I had to change my longstanding 5-star review, which previously had nothing but great things to say, because of the unprofessional behavior of the new manager, Ajah. We are now seriously considering switching to the Port Charlotte or Cape Coral Banfield, which is a shame because all of the other staff and veterinarians there had always felt like family to us.
I rarely leave reviews and judging by what I’m seeing with some other reviews it seems they’ve made a lot of great changes. I rescued a bichon which was living outside for over 18 months. The matting was so sad and I tried to remove the shell of hair best I could. I unfortunately had an accident and cut Walter, the bichon. I have just moved to Sarasota and had no vet yet. I saw this location came up the closest to me so I made an appointment without looking at the reviews and I’m glad I didn’t look. The young lady at the desk was kind and sympathetic. Dr Marc Laddaga was incredible, helpful, compassionate and professional. Gabbie who was assisting him was very pleasant and kind. Luckily it wasn’t as bad as I thought and just a little cleaning was all Walter needed. What a relief to know I have such a great place for my pups now, I also have 3 other pups at home. They deserve a raise and most of these poor reviews should be removed, they do not represent the business well by my experience. Hope this helps, God bless.
CW
christina wood
Aug 10, 2026
My dog had his teeth brushed for the first time. I was not told that he would act withdrawn, sad and lethargic afterward for a couple days. Reconsidering having him put under anesthesia ever again.
AG
Alison Geisler
Jul 30, 2026
I have moved through multiple different Banfield’s since getting insurance with them over 6 years ago and this experience was by far the worst one. They make you answer questions on a sheet, then even if you have a drop off apt put you in a room with a nurse asks the same questions. The nurse was rude, and her computer skills absolutely lacked to the point where she was ordering allergy shots for the wrong dog, couldn’t remember which was which (I have a lab and doodle, very different) and was just not caring at all. I was honestly nervous to leave them for the first time ever and my dogs love the vet (they are weird I know…). Anyway, she takes them back and then never says anything to us and comes back in the room and asks why we’re still there?! You didn’t say anything…. Anyway, we go to pick them up and the Vet herself CALLS ME?! Doesn’t even come out to see me when I pick them up, they had comprehensives, there’s things to talk about, it’s not COVID. Anyway, they totally missed the fact that my doodle had a yeast infection, my groomer had to tell me days later, I don’t think they even gave my lab his allergy shots because he’s still licking his paws like crazy and if I were you stay farrrrr away. I’m taking my dogs back to Banfield St. Pete where those nurses and Vets care, talk to me face to face and know my dogs. This banfield needs new management and vets before I think about taking my dogs back, it’s a shame for an area that has minimal Banfield’s around that this one is as terrible as it is.
Think twice before coming here.
I have had a wellness plan with Banfield for many years about 16 years with one pet, and now almost two and a half years with my current pet. Over the years, I have visited different Banfield locations, and most of my experiences have been very positive. The Banfield location on University Parkway, for example, has always been wonderful, friendly, and professional.
Unfortunately, my experience at the Tamiami Trail location in Sarasota has been very different because of one staff member, Beth. My interaction with her today was very uncomfortable, and this was not the first time. I believe this was at least the third time I felt this way with her, but I had never said anything before.
Beth’s manner of speaking comes across as cold, unfriendly, and dismissive. She does not greet clients warmly, smile, or make you feel comfortable. During today’s visit, she asked whether my dog was still taking Simparica Trio. I explained that I stopped giving it to him because he began having seizures while taking it, and after I stopped the medication, the seizures stopped. I also mentioned that seizures are listed as a possible side effect in the medication’s advertising.
Instead of responding with concern or understanding, I felt dismissed and judged. Her facial expressions and tone made me feel as if my concerns as a pet owner were not being respected.
Later, I calmly tried to explain to Beth how her attitude and tone made me feel. Rather than acknowledging my concern or saying something simple like, “I’m sorry I made you feel that way” or “That was not my intention,” she became defensive. She raised her voice at me and repeatedly told me I was being rude.
I want to be very clear: I was not being rude. I have always believed in treating people the way I want to be treated. I consider myself a friendly person, and I make a real effort to treat others with kindness and respect. Customer service matters to me, and I know there is a respectful way to speak to people, even in difficult conversations.
I was simply expressing how I felt and as the owner of my dog. Beth was the one who raised her voice and spoke to me in a rude manner. When she continued saying I was being rude, I told her that I was not being rude she was simply not used to someone telling her how they feel about the way she treats them.
After this experience, I looked at other reviews and noticed that I am not the only person who has complained about Beth’s attitude. Another review also mentioned that she was rude. That makes me believe this may not be an isolated situation.
I truly hope management has a serious conversation with Beth and addresses the way she communicates with clients. I do not know whether this will actually happen or whether this type of feedback matters to management, but I sincerely hope it does. Clients should feel respected and heard, especially when they are discussing concerns about their pet’s health.
I expect respectful and professional communication in a veterinary setting. Staff may disagree or have a different professional opinion, but there is a proper way to speak to clients. Pet owners should not be made to feel judged, guilty, or uncomfortable.
I hope Banfield takes this seriously. Compassion, professionalism, and respectful communication should be expected from every staff member. One person’s attitude can negatively affect the entire experience.