Veterinary Care Assistants (VCAs) – also known as Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) or Animal Nursing Assistants (ANAs) – work as part of the veterinary team, providing support with the care of animals as well as a range of practical tasks within the practice. It can be a varied role and one that is important to the everyday running of a veterinary environment.
We’re taking a look at what the role can involve, the skills needed and the opportunities it can offer to those looking to work in the veterinary profession.
What does a VCA do?
The exact responsibilities of a VCA will vary depending on the veterinary practice and their level of training and experience. Typical duties may include (but are not limited to):
- Exercising, grooming and feeding hospitalised animals
- Cleaning and preparing animal accommodation
- Monitoring patients and reporting any concerns to the appropriate member of the veterinary team
- Preparing theatre areas and equipment
- Helping to restrain animals for treatment
- Cleaning and maintaining clinical areas and equipment
- Carrying out reception and administrative duties
- Helping with record keeping
- Restocking supplies and helping to keep the practice organised
VCAs carry out their responsibilities under the direction of veterinary professionals and work within the boundaries of their role. They work alongside veterinary surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), Student Veterinary Nurses (SVNs), receptionists and other support staff.
What is it like working as a VCA?
Working as a VCA is practical and hands-on. While caring for animals is an important part of the job, the role also involves cleaning, preparing equipment, maintaining clinical areas and completing administrative tasks.
VCAs may encounter animals with different temperaments and needs, including those that are unwell, anxious or uncomfortable. The veterinary environment can also be busy and priorities may change, so being adaptable and able to follow instructions is important.
There is a people-facing side to the role too. Depending on their responsibilities, VCAs may communicate with pet owners as well as colleagues across the practice.
What skills do you need to become a VCA?
A genuine interest in animal care is a good starting point. Working successfully as a VCA calls for a range of skills and qualities. These can include:
- Good communication skills
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Confidence handling animals
- Patience and a caring approach
- Good observational skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation and time management
- The ability to follow instructions and recognise when concerns should be reported to another member of the veterinary team
- An understanding of hygiene and infection control
- Adaptability when working in a busy veterinary environment
Where could a VCA career take you?
Working as a VCA can offer the opportunity to build practical experience within a veterinary practice and develop knowledge of animal care and the veterinary environment. Depending on your interests and career goals, progression opportunities could include:
- Studying a formal veterinary care qualification to develop your knowledge and practical skills, such as the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants, VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support or Level 2 Veterinary Care Support Apprenticeship.
- Completing additional training in areas such as mentoring, assisting with the monitoring of anaesthesia or customer service.
- Becoming an Animal Medicines Advisor (SQP) and developing specialist knowledge in animal medicines.
- Working towards a leadership role within a veterinary care team.
- Progressing to veterinary nurse training and becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
- Continuing your professional development by attending events such as VCA Congress and other training opportunities.
Could becoming a VCA be a route into the veterinary profession?
A career as a Veterinary Care Assistant can be incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy working with animals, thrive in a hands-on environment, and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference, it could be a path worth exploring.
If this career path feels like a good fit, the next step is finding a way to build your knowledge and skills. For many aspiring VCAs, structured training provides a clear starting point. It introduces you to key areas like animal handling and basic clinical practices – whilst also giving you the opportunity to gain practical experience in a veterinary practice.
Veterinary Care Qualifications at The College of Animal Welfare
Our veterinary care qualifications can help you develop the skills and experience needed to build a successful career in veterinary care. They can be studied alongside work or volunteering in a veterinary practice, and they can also be a great stepping stone into veterinary nurse training in the future if you wish to do so.
Key facts
- Get qualified in as little as 12-18 months
- Part time or full time study options
- No college attendance required
- Start at any time and study from anywhere
- No formal academic entry requirements
- Employment, or a voluntary placement, in a veterinary practice is required prior to application. If you are not currently employed or volunteering in a veterinary practice, read our tips and advice here.
- Apprenticeship option available
- Learn about animal health and welfare, animal accommodation, animal anatomy and physiology, animal handling and much more
- Our Loans2Learn scheme can help you spread the cost of learning into smaller monthly payments.
Find out more about our veterinary care qualifications here.