7 Pet Chat. Some plans include dental cleanings, urine testing, and preventive X-rays. | Does not offer preventative pet care or wellness plans, but accepts many pet insurance types and works with Trupanion for direct payment. |
| Emergency Service Availability | Does not cover emergency care, accidents, or illnesses. | Most hospitals are open 24/7/365 for emergencies; no appointment needed, but calling ahead is advised. |
| Specialty Care Offered | The Special Care plan extends coverage to include additional services such as routine eye pressure and heart health testing. | Offers anesthesiology, avian and exotics, cardiology, critical care, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, radiation oncology, rehabilitation, and surgery. |
| Geographic Coverage | Located inside PetSmart stores across the United States and Puerto Rico. Also has locations in Mexico and the United Kingdom. | Operates in over 100 locations across 29 states in the United States. |
| Appointment Scheduling Options | Not available | No appointment needed for emergencies; specialty care available by referral from primary veterinarian. |
| Preventative Care Services | Include vaccinations, physical exams, fecal tests, deworming, and diagnostic testing. Some plans offer additional services like parasite control, spay/neuter surgeries, and dental cleanings for an extra cost. | Does not offer preventative care services like spay/neuter or vaccinations. |
| Cost and Payment Plans | Wellness plans start at approximately $37.95/month for dogs and $26.95/month for cats. A one-time enrollment fee of $84.95 per pet is typically charged. Payment options include paying annually or in monthly installments. | Costs vary; payment options include cash, check, credit cards, and CareCredit. |
| Customer Service Quality | Offers a 24/7 vet chat service. Customers can contact Banfield through phone and email for various inquiries. | Some reviews indicate compassionate care and transparency, but others mention issues with unresponsive customer service. |
| Hospital Cleanliness and Comfort | Located inside Petsmart stores with ample room to walk around and distance from other animals. | A BluePearl Pet Hospital in Delaware has separate dog and cat waiting areas. |
| Veterinarian Expertise and Experience | Clinics in PetSmart locations usually include about four veterinarians and provide standard veterinary care. | Employs over 1,330 veterinarians, 1,600+ veterinary technicians, and 4,100+ other professionals; partners with primary care veterinarians. Veterinarians require DVM or VMD degrees and state veterinary licenses. |
| Technology and Equipment | Not available | Uses innovative procedures, high-tech equipment, and advanced treatment methods; some locations have on-site CT scanners, MRI, and advanced diagnostic equipment. |
| Additional Benefits and Discounts | Offers a $15 discount for adding more than one pet to a plan. Discounts of up to 20% are available on some prescriptions, products, and services not covered by the plan. | Provides coverage for pet insurance premiums and discounts on vet care and medication for associates; offers discounts on Royal Canin diets and access to DNA testing for dogs. |