Download your pack
Make sure you download your FREE campaign pack filled with lots of resources all about veterinary care. You can share our resources across your social media, websites, and grooming salons.
Download your VCAawareness pack
This campaign aims to shine a spotlight on VCAs as skilled and dedicated professionals, while raising awareness of the training pathways available to those looking to start or progress their career in veterinary care. It also recognises the essential role VCAs play in supporting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, maintaining high standards of patient care, and helping veterinary practices run smoothly.
Through the week, we hope to bring together VCAs, students, veterinary practices and the wider community to highlight the importance of the profession, celebrate those working within it, and inspire the next generation of veterinary care professionals.
Veterinary Care Assistants may also be known as Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) or Animal Nursing Assistants (ANAs).
#VeterinaryCareAssistantAwarenessWeek #VCAAwarenessWeekFrom 9th-15th November 2026, we're inviting VCAs, students, veterinary practices, and pet owners to take part and help spread the word.
Make sure you download your FREE campaign pack filled with lots of resources all about veterinary care. You can share our resources across your social media, websites, and grooming salons.
Download your VCA
Throughout the week we will be sharing content across our social media channels all about veterinary care. Help us spread the word by sharing posts and tagging others.
Use our campaign hashtag #VCAAwarenessWeek and get involved online by sharing your experiences as a VCA or your journey into the profession. Don't forget to tag us!
Whether you're just starting out in veterinary care or looking to develop your skills, VCAAW is the perfect time to discover training options and take the next step in your career.
Browse veterinary care courses
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VCA Awareness Week is an annual campaign created by The College of Animal Welfare to celebrate the veterinary care profession and raise awareness of the vital role veterinary care plays in animal welfare, health, and wellbeing.
Held during the second week of November each year, the campaign shines a spotlight on the skill, care, and dedication of professional VCAs, while encouraging pet owners, students, and employers to support and engage with the industry.
VCA Awareness Week is held during the second week of November each year. In 2026, VCA Awareness Week falls between 9th-15th November.
VCA Awareness Week celebrates the skills and dedication of VCAs while helping raise awareness of the profession.
The campaign encourages pet owners to learn more about what VCAs do, supports those working in the profession, and inspires people interested in training or starting a career in veterinary care.
There are several ways to take part in VCA Awareness Week from 9th-15th November 2026:
You can also follow the campaign on social media for updates and additional content.
Veterinary care is an accessible career path. You can begin training by completing a college course such as the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants or the VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support, finding an apprenticeship vacancy and completing the Level 2 Veterinary Care Support Apprenticeship, or getting a job in a veterinary practice and learning on the job from an experienced VCAs and nurses.
Gaining work experience with animals is also valuable, as this can help you when applying for courses and jobs.
Explore our veterinary care courses here.