Taking place from 9-15 November 2026, the first Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) Awareness Week will provide an opportunity to increase understanding of the VCA role, recognise those already working in the profession and highlight the different routes available for people interested in pursuing a career in veterinary care.
VCAs carry out a wide range of duties within veterinary practices, working alongside veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and other members of the practice team to support animal health, welfare and patient care.
VCA Awareness Week will be held during the second week of November each year, with VCAs, students, veterinary practices, training providers and pet owners invited to get involved.
Taking part in VCA Awareness Week
Throughout the week, participants will be encouraged to share their experiences of veterinary care, recognise the work of VCAs within their teams and help more people understand what the role involves.
The College has developed a selection of free campaign resources that can be used between 9–15 November 2026 and throughout the year. These can be shared on social media, displayed within veterinary practices or used at careers events, open days and other activities to start conversations about the profession.
VCAs and veterinary teams can also join the campaign online by sharing posts, photos and career stories using #VCAAwarenessWeek. CAW will be sharing campaign content across its own social media channels throughout the week.
Alongside celebrating those already working as VCAs, the campaign will highlight routes into the profession and the training and development opportunities available. This will give people considering a career in veterinary care the chance to find out more about the role, while helping existing VCAs explore opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.
Gary McAdam, Head of Distance Learning at The College of Animal Welfare, said: “VCAs make an enormous contribution to the health and wellbeing of animals, and their work is an important part of the day-to-day running of veterinary practices. VCA Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to recognise the vital role they play, while helping more people understand what working as a VCA involves and how they can join the profession. We hope VCAs and veterinary teams across the UK and beyond will get involved, share their experiences and help us showcase the profession.”
Further information about VCA Awareness Week, including free campaign resources and information about veterinary care training, can be found on The College of Animal Welfare website at www.caw.ac.uk/vcaaw.
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