It's a job, but you can do better! - Veterinarian VCA Employee Review

2.0
6 Nov 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They provide some good free continuing education opportunities. There is the possibility, but not the guarantee, of great modern equipment. They have hospitals all over the country if you want to re-locate.

Cons

They prefer to pay "on commission"; proven in human health care to affect doctors' judgement. Intimidation of vets by use of non-compete agreements. (You will have to agree to restrictions on when and where you practice after you leave their employment, but they can fire you for any reason at any time without consequence.) They may expect many more hours of cont. educations per year than they will compensate you for or provide. In my opinion they mostly care about making their share holders happy through new acquisitions; they don't give much consideration to those in the "trenches" - they may even help your non-VCA competitor if it means they can get a lab contract. Read ALL of their paperwork carefully and think/research before you sign anything no matter how much they push.

Explore other reviews about VCA

5.0
8 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Small animal, exotics, free care to wildlife, opportunities to work with zoo animals. Internal promotions to change all management has made the work environment very positive. Boarding facilities. Opportunity for certifying for internal crematory.

Cons

Pay rate less than expected for experience level. Corporate in California has increased prices every year that is causing all of my friends and family to change vets. With our rural area and low average income, pets are getting euthanized instead of having testing and treatment. Staff should have more discounts for employee pets.

4.0
12 Jun 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

This company offers many opportunities for doctors and techs to grow in their careers. They provide tons of support and they've been making HUGE changes to veterinary medicine on a whole. I have never known another company to offer so many benefits and perks for staff (especially techs), and they're even making lots of effort to invest in the veterinary receptionists-the front line associates of the hospital. They're also making great strides to acknowledge some of the feedback we've had for many years. They're savvy and smart, making business decisions that build on a company that will be around a long time (and has.)

Cons

There have been times where transparency and communication are lacking, and sometimes to the point where hospital-level employees feel left out or unheard. Some bigger topics like onboarding and navigating what support comes from where could be more clear. It feels like they've been fusing on new concepts/policies/features to the company, making it feel like a clunky machine rather than building something new and streamlined. Maybe it's in the works, but how do we know down here?

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