Banfield Pet Hospital
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Veterinary services |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Founder | Warren J. Wegert |
| Headquarters | Vancouver, Washington , United States |
Area served | United States, Mexico, United Kingdom |
Key people | John Payne (CEO) |
| Products | Veterinary care, Optimum Wellness Plans |
| Owner | Mars Inc. |
Number of employees | 5000+ (2007) |
| Website | www |
Banfield Pet Hospital is a privately held veterinary service provider based in Vancouver, Washington, United States. As a subsidiary of Mars Inc., Banfield manages over 1,000 veterinary clinics throughout the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, with many locations situated inside PetSmart retail stores. Established in 1955, it stands as the largest privately owned veterinary care network in the U.S. In 2014, Banfield shifted its corporate headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Vancouver, Washington.
History
The origins of Banfield trace back to 1955 when entrepreneur Warren J. Wegert founded the company in northeast Portland, Oregon. The name "Banfield" was inspired by the nearby Banfield Freeway. In 1987, Scott Campbell purchased the single clinic, which was generating approximately $2 million annually at that time. To manage ownership, Medical Management International, Inc. (MMI) was created. By 1994, MMI had entered into a partnership with PetSmart to launch veterinary clinics inside their stores under the initial brand name VetSmart. By 1996, Banfield had grown to more than 150 clinics across 18 states, serving over 600,000 pets each year and employing around 1,100 staff members. PetSmart received rental income and profit shares while holding an equity stake in MMI.
In 2000, Banfield took ownership of PetSmart’s other veterinary clinics. The following year, it operated upwards of 250 clinics and introduced BluePaw Family Pet Insurance Company, later rebranded as TruePaws. In 2004, Banfield acquired land for a new $25 million headquarters and inaugurated its first international clinic in England, expanding its global footprint to 360 clinics. At this stage, the company employed more than 4,000 individuals worldwide, including approximately 900 veterinarians.
Banfield also contributed to veterinary education by funding teaching hospitals at Western University of Health Sciences and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Additionally, it partnered with Purdue University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to analyze clinic data for bioterrorism surveillance purposes.
By 2005, Banfield was providing care to roughly 3.5 million animals annually through a network of 450 clinics worldwide and established the Banfield Charitable Trust aimed at offering free veterinary services to pet owners facing financial hardship. That year also marked the opening of a third independent hospital in Colorado Springs.
In early 2007, PetSmart began reducing its ownership share in MMI. Later that same year, Scott Campbell sold his shares to Mars Inc., stepped down as CEO, and John Payne succeeded him while Campbell continued as chairman. PetSmart completed its full divestment by 2015.
Banfield divested its Merlin Digital Technology division in 2008 and expanded to a total of 725 locations across three countries by that time. The $6.5 million Banfield Veterinary Clinical Center at Western University officially opened in August 2008. Despite economic downturns during that period, Banfield was recognized as a significant employer actively recruiting staff.
Mars Inc., renowned for products such as Snickers and Pedigree dog food, acquired Banfield in 2007. Mars further broadened its veterinary services by purchasing Blue Pearl Hospital in 2015 and acquiring VCA Animal Hospitals for $9.1 billion in 2017.
Lawsuits
In 2010, Robert Nix, a former veterinarian at Banfield’s Tualatin, Oregon location, filed a lawsuit against the company claiming wrongful termination after raising concerns that clinics prioritized revenue generation over animal welfare. The complaint alleged that staff were encouraged to conduct unnecessary diagnostic tests to boost profits. Banfield's vice president Karen Johnson refuted these accusations; however, Nix’s legal counsel contended that such practices were widespread throughout the organization.
In 2013, a class-action suit was initiated in Pasadena, California targeting Banfield’s "Optimum Wellness Plans." The plaintiffs argued these plans operated more as marketing tools rather than true insurance products. They claimed customers were locked into ongoing financial commitments requiring full payment for services upon cancellation or continuation of payments until all services were settled—resulting in increased consumer debt burdens.
Operations
Banfield manages more than 1,000 veterinary clinics located within PetSmart stores across the country, with each facility typically staffed by around four veterinarians and supporting personnel. By 2007, the company reported annual revenues near US$187.5 million and had a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees. The primary business strategy centers on delivering veterinary care alongside affordable wellness programs known as Optimum Wellness Plans. Banfield's headquarters in Vancouver includes a publicly accessible off-leash dog park, demonstrating its commitment to community involvement.