only because I love animals - ICU Technician VCA Employee Review

1.0
Mar 17, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I can use my technical skills to improve/save animals lives.

Cons

Extremely poor pay and benefits. In the four years of current employment we have never been fully staffed to provide the care we are charging outrageously for. I am required to put in 60 days notice for vacation due to said staffing issues, even then it may not happen. I work 12 hour shifts with NO break for meals. I have had several kidney infections due to lack of break/down time. Those kidney infections were paid for by Medicare since I can not afford the insurance provided by the company. If ever I try to talk to upper management about any of the issues mention, the conversation goes around in circles about how bad the economy is and budget cuts. Ive never received a bonus of any kind, or any token of appreciation besides a flimsy pin that says VCA and a number representing my time of employment. I get $1-4,000 estimates signed for their services, 3-4 times daily, that people cannot afford but for the love and care of the pets being treated. We made millions in profit this year, man the economy is soooo bad.

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
4d
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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