Veterinary Care Assistants (VCAs) – also known as Animal Care Assistants (ANAs) and Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) – play a vital role in your practice, supporting veterinary surgeons and nurses, caring for patients, and keeping operations running smoothly. But have you considered how formal veterinary care training could take your veterinary care team to the next level?
Why invest in veterinary care assistant training?
Structured, accredited veterinary care training equips your VCAs/ANAs/PCAs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver exceptional care and client service. Our veterinary care qualifications are designed around the real needs of vet practices, offering a cost-effective way to develop competent, motivated, and loyal staff.
Courses can be completed alongside work, making them ideal for current team members and new recruits alike.
Veterinary care assistant course options
Choose from a range of recognised veterinary care qualifications:
- VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants
- Veterinary Care Support Level 2 Apprenticeship
Each programme covers the essential veterinary care skills every assistant needs, from animal handling and infection control to client communication and teamwork.
Affordable veterinary care training options for every practice
If training costs are a concern, our Loans2Learn scheme offers a simple way to spread payments. For example, choosing to take out one of these loans for the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants over a three year period could mean 36 monthly payments of just over £55 per month*.
Alternatively, choosing the veterinary care apprenticeship route can also reduce costs. For smaller practices, the government covers 95% of apprenticeship training fees, meaning you would pay only 5% (£250). Even better, apprenticeship training could be completely free for apprentices under 22 if your practice has fewer than 50 employees.
Explore veterinary care courses and funding options
*Based on current fees and interest rates. Awarding body fees not included.
Career progression for Veterinary Care Assistants
Supporting your VCAs to develop professionally is a proven way to improve staff retention and clinical standards. Once qualified, there are several exciting career pathways in veterinary care to explore:
Veterinary Nurse Training
Many VCAs progress into veterinary nurse training. Their hands-on experience and existing veterinary care qualifications can help meet entry requirements for veterinary nurse diplomas or apprenticeships. Explore veterinary nurse training
VetSkill VTEC Level 2 Certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons in Monitoring Anaesthetised and Sedated Companion Animals
A new qualification for VCAs assisting vets during anaesthesia and sedation — ideal for practices looking to enhance patient safety and surgical support. Find out more
VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal)
A six-month, online qualification that enables VCAs to prescribe and supply POM-VPS and NFA-VPS medicines, expanding their role in client care and pharmacy support. Find out more
VCA Congress: Learning, networking, and CPD for veterinary care professionals
VCA Congress is a dedicated event for veterinary care professionals bringing together expert speakers from across the sector for lectures focused on practical skills and career development.
Held annually as a virtual event, the congress offers the perfect opportunity for your VCAs, ANAs or PCAs to gain valuable CPD hours, stay updated with best practice in veterinary care, and connect with others who share their passion for animal welfare and professional growth.
Find out more about VCA Congress
Empower your veterinary care team and strengthen your practice
Investing in veterinary care assistant training delivers long-term benefits for your team, your patients, and your clients. Whether you choose a VCA certificate, diploma, or veterinary apprenticeship, structured training helps every assistant become a confident, skilled, and valued member of your veterinary team.