I hate my life but I need references - Animal Care Attendant VCA Employee Review

1.0
9 Feb 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Well, I have a job.

Cons

Our HR department is outsourced. The company stopped COVID pay the moment omicron started. No PTO *at all* for part time employees. They will unabashedly break labour laws up until you get a lawyer involved (not my experience, but a friend's). Eg. taking a person's job away while they are on medical leave, accusing staff of faking medical conditions in order to get *unpaid* time off (like immuno-suppressive chemo and depression). Telling me that my close friend on medical leave is not getting her job back, but "don't tell her because she doesn't know yet". They told our ER doctors that if they're swamped and need to stay late to be able to see all the patients that came in on their shift, they should "donate their time", as they will not be paid. (secondhand info) It was implied to our ER support staff (ie techs and ACAs) that it was their fault that profits were down in 2021 compared to 2020. (secondhand info) Wages are calculated (there's a formula) based on your resume vs negotiated based on skill or competence. When I first started, I was being paid ~$14.25 to run an MRI. Mandatory black/grey/navy blue scrubs, scrub allowance covers 1 sweater, or a scrub top and bottoms. Change into public hospital stock scrubs (threatened but yet to be enforced) if you wear any colour but the aforementioned ones. (Please keep in mind, our hospital is 200+ strong, sharing scrubs with that many people is like getting your work clothes out of a lost and found bin). Mask use is only enforced with support staff, doctors breaking policy to the extreme receive no consequences. Doctor charges for a service that wasn't performed (a lab test that was never sent to the lab), I ask about the inappropriate charges, I am told to "never question a decision again", and the doctor doesn't speak to me for a month. I knock down my hours so that I can start attending university, the department I left is short staffed and asking for coverage. I am trained in this department, and can perform my job well (and my performance reviews are excellent), and am available on the odd day, but am never given the shifts. Announce that I am stepping back from yet another department in the new year (but still staying on part time) to focus on school, and all my shifts over the Christmas break (aka my only opportunity to make money) are promptly cancelled.

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VCA Response
4y
Thank you for reaching out about your concerns. Please know that we are here to listen and address any issues you may have, as we appreciate your commitment to your role and your hospital. We encourage you to contact EmployeeConcerns@vca.com to discuss these matters further. We hope to hear from you soon.

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 June 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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