I’ve used both the Banfield plan and the Pet Mechanic. Had not great experiences with both.

Banfield is fine if you’re looking for something for one year. But long term they have a lot of staff turnover and I rarely ever saw the same vet twice. It got frustrating to explain the situation over and over each time to a new doctor, and some were really good and others were rude or terrible. Over the long run it may have saved me some money especially when my dog got up there in age and I took advantage of the dental cleanings etc but looking back I wouldn’t have done it. I started going there right out of college so it seemed like a good deal at the time.

The Pet Mechanic was terrible - the vet I got was a total douchebag who suggested extra services I didn’t need and then misdiagnosed my dog’s skin condition. I wrote the owner a complaint but got a lukewarm response. I quickly switched vets and have been happy ever since.

Happy to share more details privately about who I do like. I’ve had 3 different dogs and a cat over the years and am pretty frugal.

Edited to add that my friend worked at Banfield for a stint out of vet school (years after I stopped going there) and hated it. They overwork you and underpay you. That explains a lot, and I’d rather have my pets cared for by people who are compensated appropriately after going into major school debt for their profession. Someone who actually gave me more than 2 minutes with them because I’m paying money instead of a flat rate plan.