Honestly? I'm not sorry at all that this place is closing. We have been with this practice for YEARS, starting when it was the privately owned Carkeek Park Veterinary Clinic. It was amazing. The Banfield took over and it became a shitshow. We've been wanting to switch to another vet for the past few years, but since the pandemic, it's been really difficult to find a vet nearby that's taking new patients. The doctors all seem very kind and competent, but the CONSTANT badgering and upselling Banfield forces the staff to do around the "wellness program" is obnoxious. No means NO, and it's time to drop the subject. I've never heard of anyone having a positive experience with this "wellness program," and apparently it's nearly impossible to cancel once you've agreed to it. Worst for us though, was when the kind, gentle receptionist that had worked there since the Carkeek Park Veterinary Clinic days left. We loved him and he loved the animals and the customers. He was replaced by a rude, accusatory, nasty woman who was impossible to like. Once when I was trying to pay and leave at the end of an appointment, I went to the front desk and stood there for TWENTY MINUTES while she was in the back. Never popped out to say she was delayed or explain why she had left the front lobby unattended. Eventually I had to leave to be somewhere, so I left a note on the front desk asking her to call me and I would give payment over the phone. She called me about a half hour later, coming at me like a pitbull and accusing me of running out without paying, and that I'D BETTER PAY UP RIGHT NOW OR SHE WOULD TURN ME OVER TO COLLECTIONS. I explained that I was left waiting in an empty lobby for 20 minutes and that I had left a note on the front desk asking her to call for payment--which she apparently hadn't bothered to read. Even after she found my note and realized that I was telling the truth, was there an apology or a change in her tone? Nope. Just rudely demanded that I pay immediately (which I did, just like I said I would), and then basically hung up on me. That having been said, does anyone know of any non-corporate-owned vets in the north end who are taking new patients? read more

I have been taking my cat here for the last 4-5 years. I just got the letter that they are closing. I'm abit sad since the main reason I still took her here even after I moved further away was because she knows the staff. The staff have always been very kind to both me and my cat. Bear has always been abit of an anxious kitty and it made me feel better leaving her there for drop off appointments because (like I said before) she knew the staff. I'm sad that we'll have to start over at a different location. My cat always enjoyed going to the all the best across the street after her appointment. I hope I'll see some of the staff from the carkeek park at some of the other locations nearby. Ya'll will be missed! Here are some pictures of my cat being cute after her last visit read more

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Money is priority. Forces wellness plan on you while you are upset. I asked several times what the wellness plan was and was ignored. Did not properly exam pet. I had to force them to do more than a pat on head and a look. Totally missed a serious condition. Go to a non Corp vet. Especially this one. read more

We're done... been going here since it was Carkeek Pet Hospital... since Banfield has taken over it's gone downhill. One of my dogs was even given a cat vaccination on mistake and then I was told to monitor after taking the day off work. It's a constant upsell on wellness programs. Have been told numerous times that I'll receive a call the following week to discuss next steps on the health and potential costs of my dogs and they never happened. Took calling numerous times to even get a call back. This is what happens to good vet hospitals when big businesses take it over. Heard great reviews about the vet about half mile up Holman road across from Dicks read more

Yesterday I had to reschedule due to a staff callout. Today had to go to a different location because the bloodwork machine is down. Hardly any heads up for any of these changes, so screw my work schedule I guess. Receptionist is clearly upset with me. Idk why. My cat is vomiting blood and I need them to get help, I called the Ballard Banfield and they helped me find a location that has availability. This location did not want to help me at all and the receptionist seemed bothered that I wanted their help to call locations. I called later and cancelled the appointment because I got into a different location and they gave me attitude about trying to fill the spot! The audacity, we're switching to a different banfield location because of this experience. read more

My dog was a patient at Banfield Pet Hospital for 8 years, seven were good due to Dr. Erin West who has since left the hospital. The eighth year was not. It started with a misdiagnosis for kennel cough; he had a heart condition and the vet did not so much as take his pulse rate at the initial visit. His heart condition was addressed at Olympic Veterinary Cardiology. In addition, there has been significant staff turnover. On one of the pages for Banfield-Carkeek, two of the team members shown are no longer there. Due to a serious misdiagnosis, high staff turnover, and the corporatization of pet care that Banfield represents, I do not recommend this location. CNS read more

DO NOT come here. I agree with everyone on this thread. They do not care about our pets, or about giving us any kind of customer service. My dog was scheduled for a dental cleaning, that they did not do. they gave him tons of labs and meds. and then gave him back to us 7 hours later. They said that he was to agitated. Isn't that why we decided to go to go with putting him to sleep??? unbelievable. WORST vet ever.. We will not be coming back.. This location is the worst read more

I DO NOT recommend this location or any Banfield-owned practice for many reasons: inconsistent and incongruous communication, unreliable staffing, lack of available appointments. The Optimum Wellness Plans are not what they seem - definitely research before buying. Please know that the Mars Company (yep, like the candy bars) owns all Banfield Pet Hospitals, BluePearl, and VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as many other chains across Europe, the UK and Asia. We are new to the area and were looking for a vet closer to home for our two animals (dog and cat). We had initial visits and comprehensive exams at the beginning of October 2023. I purchased Optimum Wellness Plans for both. Huge mistake on my part - lesson learned. I believe most of the staff truly care about the animals; HOWEVER, they are clearly under pressure by Banfield to SELL-SELL-SELL. I think this contributes to a lack of transparency, questionable integrity and even predatory selling. Back in March, we inquired about scheduling dental cleanings (included in our pets' plans). We were told that we would be placed on a waiting list and contacted. We were not contacted. In June, we inquired again. We were finally able to book appointments for the end of September. I brought my pets in at their scheduled time (7:30am), filled out required paperwork, then was immediately informed that all the staff nurses had called in sick and that they would need to reschedule. I understand that people get sick; the problem is that we've waited MONTHS to get in and our OWPs expire on October 2, 2024. We've spent $2300 on plans/services and feel completely cheated by Banfield. We have already found another veterinarian in our neighborhood that is highly reputable, independently owned and is accepting new patients. read more

This place is a scam. They lock you into a monthly contract you can't get rid of without paying the full year, and send debt collectors immediately. That's the whole business model. Take your pet anywhere else. read more

This vet office is terrible. The staff is very terse and not understanding. You're a veterinarian not a real doctor. Get over the complex. They're hesitant to do anything but quick to sell you on monthly plans and will gladly take your money for no real advice. I've had much better luck with other Banfield locations, but they're all the similar chain mentality. Just look at how many star ratings all the locations all have. read more

Haven't been back to this location since last Summer after having an awful time with the "Manager" of this location. I stupidly purchased the Wellness Plan for my Cat but when I signed up last year they told me I had to pay it for 12 months and then that was it! My plan was supposed to end in Jan! It is the 5th of Feb today and I noticed a charge for the wellness plan! Apparently they just automatically auto renew without consent or verification!!! I have not been to them in months and they are just openly taking my money??? And they are not allowed to cancel the plan. Apparently I have to call "Headquarters." BEWARE OF THIS PLACE!! Columbia City Vet is much better and more ethical! read more

Don't go here, spend your money quite literally anywhere else. I made an appointment a month out as that was their only availability, no problem. I get to my appointment and my car happens to break down in the middle of the parking lot. I felt so bad and embarrassed but I went in with my cat and said i was here for an appointment but my car broke down in the parking lot and I was very sorry. They were very considerate at first and even put cones out in front of my car. I waited in the lobby and they called me back to a room. We were doing the normal check in process and I had ALL my vaccination records and fecal sample they could need, I was not ill prepared. I asked the vet tech if I could run out and give a friend my gas can to go get me some gas so I could move my car, she said with a smile "oh yeah that's no problem at all" I run out do exactly what I said and come back in, MAYBE 5 minutes not even. As soon as I get back inside they say we have to reschedule your appointment you're too unorganized there's just too much going on we can't help you right now. Mind you all my cat needed was one shot... one shot, and I had an appointment. We were literally already in a room and the lady was putting in my cat's information still. I'm not even joking when I say I was the only one in the waiting room. So they essentially kick me out and make me schedule another appointment a month later. Just a horrible experience for no reason, it was just so weird to say yeah you can run out and give them a gas can and then immediately tell me i'm unorganized and they can't do this today when I come back in, not to mention I could hear them talking about me in the back. Some talking sh*t (which thanks as of if I wasn't stressed and embarrassed enough, my car breaking down was unplanned) and one person I heard say, well she was on time to her appointment ( which I was, early even). Just sh*tty employees tbh idk just a very weird experience and I definitely will not be going back. To put this in perspective my appointment was at 11 and they had me kicked out by 11:20, so in case you were thinking hours had gone by, no. Literal minutes. read more

Appt at 2p. For vaccines. Got a little lost and arrived at 2:07. Was told the "Dr is already on a call for the next appt." I asked to wait until the doc was finished w/ call. Cut off is 5min "ever since covid." Another pathetic excuse- "ever since COVID." Person at the desk was robotic. Passive and apathetic. I wouldn't bring a living thing into the care of this office. read more

My family has been bringing our much beloved dog and cat to the Carkeek Park location for over 10 years since before they were a Banfield. We have always found the front desk staff and the vets, nurses and vet techs to be kind, compassionate, thorough and professional so we did not change vets when they became a Banfield (a special shout out to Collin who is always so kind, helpful and professional). I wanted to write a review with gratitude for the care that my dog received recently. My small senior dog was seriously injured by a much larger dog and had to be rushed to the ER vet after hours. After undergoing surgery at the ER vet the horrible neck wound had to be kept open because of bruising that happens under the surface of the wound. The whole event was extremely terrifying and traumatic. When we brought our dog in to follow up at Carkeek Park, Dr. West and the team offered excellent care and compassion for my dog and gave great guidance on home treatment. We knew from the first day at the ER vet that our baby might need to go through a second surgery because of the bruising under the surface of the wound. I was anxious about our almost 15 year old dog having to go through that again. Dr. West and her team performed the surgery with confidence and compassion and my dog came through beautifully, looking much stronger and more alert after surgery than I expected. It has been steady healing and progress since then. Yesterday, Dr. West was able to remove my dear dog's stitches and we were told that he needs just a few more days of healing and then can resume normal activities. I can't thank Dr. West and the team at Carkeek Park enough for helping my dog come through a traumatic and potentially life threatening injury strong and healthy. We will be forever grateful to Dr. West and the whole Carkeek Park team for helping our beloved dog and now that he is healthy we can't wait to take him on a road trip! read more

Once we signed up for the wellness plan we had three bad experiences with them. We decided to sign up for the plan after reading the good reviews online. One of them even said it would save money. That was definitely not the the case for us. Hopefully this review can help someone not make the same mistake we did. They charged us for two tests we did not authorize, an anal expression they didn't tell us about before doing, and an appointment they weren't able to honor. We spoke to them in person, emailed the corporate office, and finally were directed to email the office manager. She said everything they did was appropriate. She said that since we didn't complain about the anal expression, there was nothing she would do. (I spoke with the Dr. West about it, but she brushed me off saying that when she says "take a look" at anal glands it always means an anal glands expression. There wasn't even a sorry for the miscommunication.) The office manager also said that the wellness plan was supposed to be used, so it didn't matter that we did not agree to the tests they ran. Because of all the extra charges, it is now just as expensive to cancel the plan. We are locked in to their wellness plan headache. To give an idea of our bad experiences, this is what happened at the appointment they incorrectly charged to our account. They won't correct the invoice, instead telling us that they put a note in our file. My partner had rearranged his work schedule to be able to make the appointment. We showed up 15 minutes early. After watching another client arrive and walk into the exam room at our appointment time, we spoke with Collin, who was kind, but had to go back and forth relaying information betwen us and the back of the clinic. First they said their system was down and asked us the reason for our appointment. Then they said our appointment was cancelled because of an emergency. Then they changed their story and said we had canceled our appointment. (I didn't. I had even called earlier that day to confirm.) It was frustrating to talk through someone acting as a messenger for 15 minutes. In total we spent a half hour at their office plus another half hour of travel time. Collin was kind, but I felt bad for both him and us. Our other experiences were just as frustrating. We had poor experiences with Dr. West. Communication with the corporate office and the office manager is time draining and feels like running into a brick wall. read more

I have only great things to say about the Carkeek location and all the staff and care they provide. We have been taking our dogs here for years. Sadly we had to put down our beloved English Bulldog recently due to old age and declining health but the staff was amazing. Warm, patient and helped us through it. Colin at the front desk is wonderful. Highly recommend. read more

I wish I loved this place as much as I used to. I know the vets care about the animals still, but it feels like the Banfield company is wrecking a formerly good thing. During Covid it was understandable that I couldn't go into the vet with my dog. But still? I'll wear a mask. I'm vaxxed and boosted. At this point I'd be willing to take an appointment in a tent. Yeah, my husky is emotional and anxious. Thanks for letting me know every time. He was never like that before you made me drop him off for the whole day for a minor checkup. Mostly my issue is that they never have appointments available. 2 weeks out when your dog is having an issue is absolutely ridiculous. We pay for the "wellness plan". At first it was kind of nice to be able to go in for any little thing without worrying about a visit fee. But now I can't even get an appointment. Maybe Banfield takes more patients than they can handle to sell more wellness plans? read more

I was skeptical about using a chain veterinarian facility for my puppy's healthcare. However, after contacting multiple pet clinics, I had no luck scheduling an appointment for my puppy. Vets had either long waits or were not accepting new clients. When I called Banfield on Holman, they were busy at the time. Erick (I believe) did, however, call me back at the end of the day to schedule an exam for my puppy. Because of COVID-19, only "curbside" appointments are available. When I arrived at Banfield, I called to inform them I was outside. A nurse later called to ascertain the necessary information about my puppy's visit. The nurse then came to my car a few minutes later to take my puppy inside. After the physical exam and booster shots, Dr. Michael Taylor called to provide me details of the exam; we discussed my puppy's diet, health, socialization, and future appointments. I was impressed by the high level of communication with the doctor and nurse. I never felt rushed, and my concerns were addressed. The nurse and Dr. Taylor mentioned Banfield's Optimum Wellness Plans that costs between $455.40 and $575.40 annually. The nurse provided me a pamphlet that did not offer much information. Thus, I went online to learn more about plans and what they cover. I then conducted a cost-benefit analysis while waiting in my vehicle. I decided against the puppy plan upsell. Yet, I'd be remiss if I did not mention I never felt pressured, nor were the nurse or doctor pushy about buying the health plan. Although initially skeptical of Banfield and disappointed that I was unable to accompany my puppy during his exam, the process implemented is appropriate given the current pandemic. I look forward to a long relationship with Banfield and eventually meeting Dr. Taylor in-person to express my appreciation for his care of my pup Chuey. read more

My dogs have had Banfield wellness plans for 6+ years and we've been to several different locations in several different. It can be very hit or miss. This is one of the best ones we have been too. It's not perfect but for a Banfield, it's about as good as it gets. Cons: - We have a Wellness Plan so office visits are free but, at this location, it seems like every time we go in, they find a something to charge us for. That has not been my experience at all of the Banfields. - At times, it has been a little hard to know exactly what I am going to be charged for and I have felt a bit pressured by some of the vets to do more and/or expensive add ons/tests. Pros: - The front desk staff is great at this location! Again, can't say that about a lot of the Banfield's but their front office is *on* it here. Whenever I have one of them helping me out, I know whatever I need will be taken care of. - For regular, preventive visits, it's super easy to get in. I had a semi-urgent issue with my dog on a day when they were slammed. They were very upfront saying, here's what we can/can't do and what your options are. I ended up seeing the vet tech, we got what we needed and left happy. - Doctors seem good and knowledgeable. They usually aren't hurried and give lots of info. I have liked some more than others but they have all been good. read more

We brought our beloved dog datça in as she was sick and not eating. Her behavior had changed. Lethargic. We were worried about her. We took her in and were charged 200 dollars and given a prescription for a sedative because they couldn't take her temp. And to bring her back after we give medication.. Don't you as vets have a sedative to take temps in emergency situations!! Datca died a month later from cancer after you dr west told us she was in overall perfect health. I read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I was experiencing a medical emergency with my precious Ernie. He had developed a corneal ulcer and was in a lot of pain. Instead of helping us, I was told to go to an ER Clinic! We were in the Wellness program too and had been for at least 6 years. They could have moved a non emergency client to another time or day, however they didn't. No Compassion or genuine concern. There are more details, however I won't go into them. Bottom line, they didn't really care. I was beside myself, drove all the way to Renton to an ER Clinic, to no avail and returned to Seattle. Then, I was told by Banfield that they could see Ernie at about 4 o'clock that same afternoon. Extremely frustrating and again, zero compassion. I would never go to that Clinic again,.......NEVER! They also sent me to a eye specialist in Kirkland who was terrible. Eventually I had to say goodbye to my sweet pup on May 4th. Lap of Love came to our home and he went very peacefully. He was the best buddy I've ever had. 15 1/2 wonderful years together, I miss him everyday. I finally found a wonderful Veterinarian, she is knowledgeable and extremely compassionate. I'm so grateful. In the end, I gave Ernie nine months of wonderful care and lots of love. read more

My cat is 18 years old and has frequent issues. The staff here has always been kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. I appreciate that they attempt to get me in quickly, when possible, and communicate what they find, addressing my questions. read more

Run the other way. I agree with other reviews that this place deteriorated when it became part of Banfield. I agree that the "pet goes in without owner" policy has got to go!! TERRIBLE. NEVER should have started it. After her checkup at age 16, my cat Anya came back angry and limping (which persisted for days). A year later, they "recommended" teeth cleaning for her and her sibling. But first a $750 cardiology check had to be done! Anya wouldn't put up with this. (My other cat did...but Banfield never called to schedule the tooth cleaning.) Meanwhile, Anya became very sick. I called...No appointment for a sick cat who'd been going there for a decade was to be had. I was asked to describe her symptoms. I did, and at the end of the list, I said, "I think she's dying." Instead of giving me an appointment, they emailed me a list of traveling Cat Euthanasia Specialists! I found a walk-in clinic on Capitol Hill (Urban Animal.) They were great, and diagnosed Anya with advanced kidney disease. She was declining rapidly, and died (with help of a traveling vet I'd used before) a few days later. This clinic doesn't care about your pet. Only about ordering expensive procedures to collect big fees. Find somewhere else. read more

I would like to give a BIG thanks to all the members at Banfield pet Hospital at Carkeek! Our pup Arlo had a surgery done there with excellent care and amazing communication with us through out our experience. I couldn't of asked for a better service from them taking care of our fur baby! The ladies that I talked to and doctors were very sweet and walked us through every step of the way. Once again thank you guys for being great with our furry family member. Its a great feeling knowing they are in great hands when we drop her off with you read more

I have been a client since this former Carkeek Vet opened in Ballard more than 30 years ago. I was apprehensive when Dr. Bauer sold the business, but am no longer. I've had my dog checked by Drs. West and Green and wholeheartedly recommend both. They are thorough, knowledgeable, confident, and personable. We moved out of the area about six years ago and there are lots of vets in our current neighborhood, however I like and trust the doctors here enough that it's well worth the extra time to have them take care of/treat my precious buddy. In addition, the office is spotless and all of the staff are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend! read more

Excellent service. The staff, tech and vet were all friendly and knowledgeable. Free consultation for first visit is a great discount (about $50) and they didn't try to sell me any unnecessary things. I really appreciated the time the vet spent with us, thorough exam, answered all my questions. Helped me evaluate which elective vaccines were necessary. Knowledgeable about the local and regional epidemiology and health implications. Friendly with my dog, and they tolerated his bad breath quite well (yes, I'll brush them thanks!). Knowledgeable about visual impairment and double merles (big plus!). read more

Hey genius. My "aggressive" literal baby pup gets spooked when strangers with masks come up from behind my car and strap 2 leashes on my dog and drag him off. No shit. I understand the masks but not letting us inside your huge lobby to drop him off makes it 10 times more difficult. You're literally half face strangers wrapping things around his neck and dragging him in. I get it a medium sized dog is soooooo terrifying. Especially when you're a "trained" vet. Standing just out of reach of my muzzled dog because you're too scared to pet a literal baby or shit give him a treat. Not saying a single word. Like who gave y'all the job? You can't even do it. You're telling me every dog just loves going to the vet and my literal 60 pound baby pup you can scoop up is too much? The lady here said she doesn't trust him. Glad to know you can't trust or handle a muzzled, not even year old, pup. What's he gonna do bark at you? So scary. Now I have a note on my dog that says he's super aggressive so every banfield I go into they turn us down because he barks when he sees a half faced stranger approach us. Getting my pup neutered because I'm doing the payment plan and then I'm canceling and finding a different vet that can actually handle their shit. read more

I was skeptical about Banfield. I had gone to this vet back when it was Carkeek Vet so I decided to take my two cats there just to get their vaccines and a check up. I absolutely LOVED the vet (Dr. West) and technician (who I'm pretty sure worked for Carkeek). Dr. West was a true cat whisperer! She had such a calm, gentle demeanor that made the ordeal so much less traumatic for my cats and for me. I will take them back to her happily and confidently. Cannot praise her or the technician ( whose name I can't remember unfortunately) enough!!! Love! Love! Love! I should also add that I've only felt compelled to write three reviews ever. One for a beyond bad experience at a local mechanic, one for incredible, above and beyond service at a Seaside hotel and this one so you can trust that this review was not made lightly. read more

So, our family has used Banfield Vet Hospital since we moved back to the area in late 2017. I formerly knew them as Carkeek Park Veterinary. There may still be an affiliation, I don't know. Regardless, we have two dogs currently being treated by Dr Lisa Weiser, DVM. This is my 2nd Yelp review and I just feel obliged - compelled to get the word out about this clinic! This company is by far the best vet I've ever used. Over the years, I have owned 8-9 dogs or so, and I've literally spent thousands upon thousands caring for them. I have many sad regrets and horror stories. The priority with Banfield doesn't come across as gouging for every nickel and dime but putting animals first - fair pricing. While I've only had an opportunity to work with Dr. Weiser, I'm sure all the other DVMs at the clinic represent her same caliber. I will add that the nurses and staff at Banfield do a good job and are highly qualified professionals - courteous, efficient, and helpful. Thank you Dr. Weiser and everyone at Banfield Veterinary Hospital for setting the bar!! read more

My pets have been cared for over 30 years by the vets at Carkeek Park Vet Hospital and before that by Dr Bauer when she was at Salmon Bay Vet. They have always received very good and compassionate care. Since Banfield took over the Carkeek Park hospital, all they seem to care about are expensive and non-required services. For example, I get mailings about many vaccinations for my cat which do not apply for her. They got me to schedule visits for "regular checkups" and during those visits, they spent more time trying to get me to have dental cleaning (on a 3 year old cat) and flea treatments for a indoor cat with no flea issues. The final straw has come when my cat is ill and cannot get an appointment for 3 days. Done with them! read more