Quick Answer

Yes, VCA Animal Hospitals hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis.

With more than 800 hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, VCA provides accessible veterinary career paths such as Veterinary Assistant ($13–$19/hour), Client Service Representative ($13–$17/hour), Pet Resort Attendant ($12–$16/hour), and Kennel Attendant ($12–$15/hour). Advancement opportunities include senior assistant or hospital management roles ($38,000–$58,000/year).

About VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA (Veterinary Centers of America) operates over 800 animal hospitals across the United States and Canada, offering general practice, specialty, and emergency veterinary care. The company, owned by Mars Petcare, employs around 28,000 people across veterinary, technical, administrative, and support positions.

VCA’s hospitals deliver wellness care, surgery, diagnostics, emergency medicine, and specialty services like cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Many entry-level and non-licensed positions are available for job seekers rebuilding after incarceration, with opportunities to grow into licensed or management roles over time.

• 800+ hospitals in North America

• 28,000 employees in veterinary and support roles

• Owned by Mars Petcare

• Offers general, emergency, and specialty care

• Accessible non-licensed positions with on-the-job training

Does VCA Hire People with Felonies?

Yes. VCA evaluates each applicant individually, considering conviction type, state regulations, and position requirements.

Non-licensed roles like Veterinary Assistant, Client Service Representative, Pet Resort Attendant, and Kennel Attendant are most accessible.

Licensed positions such as Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian are regulated by state veterinary boards and may have additional background requirements.

VCA Considers:

• Nature and age of conviction

• State licensing regulations (for regulated roles)

• Job type and hospital setting (general vs. specialty)

• Rehabilitation efforts and references

• Work history and interview performance

Animal cruelty or abuse offenses are disqualifying, but many other convictions are reviewed case-by-case.

Available Jobs at VCA for People with Records

Veterinary Assistant

($13–$19/hour)

Assists veterinarians and technicians with exams, restrains animals, maintains records, prepares instruments, and provides direct animal care.

Client Service Representative

($13–$17/hour)

Greets clients, manages phones and appointments, processes payments, and maintains records in a professional veterinary front desk setting.

Pet Resort Attendant

($12–$16/hour)

Provides animal care in VCA boarding facilities, feeding and walking pets, cleaning kennels, and assisting during check-ins and pickups.

Kennel Attendant

($12–$15/hour)

Performs kennel cleaning, feeding, walking, and laundry duties while supporting hospital operations and animal well-being.

Veterinary Technician (Licensed)

($17–$26/hour)

Performs anesthesia monitoring, lab diagnostics, radiography, and surgery assistance under veterinary supervision; requires state licensure.

Practice Manager

($38,000–$58,000/year or about $18–$28/hour)

Oversees hospital operations, manages staff, budgets, and client service, and ensures high-quality animal care and business performance.

Specialty & Emergency Support

(Pay varies)

Supports departments such as cardiology, oncology, or surgery as veterinary assistant or technician in advanced medical settings.

Career Path: Veterinary Assistant → Senior Assistant → Practice Manager

Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off, Mars Petcare discounts, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities.

Background Check at VCA

VCA performs standard background checks for all hires, reviewing criminal history (typically 7 years), employment verification, and license validation for regulated roles.

• Scope: 7-year criminal history search

• Licensed roles: Subject to state veterinary board background review

• Drug Testing: Required for all new hires; zero-tolerance policy

• Timeline: Typically 1–2 weeks after conditional offer

Application Tips

1. Apply to multiple VCA hospitals to increase your chances.

   
   

2. Start with Veterinary Assistant or Pet Resort Attendant roles.

   
   

3. Highlight your compassion and comfort with animals.

   
   

4. Emphasize reliability and teamwork in your resume.

   
   

5. Be transparent about your record if asked during the interview.

   
   

6. Visit hospitals in person after applying online.

   
   

7. Express interest in learning and veterinary career growth.

   
   

8. Apply to VCAcareers.com and follow up with hospital managers.

   
   

9. Mention any animal handling, shelter, or volunteer experience.

   
   

10. Show consistent motivation to build a stable career in animal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does VCA hire convicted felons?

Yes. VCA hires people with felony convictions case-by-case for non-licensed positions such as Veterinary Assistant, Client Service Representative, and Kennel Attendant.

What is the easiest job to get at VCA?

The Veterinary Assistant role is the most accessible. It does not require a license and includes paid on-the-job training.

Can I work at VCA while on probation or parole?

Yes. Many employees have successfully worked while completing probation or parole, as long as work performance and attendance remain consistent.

What convictions are disqualifying?

Animal cruelty or abuse convictions are disqualifying. Other offenses are reviewed individually.

Does VCA drug test?

Yes. VCA conducts pre-employment drug testing and may test randomly during employment.

How far back does the VCA background check go?

Typically 7 years, although this varies by state and by position type.

Can I become a Veterinary Technician with a felony?

Possibly. It depends on your state’s veterinary technician licensing board and the type of conviction.

How long is the hiring process?

The process takes about 1–3 weeks including application review, interview, background check, and drug test.

Can I move into management with a felony?

Yes. Strong performance and consistent reliability can lead to promotion into non-licensed management positions such as Practice Manager.

Is VCA felon-friendly?

Yes. VCA is considered felon-friendly for non-licensed positions, focusing on applicants’ rehabilitation and enthusiasm for animal care.

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Banfield Pet Hospital – 1,000+ hospitals in PetSmart; Veterinary Assistant roles; case-by-case hiring.

• BluePearl Veterinary Partners – 100+ emergency hospitals with veterinary support openings.

• PetVet Care Centers – National network of veterinary practices; accessible animal care roles.

• National Veterinary Associates – Operates clinics across the U.S.; case-by-case hiring.

• PetSmart – Pet Care Associate ($13–$16/hour); retail animal care.

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

• Animal Shelters – Humane societies often hire Animal Care Attendants or Assistants.

Final Thoughts

VCA Animal Hospitals provides meaningful veterinary career opportunities for people with felony convictions through individualized evaluation and hands-on animal care positions.

Veterinary Assistant ($13–$19/hour), Client Service Representative ($13–$17/hour), and Pet Resort Attendant ($12–$16/hour) are strong entry points that can lead to long-term careers in animal health. With more than 800 hospitals nationwide, VCA’s expansive network, inclusive hiring, and Mars Petcare resources make it one of the most accessible paths into veterinary medicine.

Apply directly at VCAcareers.com or visit your nearest VCA hospital to meet the team and express your interest in joining their veterinary care mission.