Life at Work

By Dr. Shelly Ferris, Regional Medical Director, Vetco Total Care

NOTE: This blog was originally published prior to the FTC ruling banning noncompetes announced on April 23, 2024. Vetco Total Care has never required noncompete contracts of veterinarians we hire.

As a Regional Medical Director, I interview doctors seeking a better experience in veterinary medicine, one where they can deliver high-quality care without sacrificing their wellbeing. And while our profession has taken steps to improve work-life balance overall, we recognized a need to improve quality of life at work for veterinarians and hospital teams.

Vetco Total Care is a network of general practice hospitals and a vibrant community of veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and trained assistants. We’re building it with a promise to the doctors and paraprofessionals who choose Vetco Total Care: together we improve the lives of pets and pet parents, as well as life for each of us.

By listening to our doctors, we’re bringing wellness back to the workday, reducing stress and nurturing happier, healthier hospital teams. Here’s what life at work looks like at Vetco Total Care:

• Respect: We build trusted Veterinarian-Client-Pet Relationships (VCPR) with each of our clients to deliver the highest standard of care for pets and ensure our hospital teams feel safe, respected and supported. We promote a culture of respect and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where every single Petco team member is welcome to bring their most authentic self to work every day and thrive.
• Positivity: Personal relationships are at the heart of our Petco and Vetco Total Care community, creating a culture that is positive, supportive and kind. We believe in nurturing pets and people with the care, respect and empathy they deserve. And while we take our work seriously, we love to have fun— so don’t be surprised to discover birthday celebrations, friendly pranks and spontaneous dance breaks!
• Freedom from Noncompete Contracts: One less thing to stress—we don’t require a noncompete contract from applicants we hire and never have. Veterinarians deserve career freedom and autonomy to grow, and go, where you want. Plus, you’ll be working alongside partners who choose to work for and stay with Vetco Total Care!
• Unconstrained Growth: We’re not looking for one-size-fits-all veterinarians. At Vetco Total Care, we won’t require you to perform procedures or work in ways that don’t help you grow. Tell us what fuels your fire and we’ll help you find your path. Do you find dentistry delightful? Looking to lead? Let’s talk about how you can love what you do and do what you love.
• Local Leadership Support: Your Area Medical Director has your back – always. They’re readily available by phone, Zoom and in-person for medical consultation, surgery scrub-in, career guidance, client advice and hospital team building.
• You Can Be You: Petco and Vetco Total Care hospitals foster a safe and diverse workplace where all people and pets are treated with the utmost care and respect. We want your unique talent and perspective to make us better, not fit a mold. As a hospital partner, you’re invited to participate in Petco’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which provide opportunities for diverse groups to exchange ideas, build connections and promote inclusivity. Learn how our ERGs are making an impact at Petco and within the community.
• Your Voice is Heard: Petco employee feedback directly impacts how we operate and the outcomes we deliver. We listen to hospital teams and Area Medical Directors seek feedback so we can continually enhance the experience for you, your team and patients. Some examples of this include expanded mental health benefits, fertility and adoption benefits, personal liability insurance and new hospital technology such as digital ultrasound and Vetology AI radiology reports.
• Autonomy: VTC doctors have the freedom to practice autonomous medicine within a broader framework. Area medical directors and hospital veterinarians are trusted to determine the diagnostic and care protocols, build treatment plans and select medications based on what is right for their individual patients, and keeping the overall health and wellness front and center.
• Teamwork: You’ll have plenty of support from a team of licensed veterinary technicians, trained vet assistants, a practice manager, and a hospital receptionist to keep your Vetco Total Care hospital running smoothly. We also offer annual performance bonuses to paraprofessionals, rewarding them for all they do.
• Continuous Learning: We’re making sure each Vetco Total Care hospital team has at least one Subject Matter Expert (SME) with special certifications in dentistry and pet nutrition. Plus, our generous Continued Education program keeps your entire hospital team working at the top of their licensure: doctors receive $3500, vet techs receive $1000 and veterinary assistants enjoy a $500 continued education stipend annually.
• No (Sales) Pressure: Bottom line, we don’t have sales quotas on wellness plans, and you’re not pushed to be pushy. Your primary role is to deliver the right care for each pet and pet parent, based on their individual needs.

We also offer one of the most complete benefits packages in the industry to support total wellness for you and your loved ones. Click HERE to explore Petco Total Rewards for full-time doctors.

I’m proud of the ways we’re making life at work better than ever for Vetco Total Care doctors and their staff, reducing stress and creating happier, healthier hospital teams! To learn more about life at work with Vetco Total Care, contact us today.