VCA Animal Hospitals Hiring Process: All the Information You Need to Know

If you’re interested in applying for a job at VCA Animal Hospitals, here’s a detailed guide to help you understand their hiring process, qualifications, and what to expect when working there.

1. Education and Experience Requirements

Q: Do you need to go to school to be a veterinarian at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: Yes, you need to attend veterinary school to become a veterinarian. You must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree to work as a veterinarian at VCA Animal Hospitals.

Q: What qualifications do you need to work at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: For many entry-level roles, such as animal care attendants and kennel assistants, formal qualifications are not required. Experience with animals is often preferred. However, for specialized roles such as veterinary technicians, specific training and certifications may be required.

2. Age Requirements

Q: Are there minimum age requirements for specific roles at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: There is no minimum age requirement for most roles at VCA Animal Hospitals, except for veterinarian roles. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply.

3. Application and Interview Process

Q: When applying, do they contact previous employers?
A: Yes, after the interview process, VCA Animal Hospitals typically contacts previous employers for reference checks.

Q: How long does it take to get an interview after you apply at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: It typically takes about 1-2 weeks to get an interview after applying. However, depending on the urgency and availability, this timeline could vary.

Q: What is the interview process like at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: The interview process can be lengthy and involves a lot of situational questions. Candidates may be asked about how they would handle specific scenarios in the workplace, especially involving animal care or customer service.

Q: How long does it take to get hired from start to finish at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: The process can take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the role and how quickly the hiring team moves. Some candidates have been hired quickly, especially when VCA is understaffed.

4. Training and Onboarding

Q: What training does VCA Animal Hospitals offer employees?
A: VCA offers an online training program called “Woof University” to its employees. The training focuses on providing essential knowledge and skills needed for the role. However, some employees have mentioned that they feel training could be more comprehensive.

Q: Is there formal veterinary assistant training at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: No, VCA does not provide formal veterinary assistant training at the location. Most employees are expected to learn on the job through hands-on experience.

Q: How is the training process at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: The training process can be inconsistent. Some new hires report minimal training and find themselves learning independently on the job, often due to understaffing.

5. Drug Testing and Background Checks

Q: Does VCA Animal Hospitals require a drug test during the hiring process?
A: Many employees report that a drug test was not required during their hiring process. However, this might vary based on the position or location.

Q: Do they conduct background checks at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: Yes, VCA Animal Hospitals conducts background checks as part of the hiring process to ensure the safety and reliability of their employees.

6. Work Schedules and Flexibility

Q: Do VCA employees have set work schedules?
A: Work schedules at VCA can be flexible to an extent. Employees set their availability upon hiring, but the schedules can vary, and shifts are not always fixed. Flexibility is expected from employees.

Q: How could you get rehired after being terminated for attendance?
A: Rehiring is not likely if you were terminated for attendance issues, unless you left on good terms. VCA generally does not rehire employees who were let go for such reasons.

7. Job Requirements and Roles

Q: What are the requirements to apply for a kennel assistant?
A: Experience with animals and kennel experience is preferred, but formal schooling is not necessary for applying as a kennel assistant.

Q: What qualifications are required for an animal care attendant?
A: Compassion for animals and the ability to perform basic cleaning and maintenance tasks are key qualifications. Employees should be comfortable handling animals and maintaining the cleanliness of the facility.

8. Remote Work Opportunities

Q: Does VCA Animal Hospitals offer remote jobs?
A: No, VCA Animal Hospitals does not offer remote positions. All roles, especially in animal care, require employees to be physically present at the hospital.

9. Transfer and Rehire Policies

Q: What is the transfer process like at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: Transferring to a different location within VCA can be difficult. Some employees report challenges in transferring, even after multiple requests, making the process quite complicated.

Q: Can I apply for a job if I have a misdemeanor on my record?
A: Yes, VCA Animal Hospitals will hire individuals with misdemeanors on their record. However, it is advisable to disclose this information during the hiring process and provide additional context if necessary.

10. Promotion and Career Advancement

Q: What is the promotion process like at VCA Animal Hospitals?
A: Promotions at VCA Animal Hospitals are infrequent. Employees report that moving up within the company can be difficult, and promotions are rare.

11. General Working Environment and Experience

Q: What’s the process of becoming a VCA employee like?
A: The hiring process typically involves interviews, followed by some training. New hires often report that the training process is not as thorough as they would have liked, with many employees learning the job through trial and error.

Conclusion

Working at VCA Animal Hospitals offers a variety of opportunities for those interested in animal care, whether you’re looking for a veterinarian role or a support position. While there are some inconsistencies in training and promotion opportunities, the flexibility in scheduling and the opportunity to work closely with animals make it a rewarding choice for many. Be prepared for an on-the-job learning experience and, in many cases, a fast-paced environment with shifting work schedules.