Quick Answer

Yes, Banfield Pet Hospital hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. As the largest veterinary practice in the United States with over 1,000 hospitals (mostly inside PetSmart stores), Banfield offers accessible animal care careers for people rebuilding their lives.

Common positions include Veterinary Assistant ($13–$18/hour), Client Service Coordinator ($13–$16/hour), Veterinary Technician ($17–$24/hour), and Practice Manager ($19–$29/hour). Most non-licensed roles are accessible, while licensed positions depend on state veterinary board regulations.

About Banfield Pet Hospital

Banfield Pet Hospital is a leading U.S. veterinary network operating 1,000+ hospitals, primarily located inside PetSmart stores across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1955 and now owned by Mars Petcare, Banfield employs over 19,000 people including veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and client service staff.

Banfield provides full-service veterinary care such as wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, dental care, and surgery. For job seekers with records, Banfield offers a path into animal care with on-the-job training and career advancement from entry-level to management roles.

• Founded in 1955; acquired by Mars Petcare

• 1,000+ hospitals nationwide (mostly in PetSmart)

• 19,000+ employees across the U.S. and Puerto Rico

• Veterinary, administrative, and management career paths

• Accessible non-licensed positions for reentry candidates

Does Banfield Hire People with Felonies?

Banfield evaluates all applicants with criminal backgrounds individually.

Hiring decisions depend on the position, state regulations, conviction type, and rehabilitation history. While licensed roles like Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian are regulated by state veterinary boards, non-licensed positions such as Veterinary Assistant and Client Service Coordinator remain accessible to most applicants with prior convictions.

What Banfield Considers:

• Nature and type of conviction

• Time passed since the conviction

• Position responsibilities (licensed vs. non-licensed)

• State veterinary board regulations

• Work history and references

• Demonstrated rehabilitation and animal care interest

Animal cruelty or abuse offenses are disqualifying due to industry ethics, while most other convictions—especially older, non-violent ones—are reviewed case-by-case.

Available Jobs at Banfield for People with Records

Veterinary Assistant

($13–$18/hour)

Assists veterinarians during exams and procedures, cares for animals, cleans rooms, and supports overall hospital operations.

Client Service Coordinator

($13–$16/hour)

Greets clients, answers phones, schedules appointments, handles payments, and maintains records in a customer-focused veterinary front desk role.

Veterinary Technician (Licensed/Certified)

($17–$24/hour)

Performs anesthesia monitoring, diagnostic imaging, lab testing, and surgical assistance under veterinarian supervision; requires state licensure and background clearance.

Practice Manager

($19–$29/hour)

Leads hospital operations, supervises staff, manages budgets and scheduling, and ensures top-quality client and animal care.

Senior Veterinary Assistant

($15–$20/hour)

Supports advanced animal care tasks, mentors new staff, and manages hospital inventory and sanitation processes.

Career Path: Veterinary Assistant → Veterinary Technician (with schooling) → Practice Manager

Employee Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, Mars Petcare discounts, and tuition assistance for veterinary technician programs.

Banfield Background Check

Banfield conducts background checks as part of its hiring process. The review usually includes a 7-year criminal history search, identity and employment verification, and, for licensed roles, state board clearance.

• Scope: 7-year lookback (varies by state)

• Regulated Roles: Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian require state board approval

• Drug Testing: Required before employment and subject to random screening

• Timeline: Typically 1–2 weeks, longer if licensing is involved

Application Tips

1. Apply to at least 5–10 Banfield locations, especially inside PetSmart stores.

   
   

2. Focus on Veterinary Assistant or Client Service Coordinator roles first.

   
   

3. Highlight any volunteer or animal handling experience.

   
   

4. Emphasize your reliability, compassion, and teamwork.

   
   

5. Be honest about your record if asked and keep your response professional.

   
   

6. Research your state’s veterinary board if pursuing a licensed position.

   
   

7. Visit local Banfield hospitals to introduce yourself after applying online.

   
   

8. Show interest in learning and advancing within the veterinary field.

   
   

9. Mention your interest in long-term animal care or veterinary technician training.

   
   

10. Demonstrate consistency—apply to other veterinary or animal care employers too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Banfield hire convicted felons?

Yes. Banfield hires individuals with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis for non-licensed positions like Veterinary Assistant and Client Service Coordinator.

What is the easiest job to get at Banfield with a record?

The Veterinary Assistant role is most accessible since it does not require state licensing and includes paid on-the-job training.

Can I work at Banfield if I’m on probation or parole?

Yes. Many employees work while on probation or parole, as long as they meet scheduling and performance expectations.

What convictions are disqualifying?

Animal cruelty or abuse is generally disqualifying due to ethical standards. Other convictions are reviewed individually.

Does Banfield drug test new hires?

Yes. Banfield enforces pre-employment drug screening and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for positive results.

How far back does Banfield’s background check go?

Typically 7 years, although licensed roles may require longer review depending on state veterinary board policies.

Are Veterinary Technicians with felonies eligible?

Possibly, depending on your state’s licensing rules. Some states restrict licensure for certain offenses, while others allow approval after rehabilitation.

How long is the Banfield hiring process?

On average, 1–3 weeks including application review, interviews, background check, and drug screening.

Is Banfield felon-friendly?

Yes. Banfield is considered felon-friendly for non-licensed positions, particularly those involving animal care or customer service.

What benefits does Banfield offer?

Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, tuition assistance, and discounted pet care through Mars Petcare.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• VCA Animal Hospitals – 800+ hospitals nationwide; Veterinary Assistant roles; case-by-case hiring.

• BluePearl Veterinary Partners – Specialty/emergency hospitals with Veterinary Assistant positions.

• PetVet Care Centers – Multi-state veterinary network hiring for animal care and support staff.

• National Veterinary Associates – Operates hundreds of clinics; accessible entry-level veterinary roles.

• PetSmart – Pet Care Associate ($13–$16/hour); in-store animal care and sales.

• Petco – Pet Care Specialist ($13–$16/hour); animal handling and store support.

• Animal Shelters – Local humane societies often hire Animal Care Attendants and Assistants.

Final Thoughts

Banfield Pet Hospital provides real opportunities for people with past convictions to begin or rebuild a career in animal care.

Non-licensed roles like Veterinary Assistant ($13–$18/hour) and Client Service Coordinator ($13–$16/hour) offer immediate entry points, while advancement to Practice Manager ($19–$29/hour) is possible over time.

Licensed positions depend on state board approval but remain attainable for those pursuing veterinary education and rehabilitation.

Start here: Visit BanfieldCareers.com or stop by your local PetSmart with a Banfield hospital to apply in person.