Part of corporate buyout - stayed on for 2 years, very unhappy - Veterinary Technician/Receptionist VCA Employee Review

1.0
Apr 26, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

better computer system than our old practice

Cons

Employees treated like mentally incompetent monkeys by the CO. We were made to do *hours* of unpaid online training. Our prices jacked up exponentially after being bought out by VCA and the quality of client service has significantly declined. Several employees who had been with the hospital for decades while it was under private ownership left within two years of the cooperate takeover. Lost a massive number of old clients to other local private practices. The entire staff was trained to suggestively sell medical procedures such as yearly dental cleanings under general anesthesia. Vets and techs very unhappy.

Explore other reviews about VCA

5.0
May 8, 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
Jun 12, 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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VCA Response
2w
Thank you for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We’re glad to hear you’ve experienced strong support, growth opportunities, and benefits across our teams. We also recognize how important clear communication and connection are, especially as we continue to evolve. We’re creating more opportunities for open dialogue through listening sessions and bringing leaders closer to our hospital teams to better understand their day‑to‑day experiences and offer meaningful support. We’re also continuing to invest in leadership and communication training to strengthen consistency across our hospitals. Your insights help guide this work, and we appreciate all that you do for your teams and patients.
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