VCA reviews

2.9

39% would recommend to a friend

(2,346 total reviews)
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Patty Wu

23% approve of CEO

26% positive business outlook

VCA has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 2,346 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The VCA employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Personal Consumer Services industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

2K reviews
3.0
Jun 16, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Generally very client service oriented and holds high standards of care for patients. This is not the kind of hospital that cuts corners in order to save money or time when it comes to service. Expects personal and nurturing treatment with both humans and animals. Computer programs became easier to use and train on in recent years and they have excellent online training resources. Veterinary discount is very good and ofcourse beneficial, especially if you have a number of pets.

Cons

I had been with a VCA hospital for 7 years and enjoyed nearly all aspects of it, although I found that there was not much room for advancement within the company. I became lead CSR, although found that corporate preferred to manage and encourage micromanagement of others solely through the office manager, while paying little attention to others. Employee retention was horrendous and I believe it was not only due to wages but also lack of opportunity for one to work themselves higher up the ladder. They put everything on the office manager's plate and seem to just want one person calling the shots. I find it discouraging that VCA doesn't grow off of individual talent and delegate, rather than use the manager as the work horse. I also feel that they could add incentives, such as commission for techs and CSRs for selling wellness plans and OTC products. Corporate pushes sales down your throat, yet you don't see the fruits of your labor. Years ago VCA was in a raise freeze due to the economy. The office was continuing to rapidly grow and do exceptionally well, yet we weren't rewarded for it due to having to take care of those hospitals who weren't likely putting in the same amount of work to stay in business. I also find it strange that corporate didn't keep staff involved with numbers, as far as growth, costs, sales, and client retention. Not being informed made it difficult to be able to clearly understand where we were financially and how we could improve. Turnover would be so much less if they would exhibit and encourage you to turn your job into a career, including financial growth, as well as promotional opportunities. As mentioned, I worked for the company for 7 years and became Lead CSR. I can confidently state I was superb at my job. My goal years ago was to work my way up the ladder and stay within VCA, although I didn't observe or hear any mention of promotion.

3.0
Jul 4, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Relaxed, job security, 401k, vacation time, insurance, veterinary discounts, ability to bring my pet to work, free CE, flexible scheduling

Cons

Upper management has limited exposure to hospitals and day to day operations. Hiring and making fancy jobs/titles for people that add little to the growth of hospitals (ie. Director of hospital development or local marketing manager). Why not invest those salaries back into the support staff and let the medical directors and hospital managers grow the hospitals? (See above) Limited payroll budgeting makes it difficult to hire experienced staff or pay them appropriately. Little room for advancement or raises. If you were hired at a low wage, don't expect to get a hefty raise or bonus. HR makes it impossible to get rid of anyone regardless of performance or wrong-doings. Requiring hospitals to focus on sales goals for multiple products and services.

1.0
Mar 12, 2015

Too corporate for me

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The location I work for is a busy practice, so I gained a lot of experience quickly there.

Cons

All they care about is money. You have to negotiate hard for any raises or CE reimbursement. They care more about selling their wellness plans and making sure everyone wears the proper uniform than actually practicing quality medicine and they'll try to get you to work 50 or 60 hour weeks unless you stand up for yourself and protect your free time.

Viewing 16 - 18 of 2,346 Reviews

Glassdoor has 2,423 VCA reviews submitted anonymously by VCA employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if VCA is right for you.