Banfield Pet Hospital® - North Salt Lake City provides quality and attentive health and wellness care for dog, cat and small animal pet patients. Our veterinarians and staff are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and preventive health care with a full-service medical facility offering general services like routine vaccinations, microchipping, dental and surgical care and more. We are accepting new patients now.
While some customers praised the care provided by specific veterinarians like Dr. Jackson, others reported serious concerns about negligence and misdiagnosis, leading to severe consequences for their pets.
Customer Service
Many reviews highlighted poor customer service, including long wait times, lack of communication, and unhelpful staff, contributing to a frustrating experience for pet owners.
Appointment Availability
Customers frequently mentioned difficulty in scheduling appointments, with reports of needing to book months in advance and locations being closed due to staff shortages.
Wellness Plan Issues
Several customers expressed dissatisfaction with the wellness plan, citing unexpected charges, lack of transparency, and inadequate services compared to what was promised.
DB
Darrell Bloomquist
Dec 17, 2025
5.0
Great care team. Dr Jackson is so kind and helpful, and nurse Jasmine was very aware of our needs. The front desk has always been great with the books.
MM
Melanie McDaniels
Dec 17, 2025
5.0
We have been seeing Dr. Jackson since she came to the salt lake office, and our dog loves her. The staff is always friendly which is a big plus for us.
RS
Ronnie “Scronnie” Sto
Dec 6, 2025
5.0
They do a wonderful job so glad to have found them
CL
C Krigbaum (Christopher Lee)
Dec 2, 2025
1.0
## ⭐ 1 Star - Dangerous Veterinary Negligence
Re: Dr Cara Drane DVM:14222901-2802
**WARNING: This location put my elderly dog's life at risk through grossly negligent medical practices.**
This is the SECOND time our family has experienced dangerous medical negligence from a Banfield location. The previous Banfield we used (on the Eastside near 33rd South) vaccinated one of our animals, causing severe adverse reactions—that location has since been SHUT DOWN. You'd think we would have learned our lesson, but desperation led us back to Banfield, and we deeply regret it.
## What Happened to Our 16-Year-Old Dog:
We brought our mom's 16-year-old Chihuahua/Pug/Pomeranian mix to this Banfield inside PetSmart when we finally scraped together enough money for a vet visit. He was elderly, blind, deaf, had been coughing for a year, and was already showing signs of cognitive decline (staring into space, loss of house training, personality changes).
**The vet diagnosed him with:**
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Multiple other unnamed conditions
They rattled off these diagnoses WITHOUT explaining how they determined any of them or what tests they performed. Then, despite diagnosing him with these serious, life-threatening conditions, **they vaccinated him with a rabies shot anyway.**
## The Devastating Aftermath:
Within ONE WEEK of that rabies vaccine, our sweet boy who still had some spark left in him completely deteriorated:
- His balance became so poor he can barely stand
- He circles constantly until he hits something
- He gets stuck in corners and can't figure out how to get out
- The personality we knew and loved completely vanished like a switch was flipped off
- He no longer seeks out food or water on his own
- We now have to keep him in a laundry basket for his own safety
- He's essentially lost to us while still being alive
## Why This is Medical Malpractice:
After extensive research, we learned that **vaccinating a dog with diagnosed heart disease and dementia is explicitly contraindicated.** Veterinary guidelines clearly state that vaccines should ONLY be given to healthy animals. Dogs with systemic illnesses like heart disease and cognitive dysfunction should NOT receive vaccinations unless absolutely medically necessary, and even then, medical waivers exist for exactly this reason.
This vet had the option to:
1. Apply for a medical exemption/waiver (which our dog clearly qualified for)
2. Perform titer testing to check existing antibodies
3. Have an honest conversation about the risks to an already-compromised elderly dog
Instead, they vaccinated him anyway, and it may have accelerated his decline from "struggling but still with us" to "rapid neurological deterioration."
## The Pattern at Banfield:
This is now TWO separate Banfield locations where our animals have suffered adverse reactions from vaccinations. The first location was shut down. How many animals have to be harmed before Banfield implements better medical protocols and oversight?
## To PetSmart and Banfield Corporate:
Your vets are putting profit over proper medical care. An elderly dog with multiple diagnosed systemic conditions should NEVER have received that vaccine. This was either incompetence or willful negligence, and either one is unacceptable.
Our family is heartbroken watching our boy exist in this state, knowing he was still THERE just days before that vaccine. We trusted you with his care and you failed him catastrophically.
**DO NOT TAKE YOUR ELDERLY OR SICK PETS TO THIS BANFIELD LOCATION.** Find a vet who actually cares about animal welfare over their bottom line.
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*If your pet has been harmed by negligent veterinary care, I urge you to file complaints with:*
- *Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) Veterinary Board*
- *Better Business Bureau*
- *Your pet's story matters and could prevent this from happening to others.*
BB
Brooke Baxter (B.A.Baxter)
Nov 27, 2025
1.0
STAY AWAY. The negligence of this Banfield office killed my service dog.
UPDATE: Banfield replied to this review saying they would forward my concerns to their team. We have spoken to four different members of their team in the last three weeks and they have all said some variation of "its been escalated and you'll hear back in about three business days" and no one has gotten back to us. Banfield, you've exceeded three business days four times over, probably waiting for our next monthly payment to process. Times up.
Within six appointments in two years, I asked them to screen my service dog for illness thrice because his behavior had changed. Instead, they told me I was overreacting, charged us over a thousand dollars in "preventative care" for his teeth, and admitted they were understaffed and that's why they didn't do basic things like give us his medical report when we picked him up.
My SERVICE DOG died of advanced cancer that we didn't even know he had because Banfield didn't screen him any of the three times we asked. I repeat, we asked them THREE TIMES in the past two years. Then, when he died, they deleted his medical records and ignored our grievance filing as if they expected us to either shut up or get over it. They then expected us to continue paying for the Wellness Plan we bought for him even though he is dead, his profile was deleted, and they didn't so much as acknowledge that my service dog died of cancer they should have spotted.
I don't have a service animal anymore, and they don't even offer condolences? How does a doctor miss ADVANCED CANCER? If you want your animals to live, serious illnesses to be taken seriously, or technicians who know basic things about animal health, don't trust this place. Do. Not. Go. Here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banfield Pet Hospital
Does Banfield provide emergency care services?
No, but you can call us during hospital hours for urgent care advice. Depending on the situation, we can help provide a referral for urgent care, specialty providers, or to an emergency hospital. During non-hospital hours, please contact your local emergency hospital.
Can I get veterinary care online?
To help pets and their people stay healthy, Banfield clients who have Optimum Wellness Plans® can get remote general pet care advice and triage support directly from a veterinarian 24/7 through Vet Chat™ on the Banfield app.
What preventive pet health care services does Banfield offer?
We believe that preventive care is the most effective way to keep your pet healthy throughout all stages of life. Our pet hospitals offer many preventive care treatments, including:
• Vaccinations
• Dental Care
• Parasite Control
• Nutritional Counseling
• Behavioral Counseling
• Comprehensive Examinations
What is an Optimum Wellness Plan?
Optimum Wellness Plans are designed to provide annual preventive care. They include head-to-tail exams, vaccines, early screening diagnostics, consultations for proper nutrition, dental care and more! Since wellness plans are not insurance, they do not include treatment for unpredictable or abnormal conditions, however discounts would apply. Because pets need ongoing preventive care, wellness plans automatically renew at the end of each twelve month period (unless paid in full at enrollment).
How do I pay for an Optimum Wellness Plan?
You can spread the cost of your wellness plan across the 12 months of your annual agreement to make it easier to budget for the essential health care your pet needs. Your monthly payments can be automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account or charged to a credit card so that you don’t have to worry about them once you enroll. We also offer the option of paying in full if you prefer.
What kind of appointment do I have?
• In-room appointments: You and your pet visit the vet together. Please arrive a few minutes before your appointment time
• Drop-off appointments: If you have a drop-off appointment, we will communicate a time to drop off your pet. Keep your phone nearby and we’ll call you when your pet is ready for pickup.
• Optimum Wellness Plans® Virtual Visits: If you have an Optimum Wellness Plan and scheduled a Virtual Visit, you’ll save valuable time and get quality care from the comfort of your home.
What are the operating hours of Banfield Pet Hospital in Salt Lake City?
Banfield Pet Hospital is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Sundays and select holidays.
Does Banfield Pet Hospital provide emergency care services?
No, Banfield does not provide emergency care, but they offer urgent care advice during hospital hours and can refer to emergency hospitals if needed.
Can I get veterinary care online through Banfield?
Yes, clients with Optimum Wellness Plans can access 24/7 remote general pet care advice and triage support via Vet Chat™ on the Banfield app.
What preventive pet health care services does Banfield offer?
Banfield offers vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, nutritional counseling, behavioral counseling, and comprehensive examinations as part of preventive care.
What is included in Banfield's Optimum Wellness Plan?
The plan includes annual preventive care such as head-to-tail exams, vaccines, early diagnostic screenings, nutrition consultations, and dental care, with automatic renewal each year.
How can I pay for an Optimum Wellness Plan at Banfield?
Payments can be spread over 12 months via automatic withdrawals or credit card, or you can choose to pay in full at enrollment.
What appointment types are available at Banfield Pet Hospital?
They offer in-room visits where you accompany your pet, drop-off appointments with phone updates, and virtual visits for Optimum Wellness Plan clients.
Is Banfield Pet Hospital accepting new patients in Salt Lake City?
Yes, Banfield Pet Hospital is currently accepting new patients for dogs, cats, and small animals.
What nearby pet-related services can I access when visiting Banfield Pet Hospital?
Nearby you will find PetSmart, which offers pet supplies and additional pet services that can complement your visit to Banfield Pet Hospital.
Are there dining options near Banfield Pet Hospital where I can eat before or after my visit?
Yes, Buddy V's Cake Slice is a nearby food delivery service where you can enjoy a meal or treat before or after your appointment.
What shopping opportunities are near Banfield Pet Hospital?
Nearby furniture stores like Wallaroo’s Furniture and Mattress and The Warehouse Boom SLC offer shopping options if you want to browse after your visit.