10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 001-16783

VCA Antech, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	95-4097995
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 12401 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California (Address of principal executive offices)	(I.R.S. employer identification no.) 90064-1022 (Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 571-6500 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share	Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ        No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨        No  þ.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ        No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ        No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨         No  þ.

The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2012, was approximately $1.9 billion, computed by reference to the price of $21.98 per share, the price at which the common equity was last sold on such date as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. For purposes of this computation, it is assumed that the shares beneficially held by directors and officers of the registrant would be deemed to be stock held by affiliates. Non-affiliated common stock outstanding at June 30, 2012 was 84,455,024 shares.

Total common stock outstanding at February 25, 2013 was 88,382,010 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Parts of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 hereof.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Table of Contents

		Page
	PART I
Item 1.	Business	3
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	15
Item 2.	Properties	15
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	15
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	15
	PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	16
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	19
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	38
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	39
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	88
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	88
Item 9B.	Other Information	88
	PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	88
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	88
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	89
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	89
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	89
	PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	89
	Signatures	93

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Company Overview

We are a leading national animal healthcare company operating in the United States and Canada. We provide veterinary services and diagnostic testing to support veterinary care, we sell diagnostic imaging equipment and other medical technology products and related services to the veterinary market and we provide various communication, marketing solutions and other services to the veterinary community.

Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals, as well as specialized treatments including advanced diagnostic services, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and cardiology. In addition, we provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet wellness programs including health examinations, diagnostic testing, routine vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. Our network of animal hospitals is supported by more than 3,000 veterinarians and had approximately 7.4 million patient visits in 2012. Our network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. Our network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories provides diagnostic testing for over 16,000 clients, which includes standard animal hospitals, large animal practices, universities and other government organizations. Our medical technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, and provides consulting and mobile imaging services. Our Vetstreet business, provides services to veterinary practices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the pet owning community. Our services to veterinary practices include subscriptions to our Pro Pet Portals. The Pro Pet Portal provides an online platform for the veterinarian to offer secure individualized portals for pet owners as well as practice websites that are branded to the individual veterinary clinic. We also sell appointment reminder notices that are sent to pet owners on behalf of their clinics. Our services to manufacturers predominately involve targeted marketing programs to animal hospitals whom are subscribers to our Pro Pet Portal.

Our principal executive offices are located at 12401 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. We can be contacted at (310) 571-6500.

Company History

Our company was formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation and has since established a position in the animal healthcare industry through both internal growth and by acquisitions. By our twentieth anniversary in 2006 we operated a total of 379 animal hospitals, 33 laboratories, and a supplier of digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment. Subsequent to 2006, our company continued to grow by adding, additional laboratories, independent animal hospitals, animal hospital chains and other ancillary businesses, the following of which were noteworthy:

• On June 1, 2007, we acquired Healthy Pet Corp. (“Healthy Pet”), which operated 44 animal hospitals and a small laboratory, which primarily serviced its own animal hospitals, as of the acquisition date. This acquisition allowed us to expand our animal hospital operations, particularly in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia and Georgia.

• On July 1, 2009, we acquired Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. (“Eklin”), a leading seller of digital radiography, ultrasound and practice management software systems in the veterinary market. We combined the operations of Eklin with our Sound Technologies, Inc (“STI”) business unit and the resulting combined company is the largest supplier of diagnostic imaging equipment and other medical technology products tailored specifically for the veterinary market.

• On July 1 2010, we acquired Pet DRx Corporation (“Pet DRx”), which operated 23 animal hospitals as of the acquisition date. This acquisition allowed us to expand our animal hospital operations in California.

• On July 11, 2011, we acquired BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart”) which operated nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition will increase our level of market recognition in areas where we have an existing market presence.

• On August 9, 2011, we acquired Vetstreet, Inc., formerly known as MediMedia Animal Health, LLC (“Vetstreet”), the nation’s largest provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. The acquisition of Vetstreet expands the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and is expected to provide long-term synergies to our existing businesses.

• On January 31, 2012 we expanded our operations into Canada with an increased investment in Associate Veterinary Clinics (1984) Limited ("AVC"), which operates 44 hospitals in three Canadian provinces.

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Industry Overview

According to American Pet Products Association, Inc’s. (“APPA”) 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, the United States population of companion animals is approximately 189 million, including about 165 million dogs and cats. APPA estimates that over $30 billion was spent in the United States on pets in 2012 for veterinary care, supplies, medicine and boarding and grooming. The survey indicated that the ownership of pets is widespread with approximately 73 million, or 62%, of U.S. households owning at least one pet, including companion and other animals. Specifically, 46 million households owned at least one dog and 39 million households owned at least one cat.

We believe that among pet owners there is a growing awareness of pet health and wellness, including the benefits of preventive care and specialized services. As technology continues to migrate from the human healthcare sector into the practice of veterinary medicine, more sophisticated treatments, diagnostic tests and equipment are becoming available to treat companion animals. These new and increasingly complex procedures, diagnostic tests, including laboratory testing and advanced imaging, and pharmaceuticals are gaining wider acceptance as pet owners are exposed to these previously unconsidered treatment programs through their exposure with this technology in human healthcare, and through literature and marketing programs sponsored by large pharmaceutical and pet nutrition companies.

Even as treatments available in veterinary medicine become more complex, prices for veterinary services typically remain a low percentage of a pet owner’s income, facilitating payment at the time of service. Unlike the human healthcare industry, providers of veterinary services are not dependent on third-party payers in order to collect fees. As such, providers of veterinary services typically do not have the problems of extended payment collection cycles or pricing pressures from third-party payers faced by human healthcare providers. Outsourced laboratory testing and diagnostic equipment sales are wholesale businesses that collect payments directly from animal hospitals under standard industry payment terms. Fees for services provided in our animal hospitals are due at the time of service. In 2012, over 99% of our animal hospital services were paid at the time of service. In addition, over the past three fiscal years our bad debt expense has averaged less than 1% of total revenue.

The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors, where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of infestation of fleas, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.

Animal Hospital Industry

Animal healthcare is provided predominately by the veterinarian practicing as a sole practitioner, or as part of a larger group practice or hospital. Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries, perform surgeries, provide routine medical exams and prescribe medication. Some veterinarians specialize by type of medicine, such as orthopedics, dentistry, ophthalmology or dermatology. Others focus on a particular type of animal. The principal factors in a pet owner’s decision as to which veterinarian to use include convenient location and hours, personal recommendations, reasonable fees and quality of care.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the U.S. market for veterinary services is highly fragmented with more than 52,000 veterinarians practicing at the end of 2012. We have estimated that there are over 22,000 companion animal hospitals operating at the end of 2012. Although most animal hospitals are single-site, sole-practitioner facilities, we believe veterinarians are gravitating toward larger, multi-doctor animal hospitals that provide state-of-the-art facilities, treatments, methods and pharmaceuticals to enhance the services they can provide their clients.

Well-capitalized animal hospital operators have the opportunity to supplement their internal growth with selective acquisitions. We believe the extremely fragmented animal hospital industry is consolidating due to:

• the choice of some owners of animal hospitals to diversify their investment portfolio by selling all or a portion of their investment in the animal hospital;

• the purchasing, marketing and administrative cost advantages that can be realized by a large, multiple location, multi-doctor veterinary provider;

• the cost of financing equipment purchases and upgrading technology necessary for a successful practice;

• the desire of veterinarians to focus on practicing veterinary medicine, rather than spending large portions of their time performing the administrative tasks necessary to operate an animal hospital; and

• the appeal to many veterinarians of the benefits and flexible work schedule that is not typically available to a sole practitioner or single-site provider.

Diagnostic Laboratory Industry

Veterinarians use laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor illnesses and conditions through the detection of substances in urine, tissue, fecal and blood samples, and other specimens. As is the case with the physician treating a human patient,

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laboratory diagnostic testing is becoming a routine diagnostic tool used by the veterinarian.

Veterinary laboratory tests are performed primarily at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, universities or at animal hospitals using on-site diagnostic equipment. For certain tests, on-site diagnostic equipment can provide more timely results than outside laboratories, but this in-house testing requires the animal hospital or veterinarian to purchase or lease the equipment, maintain and calibrate the equipment periodically to avoid testing errors, employ trained personnel to operate it and purchase testing supplies. Conversely, veterinary diagnostic laboratories can provide a wider range of tests than generally are available on-site at most animal hospitals and do not require any up-front investment on the part of the animal hospital or veterinarian. Leading veterinary diagnostic laboratories also employ highly trained individuals who specialize in the detection and diagnosis of diseases and thus are a valuable resource for the veterinarian.

Our laboratories offer a broad spectrum of standard and customized tests to the veterinary market, convenient sample pick-up times, rapid test reporting and access to professional consulting services provided by trained specialists. Providing the customer with this level of service at competitive prices requires high throughput volumes due to the operating leverage associated with the laboratory business. As a result, larger laboratories are likely to have a competitive advantage relative to smaller laboratories.

We believe that the outsourced laboratory testing market is an integral segment of the animal healthcare industry as a result of:

• the emphasis in veterinary education on diagnostic tests and the trend toward specialization in veterinary medicine, which are causing veterinarians to increasingly rely on tests for more accurate diagnoses;

• the continued technological developments in veterinary medicine, which are increasing the breadth of tests offered; and

• the continued focus on wellness, early detection and monitoring programs in veterinary medicine.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to continue expanding our market leadership in animal healthcare through our Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments. Key elements to our strategy include:

• Capitalizing on our Leading Market Position to Generate Revenue Growth.    Our leading market position in the animal hospital, veterinary laboratory and the online communications markets position us to capitalize on favorable growth trends in the animal healthcare industry. In our animal hospitals, we seek to generate revenue growth by capitalizing on the growing emphasis on pet health and wellness. In our laboratories, we seek to generate revenue growth by taking advantage of the growing number of outsourced diagnostic tests, the opportunities to expand the testing that we provide and by increasing our market share. We continually educate veterinarians on new and existing technologies and tests available to diagnose medical conditions. Further, we leverage the knowledge of our specialists by providing veterinarians with extensive client support in utilizing and understanding these diagnostic tests. Our Medical Technology business seeks to leverage our strengths in the broader veterinary markets by introducing technologies, products and services to the veterinary market. We seek to generate revenue growth by increasing our market share and educating veterinarians on new and existing technologies. In our Vetstreet business, we seek to generate revenue growth by capitalizing on the growing usage of online media to both aid pet owners in diagnosing illnesses and to purchase necessary medications and other pet related products.

• Leveraging Established Infrastructure to Improve Margins.    We intend to leverage our established Animal Hospital and Laboratory infrastructure to increase our operating margins. Due to our established networks and the fixed cost nature of our business model, we are able to realize high margins on incremental revenue from Animal Hospital and Laboratory customers. For example, given that our nationwide transportation network servicing our Laboratory customers is a relatively fixed cost, we are able to achieve significantly higher margins on most incremental tests ordered by the same customer when picked up by our couriers at the same time.

• Utilizing Enterprise-Wide Information Systems to Improve Operating Efficiencies.    Our Laboratory and the majority of our Animal Hospital operations utilize enterprise-wide management information systems. We believe that these common systems enable us to more effectively manage the key operating metrics that drive our business. With the aid of these systems, we seek to standardize pricing, expand the services we provide and increase volume through targeted marketing programs.

• Pursuing Selected Acquisitions.    The fragmentation of the animal hospital industry provides us with significant expansion opportunities in our Animal Hospital segment. Depending upon the attractiveness of the candidates and the strategic fit with our existing operations, we intend to acquire independent animal hospitals each year with aggregate annual revenue of approximately $50 million to $85 million. Our overall acquisition strategy involves the identification of high-quality practices where we can create additional value through the services and scale we can provide. Our typical candidate mirrors the profile of our existing animal hospital base. These acquisitions will be used to both expand

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existing markets and to enter into new geographic areas. In addition, we also evaluate the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. We intend primarily to use cash in our acquisitions but, depending on the timing and amount of our acquisitions, we may use stock or debt.

Business Segments

We report our results of operations through two reportable segments: Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Vetstreet and Medical Technology operating segments did not meet the materiality requirements to be presented as separate reportable segments. Accordingly, they are grouped into an “All Other” category.

Information regarding revenue and operating income, attributable to each of our reportable segments, is included in the Segment Results section within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and within Note 15, Lines of Business, of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Animal Hospital

At December 31, 2012, we operated 609 animal hospitals serving 41 states and three Canadian provinces. Our Animal Hospital revenue accounted for 78%, 77% and 76% of total consolidated revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Services

In addition to general medical and surgical services, we offer specialized treatments for companion animals, including advanced diagnostic services, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and cardiology. We also provide pharmaceutical products for use in the delivery of treatments by our veterinarians and pet owners. Many of our animal hospitals offer additional services, including grooming, bathing and boarding. We also sell specialty pet products at our animal hospitals, including pet food, vitamins, therapeutic shampoos and conditioners, flea collars and sprays, and other accessory products.

Animal Hospital Network

We seek to provide quality care in clean, attractive facilities that are generally open between 10 to 15 hours per day, six to seven days per week. Our typical animal hospital:

• is located in a 4,000 to 6,000 square-foot, freestanding facility in an attractive location;

• has annual revenue between $1 million and $3 million;

• is supported by three to five veterinarians; and

• has an operating history of over 10 years.

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As of December 31, 2012, our network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals had facilities located in the following states and three Canadian provinces:

California	110	Nevada	7
Texas*	48	Minnesota*	6
Washington*	33	New Mexico	6
Florida	30	Hawaii	6
New York*	30	Alaska	5
Massachusetts	27	Delaware	4
Pennsylvania	25	New Hampshire*	4
Illinois	19	Wisconsin	4
Virginia	19	South Carolina	4
Georgia	18	Missouri	3
Colorado	18	Nebraska*	3
Connecticut	16	Rhode Island*	3
Arizona	14	Louisiana*	2
New Jersey*	13	Vermont	2
Indiana	12	Kansas*	2
Ohio	12	Tennessee	2
Oregon*	12	Kentucky	1
Maryland	12	Alabama*	1
Michigan*	11	Utah	1
Oklahoma	8	West Virginia*	1
North Carolina*	8
Alberta, Canada*	21
British Columbia, Canada*	9
Ontario, Canada*	17

* States and Canadian provinces with laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states/provinces we provide management and other administrative services to veterinary practices rather than owning such practices or providing such care.

Marketing

We direct our marketing efforts toward increasing the number of annual visits from existing clients through customer education efforts and toward attracting new clients to our network of hospitals through online and offline initiatives. We inform and educate our clients about pet wellness and quality care through mailings of HealthyPet Magazine, which focuses on pet care and wellness. We also market through targeted demographic mailings regarding specific pet health issues and collateral health material made available at each animal hospital. With these internal marketing programs, we seek to leverage our existing customer base by increasing the number and intensity of the services received during each visit. We send reminder notices to increase awareness of the advantages of regular, comprehensive veterinary medical care, including preventive care such as early disease detection exams, vaccinations, dental screening and geriatric care. We also have expanded our online capabilities both internally and through our acquisition of Vetstreet. Our internal efforts involve offering increased convenience for our clients to book appointments or find detailed health related materials on our hospital websites. We also enter into referral arrangements with local pet shops, humane societies and veterinarians to increase our client base. We seek to obtain referrals from veterinarians by promoting our specialized diagnostic and treatment capabilities to veterinarians and veterinary practices that cannot offer their clients these services. Through our acquisition and integration of Vetstreet, we will be able to provide more robust health and wellness information to the pet owning community that we expect will attract additional clients to both VCA and non-VCA hospitals.

Personnel

Our animal hospitals generally employ a staff of between 20 and 30 full-time-equivalent employees, depending upon the facility’s size and customer base. The staff includes administrative and technical support personnel, three to five veterinarians, and a hospital manager who supervises the day-to-day activities of the facility.

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We actively recruit qualified veterinarians and technicians and are committed to supporting continuing education for our professional staff. We operate post-graduate teaching programs for veterinarians at 27 of our facilities, which train approximately 161 veterinarians each year. We believe that these programs enhance our reputation in the veterinary profession and further our ability to continue to recruit the most talented veterinarians.

We seek to establish an environment that supports the veterinarian in the delivery of quality medicine and fosters professional growth through increased patient flow and a diverse case mix, continuing education, state-of-the-art equipment and access to specialists. We believe our animal hospitals offer attractive employment opportunities to veterinarians because of our professional environment, competitive compensation, management opportunities, employee benefits not generally available to a sole practitioner, flexible work schedules that accommodate personal lifestyles and the ability to relocate to different regions of the country.

We have established a medical advisory board to support our operations. Our advisory board, under the direction of our Chief Medical Officer, recommends medical standards for our network of animal hospitals and is comprised of veterinarians recognized for their outstanding knowledge and reputations in the veterinary field. Our advisory board members represent both the different geographic regions in which we operate and the medical specialties practiced by our veterinarians; and three members are faculty members at highly-ranked veterinary colleges. Additionally, our regional medical directors, a group of highly experienced veterinarians, are also closely involved in the development and implementation of our medical programs.

Laboratory

We operate a full-service, veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our Laboratory revenue accounted for 16%, 18% and 20% of total consolidated revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We service a diverse customer base of over 16,000 clients including animal hospitals we operate, which accounted for 16%, 14% and 12% of total Laboratory revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Services

Our diagnostic spectrum includes over 300 different tests in the area of chemistry, pathology, endocrinology, serology, hematology and microbiology, as well as tests specific to particular diseases. We do not conduct experiments on animals.

Although modified to address the particular requirements of the species tested, the tests performed in our veterinary laboratories are similar to those performed in human clinical laboratories and utilize similar laboratory equipment and technologies. We believe that the growing concern for animal health, combined with the movement of veterinary medicine toward increasing specialization, may result in the migration of additional areas of human testing into the veterinary field.

Given the recent advancements in veterinary medical technology and the increased breadth and depth of knowledge required for the practice of veterinary medicine, many veterinarians solicit the knowledge and experience of our specialists to interpret test results to aid in the diagnosis of illnesses and to suggest possible treatment alternatives. Our diagnostic experts include veterinarians, chemists and other scientists with expertise in pathology, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology and endocrinology. Because of our specialists involvement, we believe the quality of our service further distinguishes our laboratory services as a premiere service provider.

Laboratory Network

At December 31, 2012, we operated 55 veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Our laboratory network includes:

• primary hubs that are open 24 hours per day and offer a full-testing menu;

• secondary laboratories that are open 24 hours per day and offer a wide-testing menu servicing large metropolitan areas; and

• short-term assessment and treatment (“STAT”) laboratories that service other locations with demand sufficient to warrant nearby laboratory facilities and are open primarily during daytime hours.

We connect our laboratories to our customers with what we believe is the industry’s largest transportation network, picking up requisitions daily through an extensive network of drivers and independent couriers. Customers outside our transportation network use FedEx to send specimens to our laboratory just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, which permits rapid and cost-efficient testing because of the proximity to the primary sorting facility of FedEx.

In 2012, we derived approximately 85% of our Laboratory revenue from major metropolitan areas, where we offer twice-a-day pick-up service and same-day results. In addition, in these areas we generally offer to report results within three hours of pick-up. Outside of these areas, we typically provide test results to veterinarians before 8:00 a.m. the day following pick-up.

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Sales, Marketing and Client Service

Our full-time sales and field-service representatives market laboratory services and maintain relationships with existing customers. Our sales force is compensated via salary plus commission and organized along geographic regions. We support our sales efforts by strengthening our industry-leading team of specialists, developing marketing literature, attending trade shows, participating in trade associations and providing educational services to veterinarians. Our client-service representatives respond to customer inquiries, provide test results and, when appropriate, introduce the customer to other services offered by the laboratory.

Personnel

Each of our primary and secondary laboratory locations includes a manager, supervisors for each department and personnel for laboratory testing. In addition, we employ or contract with specialists to interpret test results to assist veterinarians in the diagnosis of illnesses and to suggest possible treatment alternatives.

We actively recruit qualified personnel and are committed to supporting continuing education for our professional staff. We have internal training programs for routine testing procedures to improve the skill level of our technicians and to improve the overall capacity of our existing staff. We sponsor various internship and certain other educational programs. These programs serve to build awareness of our company with students, who may seek employment with our company following graduation.

Systems

We use an enterprise-wide management information system to support our Animal Hospital operations. We decide whether or not to place newly acquired animal hospitals on this network based on a cost-benefit analysis. In addition, a majority of our animal hospitals utilize consistent patient accounting/point-of-sale software and we are able to track performance of hospitals on a per-service, per-veterinarian and per-client basis.

We use an enterprise-wide management information system to support our veterinary laboratories. All of our financial data, customer records and laboratory results are stored in computer databases. Laboratory technicians and specialists are able to electronically access test results from remote testing sites. Our software gathers data in a data warehouse enabling us to provide expedient results via fax or through our Internet online resulting system.

Competition

The companion animal healthcare industry is highly competitive and subject to continual change in the manner in which services are delivered and providers are selected. We believe that the primary factors influencing a customer’s selection of an animal hospital are convenient location and hours, personal recommendations, reasonable fees and quality of care. Our primary competitors for our animal hospitals in most markets are individual practitioners or small, regional multi-clinic practices. In addition, some national companies in the pet care industry, including the operators of super-stores, are developing networks of animal hospitals in markets that include our animal hospitals. We also compete with sellers of pet-related products and diagnostic services delivered via the Internet. As we progress in our integration of Vetstreet we expect to position ourselves and other independent animal hospitals to better compete in the online market.

Among veterinary diagnostic laboratories, we believe that quality, price, specialist support and the time required to deliver results are the major competitive factors. There are many clinical laboratories that provide a broad range of diagnostic testing services in the same markets serviced by us, and we also face competition from several providers of on-site diagnostic equipment that allows veterinarians to perform various testing. Our principal competitor in most geographic locations in the United States is IDEXX Laboratories.

Our Vetstreet business operates in the online communication, professional education and marketing business within the animal healthcare industry. We believe that the primary factors influencing a customer's selection of a company which provides services such as Vetstreet to be price, breadth of product offering and ease of integration with existing systems. The competitive landscape in this business changed during the latter part of 2012. Specifically, four competitors launched product offerings similar to Vetstreet's. We consider three of the four to be direct competitors. Vetstreet’s main competition in this space is IDEXX, Demand Force, and ePet Health.

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Government Regulation

Certain states and provinces have laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be either wholly-owned or majority-owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not wholly-owned or majority-owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states and provinces, we provide management and other administrative services to veterinary practices rather than owning such practices or providing such care. We provide management and other administrative services to veterinary practices located in these states and provinces.

At December 31, 2012, we provided management and administrative services to 177 animal hospitals in 15 states, and 47 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, under a variety of ownership structures and/or management agreements with these veterinary practices. We consolidate these veterinary practices for financial reporting purposes. Although we have structured our operations to comply with our understanding of the veterinary medicine laws of each state and province in which we operate, interpretive legal precedent and regulatory guidance varies by jurisdiction and is often sparse and not fully developed. A determination that we are in violation of applicable restrictions on the practice of veterinary medicine in any jurisdiction in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our operations, particularly if we were unable to restructure our operations to comply with the requirements of that jurisdiction.

In addition, all of the states in which we operate impose various registration requirements. To fulfill these requirements, we have registered each of our facilities with appropriate governmental agencies and, where required, have appointed a licensed veterinarian to act on behalf of each facility. All veterinarians practicing in our animal hospitals are required to maintain valid state licenses to practice.

Our acquisitions may be subject to pre-merger or post-merger review by governmental authorities for anti-trust and other legal compliance. Adverse regulatory action could negatively affect our operations through the assessment of fines or penalties against us or the possible requirement of divestiture of one or more of our operations.

Employees

At December 31, 2012 we employed or managed on behalf of the professional corporations to which we provide services approximately 10,500 full-time-equivalent employees. At that date, none of these employees were a party to a collective bargaining agreement.

Availability of Our Reports Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)

We maintain a website with the address http://investor.vcaantech.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file that material with, or furnish that material to, the SEC.

The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Copies of our reports filed electronically with the SEC may be accessed on the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. The public may also read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Various sections of this annual report contain forward-looking statements, all of which are based on current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described below and throughout this annual report. Our actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

Changes in the demand for our products and services could negatively affect our operating results.

The frequency of visits to our animal hospitals has declined and may continue to decline. We believe that the frequency of visits is impacted by consumer spending habits, which are affected by a number of factors, including among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. Over the past several years these factors have caused consumer spending to deteriorate significantly and they may cause levels of spending to remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Changes in consumer spending habits may cause pet owners to elect to skip or defer visits to veterinary hospitals, affect their willingness to approve certain diagnostic tests, comply with a treatment plan, forgo expensive treatment options, or defer treatment for their pets altogether. Additionally, the frequency of visits to our animal hospitals and the number of diagnostic tests performed by our laboratories, may be negatively impacted as a result of preventative care and better pet nutrition. Demand for vaccinations will be impacted in the future as protocols for vaccinations change. Our veterinarians establish their own vaccine protocols. Some of our

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veterinarians have changed their protocols and others may change their protocols in light of recent and/or future literature. The demand for our products and services may also decline as a result of the eradication or substantial declines in the prevalence of certain diseases. Also, many pet-related products traditionally sold at animal hospitals have become more widely available in retail stores and other channels of distribution, including the Internet, resulting in a decline in demand for these products at our animal hospitals. All of the foregoing may result in a decrease in sales of our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

The significant competition in the companion animal healthcare industry could result in a decrease in our prices, an increase in our acquisition costs, a loss of market share and could materially affect our revenue and profitability.

The companion animal healthcare industry is highly competitive with few barriers to entry. To compete successfully, we may be required to reduce prices, increase our acquisition and operating costs or take other measures that could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, margins and cash flow. In addition, if we are unable to compete successfully, we may lose market share.

A significant component of our annual growth strategy includes the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. The competition for animal hospital acquisitions from small national and regional multi-clinic companies may cause us to increase the amount we pay to acquire additional animal hospitals and may result in fewer acquisitions than anticipated by our growth strategy. If we are unable to acquire a requisite number of animal hospitals annually or if our acquisition costs increase, we may be unable to effectively implement our growth strategy and realize anticipated economies of scale.

Some national companies in the pet care industry, including the operators of super-stores, are developing networks of animal hospitals in markets that include our animal hospitals; this may cause us to reduce prices to remain competitive. Reducing prices may have an adverse effect on our Animal Hospital revenue, alternatively not reducing prices may cause us to lose market share.

We compete with clinical laboratory companies in the same markets we service. These companies have acquired additional laboratories in the markets in which we operate and may continue their expansion, and aggressively “bundle” their products and services to compete with us. Increased competition may adversely affect our Laboratory revenue and margins. Several other national companies develop and sell on-site diagnostic equipment that allows veterinarians to perform their own laboratory tests. Growth of the on-site diagnostic testing market may have an adverse effect on our Laboratory revenue.

Our medical technology business is a leader in the market for medical imaging equipment in the animal healthcare industry. Our primary competitors are companies that are much larger than us and have substantially greater capital, manufacturing, marketing and research and development resources than we do, including companies such as Siemens Medical Systems, Philips Medical Systems and Canon Medical Systems. The success of our medical technology business, in part, is due to its focus on the veterinary market, which allows it to differentiate its products and services to meet the unique needs of this market. If this market receives more focused attention from these larger competitors, we may find it difficult to compete and as a result our revenues and operating margins from this business could decline.

If we are unable to effectively execute our growth strategy, we may not achieve our desired economies of scale and our profitability may decline.

Our success depends in part on our ability to increase our revenue and operating income through a balanced program of organic growth initiatives and selective acquisitions of established animal hospitals, laboratories and related businesses. If we cannot implement or effectively execute on this strategy, our results of operations will be adversely affected. Even if we effectively implement our growth strategy, we may not achieve the economies of scale that we have experienced in the past or that we anticipate occurring in the future. We experienced a decline in same-store revenue growth in our animal hospitals for ten consecutive quarters, which ended during 2011, when we experienced an increase in same-store revenue growth in our third and fourth quarters. Our Laboratory growth has also been affected and became negative during certain quarters of the three year period ending December 31, 2012. Our Animal Hospital same-store revenue, adjusted for differences in business days, has fluctuated between a decline of 3.2% and growth of 1.2% for 2008 through 2012. Our Laboratory internal revenue growth, adjusted for differences in billing days, has fluctuated between 0% and 3.6% over the same years. Our internal growth may continue to fluctuate and may be below our historical rates. Any reduction in the rate of our internal growth may cause our revenue and operating income to decrease. Investors should not assume that our historical growth rates are reliable indicators of results in future periods.

Due to the fixed cost nature of our business, fluctuations in our revenue could adversely affect our gross profit, operating income and margins.

A substantial portion of our expense, particularly rent and personnel costs, are fixed and are based in part on expectations of revenue. We may be unable to reduce spending in a timely manner to compensate for any significant fluctuations in our revenue. Accordingly, shortfalls in revenue may adversely affect our gross profit, operating income and margins.

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We may experience difficulties hiring skilled veterinarians due to shortages that could disrupt our business.

From time to time we experience shortages of skilled veterinarians in some regional markets in which we operate animal hospitals which may require us to enhance wages and benefits to recruit and retain enough qualified veterinarians to adequately staff our animal hospitals. If our labor costs increase, we may not be able to raise our rates for our products and services to offset these increased costs. Our failure to recruit and retain qualified veterinarians, or to control our labor costs, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Any failure in our information technology systems, disruption in our transportation network or failure to receive supplies could significantly increase testing turn-around time, reduce our production capacity and otherwise disrupt our operations.

Our Laboratory operations depend on the continued and uninterrupted performance of our information technology systems and transportation network, including overnight delivery services provided by FedEx. Sustained system failures or interruption in our transportation network could disrupt our ability to process laboratory requisitions, perform testing, provide test results in a timely manner and/or bill the appropriate party. We could lose customers and revenue as a result of a system or transportation network failure. In addition, any change in government regulation related to transportation samples or specimens could also have an impact on our business.

Our computer systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including telecommunications failures, electricity brownouts or blackouts, malicious human acts and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security measures, some of our servers are potentially vulnerable to digital break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. Despite the precautions we have taken, unanticipated problems affecting our systems could cause interruptions in our information technology systems. Our insurance policies may not adequately compensate us for any losses that may occur due to any failures in our systems.

Our Laboratory operations depend on a limited number of employees to upgrade and maintain its customized computer systems. If we were to lose the services of some or all of these employees, it may be time-consuming for new employees to become familiar with our systems, and we may experience disruptions in service during these periods.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. Some of these suppliers are smaller companies with limited capital resources and some of the products that we purchase from these suppliers are proprietary, and, therefore, cannot be readily or easily replaced by alternative suppliers. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and/or supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and/or supplies for an extended period of time will disrupt our ability to deliver products and provide services in a timely manner, could result in the loss of customers, and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Difficulties integrating new acquisitions may impose increased costs, loss of customers and a decline in operating margins and profitability and other risks that we may not anticipate.

Our success depends in part on our ability to timely and cost-effectively acquire, and integrate into our business, additional animal hospitals, laboratories and related businesses. In 2012, we acquired 79 animal hospitals, including 44 with the acquisition of AVC, one laboratory and ThinkPets. In 2011, we acquired 27 animal hospitals, including nine with the acquisition of BrightHeart, one laboratory and Vetstreet. In 2010, we acquired 50 animal hospitals, including 23 with the acquisition of Pet DRx. We expect to continue our animal hospital acquisition program and, if presented with favorable opportunities, we may acquire animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses. Our expansion into new territories and new business segments creates the risk that we will be unsuccessful in the integration of the acquired businesses that are new to our operations. Any difficulties in the integration process could result in increased expense, loss of customers and a decline in operating margins and profitability. In some cases, we have experienced delays and increased costs in integrating acquired businesses, particularly where we acquire a large number of animal hospitals in a single region at or about the same time. We also could experience delays in converting the systems of acquired businesses into our systems, which could result in increased staff and payroll expense to collect our results as well as delays in reporting our results, both for a particular region and on a consolidated basis. Further, the legal and business environment prevalent in new territories and with respect to new businesses may pose risks that we do not anticipate and adversely impact our ability to integrate newly acquired operations. In addition, our field management may spend a greater amount of time integrating these new businesses and less time managing our existing businesses. During these periods, there may be less attention directed to marketing efforts or staffing issues, which could affect our revenue and expense. For all of these reasons, our historical success in integrating acquired businesses is not a reliable indicator of our ability to do so in the future.

The carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets could be subject to an impairment write-down.

At December 31, 2012, our consolidated balance sheet reflected $1.3 billion of goodwill and $94.8 million of other intangible assets, constituting a substantial portion of our total assets of $2.1 billion at that date. We expect that the aggregate amount of goodwill and other intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet will increase as a result of future acquisitions.

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We continually evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that suggest that the fair value of our other intangible assets or each of our reporting units are below their respective carrying values. The determination that the fair value of our intangible assets or one of our reporting units is less than its carrying value would result in an impairment write-down. The impairment write-down would be reflected as expense and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations during the period in which we recognize the expense.

Our estimated fair values are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles related to fair value and utilize valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums, which are based upon the best available market information and are consistent with our long-term strategic plans. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount rates will not deteriorate or that we will not incur additional impairment charges. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods.

We require a significant amount of cash to service our debt and expand our business as planned.

We have, and will continue to have, a substantial amount of debt. Our substantial amount of debt requires us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to service interest and principal payments on our debt, thereby reducing the funds available for use for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Our failure to satisfy covenants in our debt instruments will cause a default under those instruments.

In addition to imposing restrictions on our business and operations, our debt instruments include a number of covenants relating to financial ratios and tests. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of these covenants would result in a default under these instruments. An event of default would permit our lenders and other debtholders to declare all amounts borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we are unable to repay debt to our senior lenders, these lenders and other debtholders could proceed against our assets.

Our debt instruments may adversely affect our ability to run our business.

Our substantial amount of debt, as well as the guarantees of our subsidiaries and the security interests in our assets and those of our subsidiaries, could impair our ability to operate our business effectively and may limit our ability to take advantage of business opportunities. For example, our senior credit facility may:

• limit our ability to borrow additional funds or to obtain other financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments and general corporate purposes;

• limit our ability to dispose of our assets, create liens on our assets or to extend credit;

• make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and reduce our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions;

• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or industry;

• place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors with less debt; and

• restrict our ability to pay dividends, repurchase or redeem our capital stock or debt, or merge or consolidate with another entity.

The terms of our senior credit facility allow us, under specified conditions, to incur further indebtedness, which would heighten the foregoing risks. If compliance with our debt obligations materially hinders our ability to operate our business and adapt to changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results may suffer.

Any failure by the manufacturers of our medical imaging equipment, failure in our ability to develop functional and cost-effective software for our products, or any product malfunctions could result in a decline in customer purchases and a reduction in our revenue and profitability.

We do not develop or manufacture the medical imaging equipment that we distribute, except for the software component of our digital radiography machines. Our business in large part is dependent upon distribution agreements with the manufacturers of the equipment, the ability of those manufacturers to produce desirable equipment and to keep pace with advances in technology, our ability to develop cost-effective, functional, and user-friendly software for the digital radiography machines, and the overall rate of new development within the industry. If the distribution agreements terminate or are not renewed, if the manufacturers breach their covenants under these agreements, if the equipment manufactured by these manufacturers or our software becomes less competitive or if there is a general decrease in the rate of new development within the industry, demand for our products and services would decrease.

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Manufacturing flaws, component failures, design defects, or inadequate disclosure of product-related information could result in an unsafe condition or injury. These problems could result in product liability claims and lawsuits alleging that our products have resulted or could result in an unsafe condition or injury. In addition, an adverse event involving one of our products could result in reduced market acceptance and demand for all of our products, and could harm our reputation and our ability to market our products in the future. Any of the foregoing problems could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our use of self-insurance, self-insured retention and high-deductible insurance programs to cover certain claims for losses suffered and costs or expenses incurred could negatively impact our business upon the occurrence of an uninsured and/or significant event.

We self-insure and use high retention or high-deductible insurance programs with regard to property risks, general, professional and employment practice liabilities, health benefits, and workers’ compensation. In the event that the frequency of losses we experience increases unexpectedly, the aggregate of those losses could materially increase our liability and adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations. In addition, we have made certain judgments as to the limits on our existing insurance coverage that we believe are in line with industry standards, as well as in light of economic and availability considerations. If we experience losses above these limits it could materially adversely affect our financial and business condition.

If we fail to comply with governmental regulations applicable to our business, various governmental agencies may impose fines, institute litigation or preclude us from operating in certain states.

Certain states and provinces have laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. At December 31, 2012, we provided management and administrative services to 177 animal hospitals in 15 states and 47 animal hospital in three Canadian provinces, under management agreements with these veterinary practices, including 48 practices in Texas, 33 in Washington, and 30 in New York. We may experience difficulty in expanding our operations into other states or provinces with similar laws, rules and regulations. Although we have structured our operations to comply with our understanding of the veterinary medicine laws of each state and province in which we operate, interpretive legal precedent and regulatory guidance varies by jurisdiction and is often sparse and not fully developed. A determination that we are in violation of applicable restrictions on the practice of veterinary medicine in any jurisdiction in which we operate, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if we are unable to restructure our operations to comply with the requirements of that jurisdiction.

All of the states in which we operate impose various registration requirements. To fulfill these requirements, we have registered each of our facilities with appropriate governmental agencies and, where required, have appointed a licensed veterinarian to act on behalf of each facility. All veterinarians practicing in our animal hospitals are required to maintain valid state licenses to practice.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our operating results.

We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risk in Canada as we recently expanded our animal hospital operations and now operate 47 animal hospitals in three provinces, and operate four laboratories, that create market risk associated with changes in the value of the Canadian dollar. Currency exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis as a result of a number of factors and cannot easily be predicted. To date, we have not hedged against foreign currency fluctuations; however, we may pursue hedging alternatives in the future. Our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows therefore could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar.

Our international operations may result in additional market risks, which may harm our business.

We operate over 40 animal hospitals and four laboratories in Canada as of December 31, 2012. As these operations grow, they may require greater management and financial resources. Internal operations require the integration of personnel with varying cultural and business backgrounds and an understanding of the relevant differences in the cultural, legal and regulatory environments. Our results may be increasingly affected by the risks of our international operations, including:

• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

• Changes in internal staffing and employment issues,

• Failure to understand the local culture and market, and

• The burden of complying with foreign laws, including tax laws and financial accounting standards.

14

Changes in regulations or user concerns regarding privacy and protection of user data could adversely affect our business.

Vetstreet offers e-commerce services to veterinary practices through the Pro Pet Portal, and engages in e-commerce through the Vetstreet.com website. Federal, state and international laws and regulations may govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of data that we receive from customers, visitors to the websites of our customers, and others. In addition, we have and post on our website our own privacy policy concerning the collection, use and disclosure of user data. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with our posted privacy policies or with any privacy-related laws, government regulations or directives, or industry self-regulatory principles could result in damage to our reputation, or proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or otherwise, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Los Angeles, California, in approximately 50,000 square feet of leased space. At February 25, 2013, we leased or owned facilities at 715 other locations that house our animal hospitals, laboratories, our medical technology business, and our Vetstreet business. We own 147 facilities and the remainder are leased. We believe that our real property facilities are adequate for our current needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WOOF.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share for our common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the periods indicated.

	High		Low
Fiscal 2012 by Quarter
Fourth	$	21.44	$	18.42
Third	$	23.21	$	17.56
Second	$	26.00	$	20.04
First	$	23.41	$	19.22
Fiscal 2011 by Quarter
Fourth	$	21.55	$	14.73
Third	$	22.09	$	15.00
Second	$	25.57	$	19.05
First	$	26.29	$	22.44

At February 25, 2013, there were 291 holders of record of our common stock.

The following graph sets forth the percentage change in cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2012. These periods are compared with the cumulative returns of the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S. Companies) Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2007 in our common stock and in each of the foregoing indices. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

16

*$100 invested on 12/31/07 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.

	12/07	12/08	12/09	12/10	12/11	12/12
VCA Antech, Inc.	100.00	44.95	56.34	52.66	44.65	47.59
NASDAQ Composite	100.00	59.03	82.25	97.32	98.63	110.78
Russell 2000	100.00	66.21	84.20	106.82	102.36	119.09

Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our senior credit facility places limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends in respect of our common stock. Specifically, our senior credit facility dated August 16, 2011 prohibits us from declaring, ordering, paying, or setting apart any sum for any dividends or other distributions on account of any shares of any class of stock, other than dividends payable solely in shares of stock to holders of such class of stock. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends on our common stock will be restricted by these limitations, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors, including the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits.

Transactions in Our Equity Securities

For the period covered by this report, we have not engaged in any transactions involving the sale of our unregistered equity securities that were not disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K. We have not engaged in any sales of registered securities for which the use of proceeds is required to be disclosed. This table provides certain information with respect to our purchases of shares of our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2012:

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				Total Number of	Approximate Dollar
	Total Number	Average		Shares Purchased as	Value of Shares That
	of Shares	Price Paid		Part of Publicly	May Yet Be Purchased
Period	Purchased(1)	Per Share		Announced Plan	Under the Plan
March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012	27,477	$	22.61	—	$	—
May 1, 2012 to May 31, 2012	29,202	$	23.79	—	$	—
June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012	106,701	$	20.53	—	$	—
August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2012	3,332	$	18.63	—	$	—
September 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012	18,347	$	20.19	—	$	—
November 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012	218,395	$	19.67	—	$	—
	403,454	$	20.90	—	$	—

⁽¹⁾    This column reflects the surrender to us of shares of common stock to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and stock option awards issued to employees.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table provides our selected consolidated financial data as of and for each of the years in the five- year period ended December 31, 2012. The income statement and cash flow data and the other data for each of the three years ended December 31, 2012, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 has been derived from our financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The other periods presented were derived from our financial statements that are not included in this Form 10-K.

The selected financial data presented below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this 10-K.

	December 31,
	2012				2011			2010			2009			2008
					(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Income Statement Data:
Animal Hospital revenue(1)	$	1,331,314			$	1,150,120		$	1,052,462		$	994,215		$	959,395
Laboratory revenue	327,801				316,797			310,654			310,057			306,891
All Other revenue(2)	112,960				80,430			64,013			48,557			49,238
Intercompany revenue	(72,433		)		(61,986		)	(45,661		)	(38,322		)	(38,054		)
Total revenue	1,699,642				1,485,361			1,381,468			1,314,507			1,277,470
Direct costs	1,324,668				1,146,904			1,050,304			973,275			934,996
Gross profit	374,974				338,457			331,164			341,232			342,474
Selling, general and administrative expense(3)	157,155				121,112			123,541			95,669			90,564
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets(4)	123,573				21,310			—			—			—
Net loss on sale of assets	1,310				382			374			4,035			234
Operating income(4)	92,936				195,653			207,249			241,528			251,676
Interest expense, net	16,552				16,884			13,630			21,466			28,559
Debt retirement costs	—				2,764			2,131			—			—
Business combination adjustment gain	(5,719		)	—	—			—			—			—
Other (income) expense	(488		)		118			(772		)	(104		)	(212		)
Income before provision for income taxes	82,591				175,887			192,260			220,166			223,329
Provision for income taxes(4)(5)	31,875				76,027			78,102			84,580			86,219
Net income	50,716				99,860			114,158			135,586			137,110
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,165				4,455			3,915			4,158			4,126
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551			$	95,405		$	110,243		$	131,428		$	132,984
Basic earnings per share	$	0.52			$	1.10		$	1.28		$	1.54		$	1.57
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.51			$	1.09		$	1.27		$	1.53		$	1.55
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	87,681				86,606			86,049			85,077			84,455
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	88,671				87,394			87,051			86,097			85,700

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	December 31,
	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(in thousands, except percentages)
Other Financial Data:
Consolidated gross margin	22.1		%	22.8		%	24.0		%	26.0		%	26.8		%
Animal Hospital gross margin	14.2		%	15.6		%	16.4		%	18.5		%	19.2		%
Laboratory gross margin	46.3		%	45.4		%	45.8		%	46.3		%	46.6		%
All Other gross margin	34.3		%	26.1		%	30.1		%	32.6		%	35.6		%
Consolidated operating margin(1)(4)	5.5		%	13.2		%	15.1		%	18.4		%	19.7		%
Animal Hospital operating margin	11.7		%	13.5		%	14.1		%	16.3		%	16.9		%
Laboratory operating margin	37.3		%	36.6		%	37.3		%	38.9		%	39.9		%
All Other operating margin(2)(4)	(108.2		)%	(24.2		)%	7.3		%	6.1		%	10.8		%
Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	237,253		$	191,051		$	168,073		$	183,471		$	197,308
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(219,258	)	$	(271,310	)	$	(150,174	)	$	(130,760	)	$	(210,713	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(13,514	)	$	47,004		$	(66,142	)	$	3,467		$	(8,400	)
Capital expenditures	$	(76,807	)	$	(63,485	)	$	(61,951	)	$	(50,801	)	$	(55,045	)
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	68,435		$	63,651		$	97,126		$	145,181		$	88,959
Goodwill	$	1,291,231		$	1,237,607		$	1,092,480		$	985,674		$	922,057
Total assets	$	2,091,580		$	1,995,368		$	1,766,422		$	1,627,404		$	1,449,038
Long-term debt	$	630,643		$	618,853		$	527,036		$	545,055		$	552,631
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity	$	1,183,503		$	1,107,878		$	998,924		$	875,047		$	710,989

⁽¹⁾  On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC"), becoming the sole non-veterinary shareholder. Accordingly, we now consolidate their results into our own. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals.

On July 11, 2011, we acquired BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart”), which operated nine animal hospitals as of the acquisition date.

On July 1, 2010, we acquired Pet DRx Corporation, which operated 23 animal hospitals as of the acquisition date.

On July 1, 2009, we acquired Eklin, a supplier of digital radiography equipment to the veterinary industry.

⁽²⁾  On February 1, 2012, we acquired ThinkPet's, Inc. ("ThinkPets"), which was merged into our existing Vetstreet business. ThinkPets was previously a competitor of Vetstreet.

On August 9, 2011, we acquired Vetstreet, a provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community.

On July 1, 2009, we acquired Eklin, a supplier of digital radiography equipment to the veterinary industry.

⁽³⁾  In 2010, our SG&A, operating income and operating margin were unfavorably impacted by a $14.5 million accrual related to consulting and Supplemental Executive Retirement Program ("SERP") amounts to be paid in accordance with consulting and SERP agreements entered into on June 30, 2010.

⁽⁴⁾  In 2012, our operating income and operating margin were unfavorably impacted by a $123.6 million non-cash impairment charge. The charge was primarily attributable to impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets, related to our Vetstreet business, included in our All Other segments category. Our operating income was also impacted by a $3.1 million out-of-period adjustment to depreciation expense related to our acquired capital leases. These charges impacted our 2012 consolidated operating margin by 7.5%.

In 2011, our operating income and operating margin was unfavorably impacted by a $21.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, related to our medical technology business. The charge impacted our 2011 operating margin by 1.4%.    

⁽⁵⁾  The 2012 provision for income taxes was impacted by the tax effect of the impairment charge, mentioned above.

The 2010 provision for income taxes includes the recognition of $5.4 million, or $3.5 million net of tax, related to

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additional state tax payments required as a result of a tax settlement reached.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements provided under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K. We have included herein statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We generally identify forward-looking statements in this report using words like “believe,” “intend,” “seek,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “should plan,” “project,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or similar expressions. You may find some of these statements below and elsewhere in this report. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report will be important in determining future results. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual future results may vary materially. Factors that may result in these forward-looking statements in being different than reflected in this report are described throughout this annual report and particularly in “Risk Factors” Part I, Item 1A of this annual report on Form 10-K.

The forward-looking information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K is as of March 1, 2013, and we undertake no duty to update this information. Shareholders and prospective investors can find information filed with the SEC after March 1, 2013, at our website at http://investor.vcaantech.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Overview

We are a leading North American animal healthcare company. We provide veterinary services and diagnostic testing services to support veterinary care and we sell diagnostic imaging equipment and other medical technology products and related services to veterinarians. We also provide both online and printed communications, education and information, and analytical based marketing solutions to the veterinary community.

Our reportable segments are as follows:

• Our Animal Hospital segment operates the largest network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals in the nation. Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. We treat diseases and injuries, offer pharmaceutical and retail products and perform a variety of pet wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, routine vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At December 31, 2012, our animal hospital network consisted of 609 animal hospitals in 41 states and three Canadian provinces.

• Our Laboratory segment operates the largest network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the nation. Our laboratories provide sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At December 31, 2012, our laboratory network consisted of 55 laboratories serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada.

Our “All Other” category includes the results of our Medical Technologies and Vetstreet operating segments. Each of these segments did not meet the materiality thresholds to be reported individually.

The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of flea infestation, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.

Executive Overview

The slow economic recovery continues to have an adverse impact on our organic revenue growth and our profitability. Consumer spending habits, including spending for pet healthcare, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. These factors continue to impact consumer spending and may continue to cause levels of spending to remain depressed for the foreseeable future. Additionally, these factors may cause pet owners to elect to defer expensive treatment options or to forgo treatment for their pets altogether. During 2010, continuing through 2012, we experienced a decline in the number of visits to our animal hospitals and the number of orders placed. During 2012, we saw gradual improvement in our Animal Hospital same-store revenue and number of visits as well as improvement in our Laboratory internal revenue growth, requisitions, and related gross profit margin. Our consolidated gross profit margin however, still declined due to deleveraging as a result of increased labor costs in our Animal Hospital segment and lower gross profit margins on our acquired businesses.

We believe that our ability to maintain or increase margins in 2013 will be dependent on organic revenue growth rates.

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We plan to continue our growth strategy of acquiring individual animal hospitals and maintain our strong emphasis on expense management. However, our ability to return to our historical margins will be dependent on increases in same-store revenue growth in our animal hospitals and successful integration of our acquired businesses.

Financing Transaction

On January 25, 2012 we amended our Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2011. The amendment replenishes the aggregate amount of uncommitted incremental facilities available under our senior credit facility to a maximum of $100 million, after giving effect to the funding of $50 million of new term loan commitments on January 24, 2012, which were drawn in connection with the additional investment made in Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC"), detailed below.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairments

Following our October 31, 2012 annual impairment test, we recorded a goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charge in our Vetstreet reporting unit of $122.4 million, $78.5 million net of tax or $0.89 per diluted share. We significantly lowered our revised forecasted cash flows for the Vetstreet reporting unit primarily as a result of continued operational delays in part due to our upgrading and migration of Vetstreet's information technology systems from their former parent MediMedia, to their own Corporate data center, and less than anticipated financial performance for fiscal 2012, including with respect to revenue and operating cash flow. Our revised forecasted cash flows were also lowered related to a change in Vetstreet's overall business strategy and to reflect the impact of increased competition. These cumulative changes to our financial projections reduced the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, its goodwill and other long-lived assets below its carrying value at October 31, 2012.

Acquisitions

Our annual growth strategy includes the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. In addition, we also evaluate the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. In 2012, we acquired 35 independent animal hospitals with annual revenue of $83.5 million and increased our investment in a chain of 44 animal hospitals with annual revenue of $93.8 million. The following table summarizes the changes in the number of facilities operated by our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Animal hospitals:
Beginning of period	541		528		489
Acquisitions, excluding AVC in 2012, BrightHeart in 2011 and Pet DRx in 2010(1)	35		18		27
AVC	44		—		—
BrightHeart	—		9		—
Pet DRx	—		—		23
New facilities	1		—		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing animal hospitals	(6	)	(3	)	(2	)
Sold, closed or merged	(6	)	(11	)	(9	)
End of period	609		541		528
Laboratories:
Beginning of period	53		50		47
Acquisitions	1		1		—
New facilities	2		2		4
Closed or merged	(1	)	—		(1	)
End of period	55		53		50

⁽¹⁾  We increased our investment in AVC on January 31, 2012, BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart”) was acquired on July 11, 2011 and Pet DRx Corporation (“Pet DRx”) was acquired on July 1, 2010.

Pet DRx Acquisition

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On July 1, 2010, we acquired a 70.4% interest in Pet DRx, a provider of veterinary primary care and specialized services to companion animals. Pet DRx operated 23 animal hospitals in California at the time of its acquisition. The acquisition has expanded our presence in the California market. We acquired the remaining interest in Pet DRx on November 1, 2010. The aggregate purchase price for both steps was $41.3 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of Pet DRx since July 1, 2010.

BrightHeart Acquisition

On July 11, 2011, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of BrightHeart for approximately $50 million in cash. BrightHeart operates nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition has increased our level of market recognition in areas where we have an existing market presence. At the time of the acquisition BrightHeart had annualized revenue of approximately $53.4 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of BrightHeart since July 11, 2011.

Vetstreet, Inc., formerly known as MediMedia Animal Health, LLC (“Vetstreet”)

On August 9, 2011, we acquired Vetstreet, a provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. The acquisition of Vetstreet expanded the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and is expected to provide long-term synergies to our existing businesses. We acquired Vetstreet for $146.4 million, net of cash acquired. At the time of the acquisition Vetstreet had annualized revenue of approximately $23.0 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of Vetstreet since August 9, 2011.

AVC Investment

On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in AVC by approximately CDN $81 million (approximately US $81 million) becoming the sole non-veterinarian shareholder of AVC. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, offering services ranging from primary care, to specialty referral services and 24-hour emergency care. This investment and planned additional investments in AVC will facilitate our continued expansion in the Canadian market. At the time of the investment, AVC had annualized revenue of approximately CDN $95 million (approximately US $95 million). Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of AVC since January 31, 2012.

ThinkPets

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets for $21 million, payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. We merged the business of ThinkPets with Vetstreet, which we expect will improve the products and services it offers to clients of both companies. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of ThinkPets since February 1, 2012.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and results of operations, require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of all our accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in our consolidated financial statements of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Revenue

Generally, we recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery of goods has occurred or services have been rendered, the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

We also generate revenue from the sale of digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment. We also generate revenue from: (i) licensing software; (ii) providing technical support and product updates on a when-and-if available basis related to our software, otherwise known as maintenance; (iii) providing professional services related to our equipment and software, including installations, on-site training, education services and extended warranty programs; and (iv) providing mobile imaging services. We frequently sell equipment and license our software in multiple element arrangements in which the customer may choose a combination of our products and services.

The accounting for the sale of equipment and the sale of software licenses and related items is substantially governed by the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") general revenue recognition rules. The determination of the amount of software license, maintenance and professional service revenue to be recognized in each accounting period requires us to exercise judgment and use estimates. In determining whether or not to recognize revenue, we evaluate each of these criteria:

• Evidence of an arrangement:    We consider a non-cancelable agreement signed by the customer and us to be evidence

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of an arrangement.

• Delivery:    We consider delivery to have occurred when the ultrasound imaging equipment is delivered. We consider delivery to have occurred when the digital radiography imaging equipment, including software, is delivered or accepted by the customer if installation is required. We consider delivery to have occurred with respect to professional services when those services are provided or on a straight-line basis over the service contract term, based on the nature of the service or the terms of the contract.

• Fixed or determinable fee:    We assess whether fees are fixed or determinable at the time of sale and recognize revenue if all other revenue recognition requirements are met. We generally consider payments that are due within six months to be fixed or determinable based upon our successful collection history. We only consider fees to be fixed or determinable if they are not subject to refund or adjustment.

• Collection is deemed reasonably assured:    We conduct a credit review for all significant transactions at the time of the arrangement to determine the credit worthiness of the customer. Collection is deemed reasonably assured if we expect that the customer will be able to pay amounts under the arrangement as payments become due. If we determine that collection is not reasonably assured, we defer the revenue and recognize the revenue upon cash collection.

Digital Radiography Imaging Equipment

We sell our digital radiography imaging equipment with multiple elements, including hardware, software licenses and/or services. Tangible products containing software components and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the tangible product’s essential functionality are accounted for under the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements.

Under the guidance sales arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, whereby any discount in the arrangement is allocated proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For elements where VSOE is available, VSOE of fair value is based on the price for those products and services when sold separately by us or the price established by management with the relevant authority. TPE of selling price is the price of our, or any of our competitor’s, largely interchangeable products or services in stand-alone sales to similarly situated customers. We do not currently have VSOE for our DR imaging equipment as units are not sold on a stand-alone basis without the related support packages. As this is also true for our competitors, TPE of selling price is also unavailable. We therefore use the ESP to allocate the arrangement consideration related to our DR imaging equipment.

We recognize revenue when the services are provided or at the time of delivery or installation and customer acceptance. Generally, at the time of delivery and installation of equipment the only undelivered item is the post-contract customer support (“PCS”). This obligation is contractually defined in both terms of scope and period. For the PCS, we recognize the revenue for these services on a straight-line basis over the period of support and we expense the costs of these services as they are incurred.

Ultrasound Imaging Equipment

We sell our ultrasound imaging equipment on a stand-alone basis and with multiple elements, including hardware, software, licenses and/or services. We account for the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment on a stand-alone basis under the requirements of the FASB’s general revenue recognition rules and recognize revenue upon delivery. We allocate revenue for the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment with related computer hardware and software pursuant to the the requirements of the FASB’s Revenue Recognition — Multiple-Element Arrangements guidance.

Digital Radiography and Ultrasound Imaging Equipment Sold Together

In certain transactions we sell our ultrasound imaging equipment and related services together with our digital radiography imaging equipment and related services. In these transactions, each element is allocated revenue pursuant to the FASB’s Revenue Recognition — Multiple-Element Arrangements guidance.

Other Services

We recognize revenue on mobile imaging, consulting and education services at the time the services have been rendered. We also generate revenue from extended service agreements related to our digital radiography imaging and ultrasound imaging equipment. These extended service agreements include technical support, product updates for software on a when and if available basis and extended warranty coverage. The revenue for these extended service agreements is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. In certain transactions we sell bundled services to pharmaceutical companies, which primarily include pet portal subscriptions and several different forms of advertising.  These items are accounted for in accordance with the FASB's accounting guidance pertaining to multiple element arrangements as discussed above.  However,

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we do not generally have VSOE or TPE for any of these types of transactions, accordingly we allocate the arrangement consideration to each deliverable based upon ESP.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

We allocate a significant portion of the purchase price for our acquired businesses to goodwill. Our goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The total amount of our goodwill at December 31, 2012 was $1.3 billion, consisting of $1.2 billion for our Animal Hospital reporting unit, $96.9 million for our Laboratory reporting unit, $8.2 million for our Medical Technology reporting unit, and $8.8 million for our Vetstreet reporting unit.

We test our goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate impairment may exist, in accordance with goodwill guidance. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date, which allows us time to accurately complete our impairment testing process in order to incorporate the results in our annual financial statements and timely file those statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in accordance with our accelerated filing requirements. Following our October 31, 2012 goodwill impairment testing, we determined that goodwill related to our Vetstreet reporting unit was impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a $122.4 million goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charge for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As a result of the October 31, 2011 goodwill impairment testing, we determined that the goodwill related to our Medical Technology reporting unit was impaired. Accordingly, we recorded a $21.3 million goodwill impairment charge for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. There was no impairment charge resulting from the October 31, 2010 impairment tests. No events have occurred subsequent to the 2012 testing date which would indicate any further impairment may have occurred in any of our reporting units.

The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the following two-step process:

First we identify potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of our reporting units with the carrying value of our reporting units, with carrying value defined as the reporting unit’s net assets, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of our reporting units is greater than our carrying value, there is no impairment and the second step is not needed.

If we identify a potential impairment in the first step, we then measure the amount of impairment. The amount of the impairment is determined by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit as determined in step one to the reporting unit’s net assets based on fair value as would be done in an acquisition. In this hypothetical purchase price allocation, the residual estimated fair value after allocation to the reporting units’ identifiable net assets is the implied current fair value of goodwill. If the implied current fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill is considered impaired and written down to the implied current fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. However, if the implied current fair value of goodwill is greater than the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill is not considered impaired and is not adjusted to the implied current fair value. Determining the fair value of the net assets of our reporting units under this step requires significant estimates.

Our estimated fair values are calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles related to fair value and utilize generally accepted valuation techniques consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums, which are based upon the best available market information and are consistent with our long-term strategic plans.

In 2011, we recorded an impairment charge in our Medical Technology reporting unit reflecting changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows. This reporting unit’s remaining goodwill is $8.2 million.

In 2012, we recorded an impairment charge in our Vetstreet reporting unit reflecting changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to continued operational delays in part due to our upgrading and migration of Vetstreet's information technology systems from their former parent MediMedia, to their own Corporate data center, less than anticipated financial results for the 2012 fiscal year, the negative impact of increasing competition and a related overall change in business strategy to better compete in the marketplace. The Vetstreet reporting unit's remaining goodwill is $8.8 million. Our Animal Hospital and Medical Technology reporting units which have $1.2 billion and $8.2 million of goodwill, respectively, exceeded their respective carrying values by 13% and 17%, respectively, while our Laboratory reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by a more substantial margin.

Negative changes in the undiscounted cash flows related to variables such as revenue growth rates, margins, or the discount rate could result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could ultimately result in a substantial goodwill impairment charge. The performance of our reporting units, and in turn the risk of goodwill impairment, is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside of our control.

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Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we acquire other identifiable intangible assets in our acquisitions, including but not limited to covenants-not-to-compete, client lists, lease related assets and customer relationships. We value these identifiable intangible assets at estimated fair value. Our estimated fair values are based on generally accepted valuation techniques such as market comparables, discounted cash flow techniques or costs to replace. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions such as the timing and amount of future cash flows, risks, appropriate discount rates, and the useful lives of intangible assets.

Subsequent to acquisition, we test our identifiable intangible assets for impairment as part of a broader test for impairment of long-lived assets under the FASB’s accounting guidance whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The recognition and measurement of an impairment loss under the FASB’s accounting guidance also involves a two-step process:

First we identify potential impairment by estimating the aggregate projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with an asset or asset group and compare that amount with the carrying value of those assets. If the aggregate projected cash flow is greater than our carrying amount, there is no impairment and the second step is not needed.

If the estimated aggregate projected undiscounted future cash flows associated with an asset or asset group is less than the carrying value, we then write the assets or asset group down to the estimated fair value with a corresponding charge to earnings. If the estimated fair value is greater than carrying value, there is no adjustment. We may be required to make significant estimates in determining the fair value of some of our assets or asset groups.

In conjunction with our year-end review, we recorded long-lived intangible asset impairment of $22.9 million related to the aforementioned Vetstreet business. The intangibles consisted of technology, customer relationships, trademarks and certain other contracts.

Capitalized Software Costs

We capitalize certain software costs in accordance with FASB’s guidance on internal-use software. In accordance with the capitalization criteria of the accounting guidance, we capitalize external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing and obtaining internal-use computer software and the payroll-related costs of employees who devote time directly to the internal use computer software project during the application development stage. Management’s judgment is required in determining the point at which various projects enter the stages at which costs may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs, and in determining the estimated useful lives over which the costs are amortized. We typically estimate a useful life of three years for our internal-use software.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance for income taxes. We record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be settled or recovered in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the enactment occurs.

We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which includes operating loss carryforwards. We believe that our earnings during the periods when the temporary differences become deductible will be sufficient to realize the related future tax benefits. Should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets, an adjustment would be made to the carrying amount through a valuation allowance.

Also, our net deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards are recorded using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. At December 31, 2012, we have a net deferred tax liability of $53.3 million. Should the expected applicable tax rates change in the future, an adjustment to the net deferred tax liability would be credited or charged, as appropriate, to income in the period such determination was made. For example, an increase of 1.0% in our income tax rate would cause us to increase our net deferred tax liability balance by $1.3 million with a corresponding charge to earnings.

We also assess differences between our tax bases, which are more likely than not to be realized, and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. We account for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes, which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits on December 31, 2012.

Self-Insured Liabilities

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We self-insure and use high retention or high-deductible insurance programs for certain losses related to workers’ compensation and employee health claims. Our self-insured liabilities contain uncertainties because we are required to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate the ultimate cost to settle reported claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. We have not made any material changes in the reserving methodology used to establish our self-insured liabilities during the past three years.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

A portion of our workers’ compensation insurance policies are self-insured high retention annual policies that begin on October 1st. The policies cover specific annual periods and are normally open for no longer than seven years after the period allowing claims for incidents occurring during the covered period to be submitted after the end of the policy year.

Under our workers’ compensation insurance policies, we are responsible for the first $250,000 in claim liability per individual occurrence and we are also subject to an aggregate limit. We use an internal review process to estimate claim liability based on actual and expected claims incurred and the estimated ultimate cost to settle the claims. Periodically, we review our assumptions and valuations to determine the adequacy of our self-insured liabilities.

Health Insurance

With the exception of California employees enrolled in HMO plans, we are effectively self-insuring our employee health care benefit by retaining claims liability risk up to $200,000 per incident and an aggregate claim limit based on the number of employees enrolled in the plan per month. We estimate our liability for the uninsured portion of employee health care obligations that have been incurred but not reported based on our claims experience, the number of employees enrolled in the program and the average time from when a claim is incurred to the time it is paid. In addition, we perform an analysis of our potential liability for open claims.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table sets forth components of our income statements expressed as a percentage of revenue:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Revenue:
Animal Hospital	78.4	%	77.4	%	76.2	%
Laboratory	19.3		21.3		22.5
All Other	6.6		5.5		4.6
Intercompany	(4.3	)	(4.2	)	(3.3	)
Total revenue	100.0		100.0		100.0
Direct costs	77.9		77.2		76.0
Gross profit	22.1		22.8		24.0
Selling, general and administrative expense	9.2		8.2		8.9
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	7.3		1.4		—
Net loss on sale of assets	0.1		—		—
Operating income	5.5		13.2		15.1
Interest expense, net	1.0		1.2		1.0
Debt retirement costs	—		0.2		0.2
Business combination adjustment gain	(0.4	)	—		—
Other income	—		—		(0.1	)
Income before provision for income taxes	4.9		11.8		14.0
Provision for income taxes	1.9		5.1		5.7
Net income	3.0		6.7		8.3
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0.3		0.3		0.3
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	2.7	%	6.4	%	8.0	%

Revenue

The following table summarizes our revenue (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010					% Change
	$			% of Total		$			% of Total		$			% of Total		2012		2011
Animal Hospital	$	1,331,314		78.4	%	$	1,150,120		77.4	%	$	1,052,462		76.2	%	15.8	%	9.3	%
Laboratory	327,801			19.3	%	316,797			21.3	%	310,654			22.5	%	3.5	%	2.0	%
All Other	112,960			6.6	%	80,430			5.5	%	64,013			4.6	%	40.4	%	25.6	%
Intercompany	(72,433		)	(4.3	)%	(61,986		)	(4.2	)%	(45,661		)	(3.3	)%	16.9	%	35.8	%
Total revenue	$	1,699,642		100.0	%	$	1,485,361		100.0	%	$	1,381,468		100.0	%	14.4	%	7.5	%

Consolidated revenue increased $214.3 million in 2012, as compared to 2011. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to acquisitions including animal hospitals in the United States and Canada, Vetstreet and ThinkPets. Excluding acquisitions, revenue increased $15.1 million due to organic revenue increase from both our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments. Our Animal Hospital same-store revenue increased 1.2% in 2012. Our Laboratory internal revenue growth was 3.6% in 2012.

Consolidated revenue increased $103.9 million in 2011, as compared to 2010. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to acquisitions including animal hospitals and Vetstreet. Excluding acquisitions, revenue decreased $12.2 million due to a decrease in Animal Hospital same-store revenue, partially offset by an increase in internal growth in our Laboratory revenue. Our Animal Hospital same-store revenue declined 0.7% in 2011. Our Laboratory internal revenue growth was 2.0% in 2011.

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Gross Profit

The following table summarizes our gross profit and our gross profit as a percentage of applicable revenue, or gross margin (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010					% Change
	$			Gross Margin		$			Gross Margin		$			Gross Margin		2012		2011
Animal Hospital	$	189,111		14.2	%	$	179,810		15.6	%	$	172,390		16.4	%	5.2	%	4.3	%
Laboratory	151,761			46.3	%	143,790			45.4	%	142,196			45.8	%	5.5	%	1.1	%
All Other	38,707			34.3	%	20,971			26.1	%	19,277			30.1	%	84.6	%	8.8	%
Intercompany	(4,605		)			(6,114		)			(2,699		)
Total gross profit	$	374,974		22.1	%	$	338,457		22.8	%	$	331,164		24.0	%	10.8	%	2.2	%

Consolidated gross profit increased $36.5 million in 2012, as compared to 2011. The increase was primarily due to $31.5 million gross profit from the acquisitions of AVC, Vetstreet and ThinkPets. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, the remaining increase in gross profit is attributable to organic revenue growth at our Laboratory and Vetstreet segments, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit from our same-store animal hospitals.

Consolidated gross profit increased $7.3 million in 2011, as compared to 2010. The increase was primarily due to gross profit from our acquisitions and to a lesser extent internal revenue growth at our Laboratory segment, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit from our same-store animal hospitals, due to decreased same-store revenue.

Segment Results

Animal Hospital Segment

The following table summarizes revenue and gross profit for the Animal Hospital segment (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,									% Change
	2012			2011			2010			2012		2011
Revenue	$	1,331,314		$	1,150,120		$	1,052,462		15.8	%	9.3	%
Gross profit	$	189,111		$	179,810		$	172,390		5.2	%	4.3	%
Gross margin	14.2		%	15.6		%	16.4		%

Animal Hospital revenue increased $181.2 million in 2012, as compared to 2011 and $97.7 million in 2011, as compared to 2010. The components of the increases are summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages and average price per order):    

	2012 Comparative Analysis						2011 Comparative Analysis
	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		% Change		2011		2010		% Change
Animal Hospital Revenue:
Same-store facility:
Orders(1)(2)	6,747		6,867		(1.7	)%	6,176		6,427		(3.9	)%
Average revenue per order(3)	$	165.43	$	160.56	3.0	%	$	159.52	$	154.42	3.3	%
Same-store revenue(1)	$	1,116,153	$	1,102,535	1.2	%	$	985,200	$	992,418	(0.7	)%
AVC	96,377		—				—		—
Net acquired revenue(4)	118,784		47,585				164,920		60,044
Total	$	1,331,314	$	1,150,120	15.8	%	$	1,150,120	$	1,052,462	9.3	%

⁽¹⁾  Same-store revenue and orders were calculated using Animal Hospital revenue, which are adjusted to exclude the revenue for newly acquired animal hospitals that we did not own as of the beginning of the comparable period in the prior year. Same-store revenue also includes revenue generated by customers referred from our relocated or combined animal hospitals, including those merged upon acquisition.

⁽²⁾  The change in orders may not calculate exactly due to rounding.

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⁽³⁾  Computed by dividing same-store revenue by same-store orders. The average revenue per order may not calculate exactly due to rounding.

⁽⁴⁾  Net acquired revenue represents the revenue from those animal hospitals acquired (other than AVC) , net of revenue from those animal hospitals sold or closed on or after the beginning of the comparable period, which was January 1, 2011 for the 2012 Comparative Analysis and January 1, 2010 for the 2011 Comparative Analysis. Fluctuations in net acquired revenue occur based on the volume, size and timing of acquisitions and dispositions during the periods from this date through the end of the applicable period.

Contributing to the decline in our volume of same-store orders is the continued negative impact of the current economic environment and the wide competing availability of many pet-related products traditionally sold in our animal hospitals, in retail stores, and other distribution channels such as the Internet.

Our business strategy is to place a greater emphasis on comprehensive wellness visits and advanced medical procedures, which typically generate higher priced orders. The migration of lower priced orders from our animal hospitals to other distribution channels mentioned above and our emphasis on comprehensive wellness visits has, over the past several years, resulted in a decrease in lower priced orders and an increase in higher priced orders.

However, for both the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 this trend did not continue, as we experienced a decrease in the number of both lower and higher priced orders, which we believe is primarily a consequence of current economic conditions in the United States, and the impact of changes in our overall business environment on the mix of tests performed.

Price increases contributed to the increase in the average revenue per order. Prices at each of our hospitals are reviewed regularly and adjustments are made based on market considerations, demographics and our costs. These adjustments historically approximated 3% to 6% on most services at the majority of our animal hospitals and are typically implemented in February of each year; however, price increases in 2012 generally ranged between 3% and 4%.

Animal Hospital gross profit is calculated as Animal Hospital revenue less Animal Hospital direct costs. Animal Hospital direct costs comprise all costs of services and products at the animal hospitals, including, but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and all other animal hospital-based personnel, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expenses and costs of goods sold associated with the retail sales of pet food and pet supplies.

Our Animal Hospital gross margin in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 14.2%, 15.6% and 16.4%, respectively. In 2012 the gross margin declined as a result of lower same-store margins as a result of increased labor costs and to a lesser extent lower gross margins from our acquired hospitals. In 2011 the gross margin declined as a result of a decline in our same-store revenue and to a lesser extent lower gross margins from our acquired hospitals.

Our Animal Hospital same-store gross margin in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 14.8%, 15.8% and 17.1%, respectively. The 2012 decrease, as compared to 2011, was primarily attributable to deleveraging as a result of increased labor costs and the 2011 decrease, as compared to 2010, was primarily due to deleveraging as a result of the aforementioned decline in same-store revenue.

Over the last several years we have acquired a significant number of animal hospitals. Many of these newly acquired animal hospitals had lower gross margins at the time of acquisition than those previously operated by us. We have improved these lower gross margins, in the aggregate, subsequent to the acquisition by improving animal hospital revenue, reducing costs and/or increasing operating leverage.

Laboratory Segment

The following table summarizes revenue and gross profit for our Laboratory segment (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,									% Change
	2012			2011			2010			2012		2011
Revenue	$	327,801		$	316,797		$	310,654		3.5	%	2.0	%
Gross profit	$	151,761		$	143,790		$	142,196		5.5	%	1.1	%
Gross margin	46.3		%	45.4		%	45.8		%

Laboratory revenue increased $11.0 million in 2012, as compared to 2011 and $6.1 million in 2011, as compared to 2010. The components of the increase in Laboratory revenue are detailed below (in thousands, except percentages and average price per requisition):

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	2012 Comparative Analysis						2011 Comparative Analysis
	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		% Change		2011(5)		2010(5)		% Change
Laboratory Revenue:
Internal growth:
Number of requisitions(1)	12,605		12,378		1.8	%	12,396		12,391		—	%
Average revenue per requisition(2)	$	25.99	$	25.55	1.7	%	$	25.55	$	25.07	1.9	%
Total internal revenue(1)	$	327,609	$	316,280	3.6	%	$	316,715	$	310,654	2.0	%
Billing day adjustment(4)	—		517				—		—
Acquired revenue(3)	192		—				82		—
Total	$	327,801	$	316,797	3.5	%	$	316,797	$	310,654	2.0	%

⁽¹⁾  Internal revenue and requisitions were calculated using Laboratory operating results, which are (1) adjusted to exclude the operating results of acquired laboratories for the comparable periods that we did not own them in the prior year and (2) adjusted for the impact resulting from any differences in the number of billing days in comparable periods.

⁽²⁾  Computed by dividing internal revenue by the number of requisitions.

⁽³⁾  Acquired revenue in both the 2012 and 2011 Comparative Analyses represents the revenue of the laboratories acquired in each of those respective years.

⁽⁴⁾  The 2011 billing day adjustment reflects the impact of one less billing day in 2012, as compared to 2011.

⁽⁵⁾  Prior-year amounts have been adjusted to conform to the current year presentation. The changes were not material.

Laboratory revenue in 2012 increased, as compared to 2011, due to an increase in internal revenue growth attributable to an increase in number of requisitions and average revenue per requisition.

Historically, requisitions have been driven by an ongoing trend in veterinary medicine to focus on the importance of laboratory diagnostic testing in the diagnosis, early detection and treatment of diseases, and the migration of certain tests to outside laboratories that have historically been performed in animal hospitals. While these factors have resulted in significant increases in requisitions in the past, the economic downturn, slow economic recovery and the effects of increased competition continued to negatively impact requisitions in 2012.

We derive our laboratory revenue from services provided to over 16,000 independently owned animal hospitals. Shifts in the purchasing habits of any individual animal hospital or small group of animal hospitals is not material to our laboratory revenues. Other companies are developing networks of animal hospitals and shifts in the purchasing habits of these networks have the potential of a greater impact on our laboratory revenues.

The average revenue per requisition increased slightly in 2012 due to price increases in both February 2012 and February 2011. The overall increase was partially offset by various factors including changes in the mix, lower-priced tests historically performed at the animal hospitals and a decrease in higher-priced tests as a result of the current economic environment.

Laboratory gross profit is calculated as Laboratory revenue less Laboratory direct costs. Laboratory direct costs comprise all costs of laboratory services, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, specialists, technicians and other laboratory-based personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization and supply costs.

Our Laboratory gross margin increased in 2012, as compared to 2011 due to operating leverage from increased revenue. The decrease in Laboratory gross margin in 2011 compared to 2010, was primarily due to the decline in the rate of our revenue growth relative to increasing transportation costs.

Intercompany Revenue

Laboratory revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010 included intercompany revenue of $52.4 million, $44.3 million and $37.0 million, respectively, that was generated by providing laboratory services to our animal hospitals. All Other revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010 included intercompany revenue of $20.0 million, $17.7 million and $8.6 million, respectively, generated by providing products and services to our animal hospitals and laboratories. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our operating segments, all intercompany transactions are generally accounted for as if the transactions were with an independent third party at current market prices. For financial reporting purposes, intercompany transactions are eliminated as part of our consolidation.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expense

The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense and our expense as a percentage of applicable revenue (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012				2011				2010				% Change
	$		% of Revenue		$		% of Revenue		$		% of Revenue		2012		2011
Animal Hospital	$	30,826	2.3	%	$	24,342	2.1	%	$	23,539	2.2	%	26.6	%	3.4	%
Laboratory	29,660		9.0	%	27,864		8.8	%	26,243		8.4	%	6.4	%	6.2	%
All Other	37,879		33.5	%	19,136		23.8	%	14,507		22.7	%	97.9	%	31.9	%
Corporate	58,790		3.5	%	49,770		3.4	%	59,252		4.3	%	18.1	%	(16.0	)%
Total SG&A	$	157,155	9.2	%	$	121,112	8.2	%	$	123,541	8.9	%	29.8	%	(2.0	)%

Consolidated SG&A expense increased $36.0 million in 2012, as compared to 2011 and decreased $2.4 million in 2011, as compared to 2010.

The increases in consolidated SG&A in 2012, as compared to 2011, included approximately $17.5 million from the acquisition of AVC, Vetstreet and ThinkPets. Excluding the impact of these acquisitions, consolidated SG&A increased by $18.5 million. The remaining increase was primarily due to increases in corporate costs of which $3.5 million was related to corporate share-based compensation expense, as well as, increases in compensation-related expenses in the Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments.

The decreased SG&A in 2011, as compared to 2010, was due to: decreased SG&A at Corporate primarily due to the 2010 accrual of consulting and Supplemental Executive Retirement Program ("SERP") expenses; offset by increases in share-based compensation and increased SG&A in other operating segments primarily due to growth in those segments as a result of acquisitions.

Operating Income

The following table summarizes our operating income (in thousands, except percentages):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012					2011					2010					% Change
	$			% of Revenue		$			% of Revenue		$			% of Revenue		2012		2011
Animal Hospital	$	156,356		11.7	%	$	155,141		13.5	%	$	148,578		14.1	%	0.8	%	4.4	%
Laboratory	122,115			37.3	%	115,905			36.6	%	115,931			37.3	%	5.4	%	—	%
All Other	(122,246		)	(108.2	)%	(19,502		)	(24.2	)%	4,699			7.3	%	526.8	%	(515.0	)%
Corporate	(58,684		)			(49,777		)			(59,260		)			17.9	%	(16.0	)%
Eliminations	(4,605		)			(6,114		)			(2,699		)			(24.7	)%	126.5	%
Total operating income	$	92,936		5.5	%	$	195,653		13.2	%	$	207,249		15.1	%	(52.5	)%	(5.6	)%

Consolidated operating income decreased by $102.7 million in 2012, as compared to 2011 and decreased $11.6 million in 2011, as compared to 2010.

Excluding the impact of the current year $123.6 million impairment charge, primarily related to our Vetstreet business, the prior year $21.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in our medical technology business and the current year $3.1 million depreciation expense adjustment, consolidated operating income increased by $2.6 million. The remaining increase in consolidated operating income in 2012, as compared to 2011, was primarily attributable to acquisitions in the period and increased operating income in our laboratory business, partially offset by a decrease in the same-store animal hospital gross profit and increased corporate SG&A, mentioned above.

The decrease in our consolidated operating income in 2011, as compared to 2010, was due to the non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in our medical technology business. The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in our overall SG&A and the increase in gross profit.

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Interest Expense, Net

The following table summarizes our interest expense, net of interest income (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Interest expense:
Senior term notes	$	12,394		$	12,239		$	10,672
Interest rate swap agreements	—			—			382
Capital leases and other	3,348			3,801			2,515
Amortization of debt costs	1,278			1,445			862
	17,020			17,485			14,431
Interest income	(468		)	(601		)	(801		)
Total interest expense, net of interest income	$	16,552		$	16,884		$	13,630

The decrease in net interest expense in 2012, as compared to 2011, was primarily attributable to a decrease in mandatorily redeemable partnership interest, interest accrued on executive retirement liabilities, and amortized debt costs written off in the prior year related to the refinancing of our senior term debt notes on August 16, 2011. The change in interest for senior term notes was relatively flat. While we experienced a decline in year-over-year weighted average interest rates, this effect was offset by an increase in the weighted average balance related to additional borrowing completed in association with the purchase of AVC. See Note 7, Long-Term Obligations, in our consolidated financial statements of this annual report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion, including applicable interest rates on our debt, which was amended in August 2011.

The increase in net interest expense in 2011, as compared to 2010, was primarily attributable to an increase in the average debt balance due to the amendment of our existing credit and guaranty facility to provide for a $100 million increase in our senior term notes and the related increase in debt amortization costs due to the capitalization of additional debt amendment fees.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 41.2%, 44.3% and 41.5%, respectively.

The effective tax rate for 2012 was positively impacted by a nondeductible charge related to goodwill impairment offset by (i) a non-taxable gain of $5.7 million related to the increase in value of our historic noncontrolling interest in AVC realized upon the acquisition of the remaining equity interest and (ii) lower tax rates in Canada . The effective rate for 2011 was impacted by a nondeductible charge related to goodwill impairment. The effective tax rate for 2010 was impacted by a tax expense of $3.5 million, related to the settlement of taxes on 2004 through 2007 taxable income.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents our partners’ proportionate share of income generated by those subsidiaries that we do not wholly-own.

Inflation

Historically, our operations have not been materially affected by inflation. We cannot assure that our operations will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Related Party Transactions

ThinkPets Inc. (formerly known as Zoasis Corporation)

On February 1, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of ThinkPets, Inc. for $21.0 million, payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. The number of shares of VCA common stock were determined based on the daily volume weighted average closing sales price of the VCA common stock for the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, Bob Antin, our CEO and Chairman of the Board, owned 54% of the common stock of ThinkPets, and served as a director of ThinkPets, and Art Antin, our Chief Operating Officer, owned 8% of the common stock of ThinkPets. In accordance with its charter, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all related-party transactions. Both the Audit Committee and our Board of Directors unanimously approved the acquisition. Due to the related party nature of the acquisition, Bob Antin recused himself from all Board meetings wherein the acquisition was discussed and did not vote in connection with the acquisition.

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Related Party Vendors

Frank Reddick joined our company as a director in February 2002 and is a partner in the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP (“Akin”). Akin provided legal services to us during 2012, 2011 and 2010. The amount paid by our company to Akin for these legal services was approximately $551,000, $1.6 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Introduction

We generate cash primarily from (i) payments made by customers for our veterinary services, (ii) payments from animal hospitals and other clients for our laboratory services, (iii) proceeds received from the sale of our imaging equipment and other related services and (iv) payments received from participating hospitals for Vetstreet subscriptions and reminder notices. Our business historically has experienced strong liquidity, as fees for services provided in our animal hospitals are due at the time of service and fees for laboratory services are collected under standard industry terms. Our cash disbursements are primarily for payments related to the compensation of our employees, supplies and inventory purchases for our operating segments, occupancy and other administrative costs, interest expense, payments on long-term borrowings, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Cash outflows fluctuate with the amount and timing of the settlement of these transactions.

We manage our cash, investments and capital structure so we are able to meet the short-term and long-term obligations of our business while maintaining financial flexibility and liquidity. We forecast, analyze and monitor our cash flows to enable investment and financing within the overall constraints of our financial strategy.

At December 31, 2012, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $68.4 million, representing a increase of $4.8 million as compared to the prior year. Cash flows generated from operating activities totaled $237.3 million in 2012, representing an increase of $46.2 million as compared to the prior year. We spent $219.3 million on acquisitions, investments and capital expenditures during the year.

We have historically funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investment in individual acquisitions primarily from internally-generated cash flows and we expect to do so in the future. During the first quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, we amended our Amended and Restated Credit & Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 16, 2011. The First Amendment replenished the aggregate amount of New Term Loan Commitments available under the Credit Agreement to a maximum of $100 million, after giving effect to the funding of $50 million of New Term Loan Commitments on January 24, 2012, which were drawn in connection with the additional investment made in AVC. As of December 31, 2012, we have access to an unused $125 million revolving credit facility, which expires August 2016, allowing us to maintain further operating and financial flexibility.

Historically, we have been able to access the capital markets to fund acquisitions that could not be funded out of internally generated cash flows. The availability of financing in the form of debt or equity is influenced by many factors including our profitability, operating cash flows, debt levels, debt ratings, contractual restrictions, and market conditions. Although in the past we have been able to obtain financing for material transactions on terms we believe to be reasonable, there is a possibility that we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms in the future.

Future Cash Flows

Short-term

Other than our acquisitions of animal hospital chains, we historically have funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments in animal hospital acquisitions from internally-generated cash flow. We anticipate that our cash on hand and net cash provided by operations and available funds under our revolving credit agreement and incremental facilities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements for more than the next 12 months. If we consummate additional significant acquisitions during this period, we may seek additional debt or equity financing.

In 2013, we expect to spend $50 million to $85 million for the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. The ultimate number of acquisitions is largely dependent upon the attractiveness of the candidates and the strategic fit with our existing operations. In addition, we expect to spend approximately $90 million in 2013 for both property and equipment additions and other capital expenditures primarily to maintain our existing facilities.

Long-term

Our long-term liquidity needs, other than those related to the day-to-day operations of our business, including commitments for operating leases, generally are comprised of scheduled principal and interest payments for our outstanding long-term indebtedness, capital expenditures related to the expansion of our business and acquisitions in accordance with our

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growth strategy. The scheduled payments on our long-term obligations are included in our contractual obligations table below.

We are unable to project with certainty whether our long-term cash flow from operations will be sufficient to repay our long-term debt when it comes due. If this cash flow is insufficient, we expect that we will need to refinance such indebtedness, amend its terms to extend maturity dates, or issue common stock on our company. Our management cannot make any assurances that such refinancing or amendments, if necessary, will be available on attractive terms, if at all.

Debt Related Covenants

Our senior credit facility contains certain financial covenants pertaining to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, our senior credit facility has restrictions pertaining to capital expenditures, acquisitions and the payment of cash dividends. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with these covenants, including the two covenant ratios, the fixed charge coverage ratio and the leverage ratio.

At December 31, 2012, we had a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.60 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00. The senior credit facility defines the fixed charge coverage ratio as that ratio that is calculated on a last 12-month basis by dividing pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as defined by the senior credit facility (“pro forma earnings”), by fixed charges. Fixed charges are defined as cash interest expense, scheduled principal payments on debt obligations, capital expenditures, and provision for income taxes. Pro forma earnings include 12 months of operating results for businesses acquired during the period.

At December 31, 2012, we had a leverage ratio of 2.03 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no more than 3.00 to 1.00. The senior credit facility defines the leverage ratio as that ratio which is calculated as total debt divided by pro forma earnings.

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	237,253		$	191,051		$	168,073
Investing activities	(219,258		)	(271,310		)	(150,174		)
Financing activities	(13,514		)	47,004			(66,142		)
Effect of currency exchange rate charges on cash and cash equivalents	303			(220		)	188
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,784			(33,475		)	(48,055		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	63,651			97,126			145,181
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	68,435		$	63,651		$	97,126

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased$46.2 million in 2012, as compared to 2011. Operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2012 included $50.7 million of net income and net non-cash expenses of $180.3 million, partially offset by net cash provided as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities of $6.2 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities included a $7.2 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities, a $3.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a $4.1 million decrease in prepaid income taxes and a $1.6 million decrease in accounts receivable, partially offset by a $10.3 million increase in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets. The increases in accrued payroll and related liabilities and accounts payable and accrued liabilities were primarily due to the acquisition of AVC and timing of payment obligations. The decrease in prepaid income taxes was due to the payment of estimated taxes owed from the prior year. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to the timing of deposits-in-transit on our credit card receivables, there was one more day available for deposit for December 31, 2012, as compared to December 31, 2011. In addition, we had improved collection efforts at our Medical Technology business. The increase in inventory, prepaid expense and other assets was primarily due to an increase in lease receivables as a result of executing additional contracts.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased$23.0 million in 2011, as compared to 2010. Cash provided by operating activities of $191.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of $99.9 million of net income and net non-cash expenses of $117.6 million, partially offset by net cash used as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities of $26.4 million. The changes in operating assets and liabilities included a $14.1 million increase in trade accounts receivable, a $12.3 million increase in inventory, prepaid expense and other assets and a $5.4 million decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to an increase in net revenues from our acquired animal hospitals and other businesses. The

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increase in inventory, prepaid expense and other assets was primarily due to the build-up of inventory, increases due to new products and an increase in lease receivables as a result of executing additional contracts. The decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities and the increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities were all a result of timing of payment obligations.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The table below presents the components of the changes in investing cash flows (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,									Variance
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011
Investing Cash Flows:
Acquisition of independent animal hospitals and laboratories	$	(78,629	)	$	(34,243	)	$	(68,624	)	$	(44,386	)	$	34,381
Acquisition of AVC	(48,819		)	—			—			(48,819		)	—
Acquisition of ThinkPets	(7,468		)	—			—			(7,468		)	—
Acquisition of BrightHeart	—			(23,490		)	—			23,490			(23,490		)
Acquisition of Pet DRx	—			—			(7,670		)	—			7,670
Acquisition of Vetstreet	—			(146,420		)	—			146,420			(146,420		)
Other	—			(1,641		)	(3,557		)	1,641			1,916
Total cash used for acquisitions(1)	(134,916		)	(205,794		)	(79,851		)	70,878			(125,943		)
Property and equipment additions(2)	(76,807		)	(63,485		)	(61,951		)	(13,322		)	(1,534		)
Real estate acquired with acquisitions	(5,337		)	(1,900		)	(9,289		)	(3,437		)	7,389
Proceeds from sale of assets	115			465			939			(350		)	(474		)
Other	(2,313		)	(596		)	(22		)	(1,717		)	(574		)
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(219,258	)	$	(271,310	)	$	(150,174	)	$	52,052		$	(121,136	)

⁽¹⁾  The number of acquisitions will vary from year to year based upon the available pool of suitable candidates. A discussion of our acquisitions is provided above in our Executive Overview.

⁽²⁾  The cash used to acquire property and equipment will vary from year-to-year based on upgrade requirements and expansion of our animal hospitals and laboratory facilities.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

The table below presents the components of the changes in financing cash flows (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,									Variance
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011
Financing Cash Flows:
Repayment of long-term obligations(1)	$	(60,775	)	$	(98,990	)	$	(555,529	)	$	38,215		$	456,539
Proceeds from long-term obligations(2)	50,000			150,000			500,000			(100,000		)	(350,000		)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	50,000			50,000			—			—			50,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility	(50,000		)	(50,000		)	—			—			(50,000		)
Payment of financing costs(3)	(122		)	(2,944		)	(9,112		)	2,822			6,168
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners(4)	(4,481		)	(3,277		)	(4,247		)	(1,204		)	970
Proceeds from stock options exercises	9,533			3,999			5,510			5,534			(1,511		)
Excess tax benefits from stock options	2,868			1,708			378			1,160			1,330
Stock repurchases(5)	(8,159		)	(2,673		)	(2,310		)	(5,486		)	(363		)
Other	(2,378		)	(819		)	(832		)	(1,559		)	13
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(13,514	)	$	47,004		$	(66,142	)	$	(60,518	)	$	113,146

⁽¹⁾  In 2012, the cash payments on our long-term obligations consisted of $25.9 million to fully repay AVC acquisition debt and $34.9 million in scheduled senior-term note principal and capital lease payments.

In 2011, the cash payments on our long-term obligations primarily consisted of $50 million to repay amounts borrowed

36

pursuant to our incremental facilities, $26.0 million to pay-off the BrightHeart acquisition debt and $22.5 million in scheduled senior-term note principal and capital lease payments.

In 2010, the cash payments on our long-term obligations consisted of $505.4 million related to the August 19, 2012 refinance of our senior-term debt, $29.5 million to pay-off the PetDrx acquisition debt, $11.8 million in scheduled senior-term note principal and capital lease payments, and a mandatory payment of $8.8 million in accordance with the terms of our senior credit facility related to excess cash flows.

⁽²⁾  In 2012, the proceeds from long-term obligations were related to $50 million of new term loans borrowed pursuant to our incremental facilities permitted under our August 16, 2011 credit and guaranty agreement.

In 2011, the proceeds from long-term obligations included $50 million of new term loans borrowed pursuant to our incremental facilities and $100 million of additional borrowings received in accordance with the amended and restated credit and guaranty agreement dated August 16, 2011.

The proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations in 2010 were related to the August 19, 2010 refinance of our credit and guaranty agreement.

⁽³⁾  The payment of financing costs in 2011 were related to the August 16, 2011 debt amendment, see Note 7, Long-Term Obligations, of this annual report on Form 10-K.

The payment of financing costs in 2010 were related to the August 19, 2010 refinance of our credit and guaranty agreement.

⁽⁴⁾  The distributions to noncontrolling interest partners represent cash payments to noncontrolling interest partners for their portion of the partnerships’ excess cash.

⁽⁵⁾  Stock repurchases represent cash paid for income taxes on behalf of employees who elected to settle their tax obligations on vested stock with a portion of their vested stock.

Future Contractual Cash Requirements

The following table sets forth the scheduled principal, interest and other contractual cash obligations due by us for each of the years indicated as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	Payment due by period
	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Contractual Obligations:
Long-term debt	$	592,688	$	35,774	$	98,633	$	458,281	$	—
Capital lease obligations	37,955		3,228		6,656		6,539		21,532
Operating leases	1,097,876		67,617		132,606		130,468		767,185
Fixed cash interest expense	14,963		2,585		4,556		3,156		4,666
Variable cash interest expense Term A(1)	37,352		11,438		20,310		5,604		—
Purchase obligations(2)	31,003		19,975		10,643		385		—
Other long-term liabilities(3)	36,901		3,099		5,503		4,916		23,383
Earn-out payments(4)	1,591		921		670		—		—
	$	1,850,329	$	144,637	$	279,577	$	609,349	$	816,766

⁽¹⁾  The interest payments on our variable-rate senior term notes are based on rates effective as of December 31, 2012.

⁽²⁾  Our purchase obligations consist primarily of supply purchase agreements related to our medical technology and animal hospital businesses, as well as construction contracts primarily for our animal hospitals.

⁽³⁾  Includes future payments under our SERP, Consulting Agreements and Mandatory Redeemable Partnership Interests.

⁽⁴⁾  Represents contractual arrangements whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired businesses upon attainment of specified performance targets.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

Other than operating leases, which are included in the Contractual Obligations table listed above as of December 31, 2012, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

37

Description of Indebtedness

Senior Credit Facility

At December 31, 2012, we had $592 million in principal outstanding under our senior term notes and no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

We pay interest on our senior term notes and revolving credit facility based on the interest rate offered to our administrative agent on, the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time-to-time, ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum, as set forth in the table in Note 7, Long-Term Obligations, of this annual report on Form 10-K. We pay a commitment fee on our revolving credit facility determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio in effect from time-to-time ranging from 0.20% to 0.50% per annum.

The senior term notes and the revolving credit facility mature in August 2016.

Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

At December 31, 2012, we had seller notes secured by assets of certain animal hospitals and capital leases that totaled $38 million, included in long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheet of this annual report on Form 10-K. Our seller notes have various maturities through 2013 and various interest rates ranging from 9.0% to 10.0%. Our capital leases have various maturities through 2030 and various interest rates ranging from 1.4% to 14.6%.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At December 31, 2012, we had borrowings of $592 million under our senior credit facility with fluctuating interest rates based on market benchmarks such as LIBOR. Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the market value of our variable-rate debt. To mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates we had historically entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a certain amount of our variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. As of December 31, 2012 we had no interest rate swap agreements. In the future, we may enter into new interest rate strategies to hedge against the risk of increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. However, we have not yet determined what those strategies will be or their possible impact.

If LIBOR increases or decreases 1% from December 31, 2012, the additional annual interest expense or savings would amount to $5.8 million.

38

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

	Page
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	40
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	41
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011	43
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	44
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	45
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	46
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	47
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	49
Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	83
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	87

39

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In performing this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment of internal control over financial reporting, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company acquired Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD (“AVC”) during 2012, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, AVC's internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $124.4 million and total revenue of $96.4 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included below.

March 1, 2013

/s/    ROBERT L. ANTIN

Robert L. Antin

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/    TOMAS W. FULLER

Tomas W. Fuller

Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, Vice President and Secretary

40

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

VCA Antech, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedules of condensed financial information of registrant and valuation and qualifying accounts. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), VCA Antech, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 1, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/    KPMG LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 1, 2013

41

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

VCA Antech, Inc.:

We have audited VCA Antech, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). VCA Antech, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, VCA Antech, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

VCA Antech, Inc. acquired Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD (“AVC”) during 2012, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of VCA Antech, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, AVC’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $124.4 million and total revenue of $96.4 million included in the consolidated financial statements of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of VCA Antech, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of AVC.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and our report dated March 1, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/    KPMG LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 1, 2013

42

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except par value)

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	68,435	$	63,651
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $16,546 and $14,978 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	55,912		58,279
Inventory	51,456		48,661
Prepaid expenses and other	25,086		21,883
Deferred income taxes	22,579		26,310
Prepaid income taxes	20,061		18,373
Total current assets	243,529		237,157
Property and equipment, net	403,444		370,646
Goodwill	1,291,231		1,237,607
Other intangible assets, net	94,823		92,403
Notes receivable, net	6,080		6,202
Deferred financing costs, net	4,232		5,435
Other	48,241		45,918
Total assets	$	2,091,580	$	1,995,368
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	39,002	$	32,571
Accounts payable	39,416		37,797
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	49,893		42,658
Other accrued liabilities	57,131		43,968
Total current liabilities	185,442		156,994
Long-term debt, less current portion	591,641		586,282
Deferred income taxes	75,846		101,229
Other liabilities	37,267		25,947
Total liabilities	890,196		870,452
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,991		6,964
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	—		—
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 88,372 and 86,796 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	88		87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359		361,715
Retained earnings	791,209		745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847		418
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,183,503		1,107,878
Noncontrolling interests	10,890		10,074
Total equity	1,194,393		1,117,952
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,091,580	$	1,995,368

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

43

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Revenue	$	1,699,642		$	1,485,361		$	1,381,468
Direct costs	1,324,668			1,146,904			1,050,304
Gross profit	374,974			338,457			331,164
Selling, general and administrative expense	157,155			121,112			123,541
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	123,573			21,310			—
Net loss on sale of assets	1,310			382			374
Operating income	92,936			195,653			207,249
Interest expense	17,020			17,485			14,431
Interest income	(468		)	(601		)	(801		)
Debt retirement costs	—			2,764			2,131
Business combination adjustment gain	(5,719		)	—			—
Other (income) expense	(488		)	118			(772		)
Income before provision for income taxes	82,591			175,887			192,260
Provision for income taxes	31,875			76,027			78,102
Net income	50,716			99,860			114,158
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,165			4,455			3,915
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551		$	95,405		$	110,243
Basic earnings per share	$	0.52		$	1.10		$	1.28
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.51		$	1.09		$	1.27
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	87,681			86,606			86,049
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	88,671			87,394			87,051

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

44

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011			2010
Net income(1)	$	50,716	$	99,860		$	114,158
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,429		(319		)	668
Unrealized loss on hedging instruments	—		—			(2		)
Tax benefit	—		—			1
Losses on hedging instruments reclassified to income	—		—			382
Tax benefit	—		—			(149		)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	1,429		(319		)	900
Total comprehensive income	52,145		99,541			115,058
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)	5,165		4,455			3,915
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	46,980	$	95,086		$	111,143

⁽¹⁾  Includes $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $1.2 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

45

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

	Common Stock				Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
	Shares		Amount
Balances, December 31, 2009	85,584		$	86	$	335,114		$	540,010	$	(163	)	$	11,429		$	886,476
Net income (excludes $757 and $419 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)								110,243					2,739			112,982
Other comprehensive income										900						900
Distribution to noncontrolling interests													(3,123		)	(3,123		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests													(484		)	(484		)
Share-based compensation					9,340											9,340
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	687				5,510											5,510
Stock repurchases	(92	)			(2,310		)									(2,310		)
Excess tax benefit from stock options					378											378
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards					(184		)									(184		)
Balances, December 31, 2010	86,179		86		347,848			650,253		737			10,561			1,009,485
Net income (excludes $1,555 and $450 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)								95,405					2,450			97,855
Other comprehensive loss										(319		)				(319		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests													(1,952		)	(1,952		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests					263								(985		)	(722		)
Share-based compensation					10,773											10,773
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	731		1		3,998											3,999
Stock repurchases	(114	)			(2,673		)									(2,673		)
Excess tax benefit from stock options					1,708											1,708
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards					(202		)									(202		)
Balances, December 31, 2011	86,796		87		361,715			745,658		418			10,074			1,117,952
Net income (excludes $962 and $1,555 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)								45,551					2,648			48,199
Other comprehensive income										1,429						1,429
Distribution to noncontrolling interests													(1,832		)	(1,832		)
Share-based compensation					14,087											14,087
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	1,506		1		9,532											9,533
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	473				10,500											10,500
Stock repurchases	(403	)			(8,216		)									(8,216		)
Excess tax benefit from stock options					2,868											2,868
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards					(127		)									(127		)
Balances, December 31, 2012	88,372		$	88	$	390,359		$	791,209	$	1,847		$	10,890		$	1,194,393

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

46

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	50,716		$	99,860		$	114,158
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	123,573			21,310			—
Depreciation and amortization	76,227			56,988			46,069
Amortization of debt issue costs	1,278			1,445			862
Provision for uncollectible accounts	6,396			6,742			7,366
Debt retirement costs	—			2,764			2,131
Business combination adjustment gain	(5,719		)	—			—
Net loss on sale of assets	1,310			382			374
Share-based compensation	14,087			10,773			9,340
Deferred income taxes	(33,398		)	19,552			13,493
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options	(2,868		)	(1,708		)	(378		)
Other	(584		)	(637		)	(901		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	1,640			(14,107		)	(7,048		)
Inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets	(10,329		)	(12,297		)	(11,868		)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	3,640			(5,415		)	7,463
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	7,181			4,583			(385		)
Income taxes	4,103			816			(12,603		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	237,253			191,051			168,073
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(134,916		)	(205,794		)	(79,851		)
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	(5,337		)	(1,900		)	(9,289		)
Property and equipment additions	(76,807		)	(63,485		)	(61,951		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	115			465			939
Other	(2,313		)	(596		)	(22		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(219,258		)	(271,310		)	(150,174		)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

47

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — (Continued)

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(60,775		)	(98,990		)	(555,529		)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	50,000			150,000			500,000
Payment of financing costs	(122		)	(2,944		)	(9,112		)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	50,000			50,000			—
Repayment of revolving credit facility	(50,000		)	(50,000		)	—
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(4,481		)	(3,277		)	(4,247		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	9,533			3,999			5,510
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options	2,868			1,708			378
Stock repurchases	(8,159		)	(2,673		)	(2,310		)
Other	(2,378		)	(819		)	(832		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(13,514		)	47,004			(66,142		)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	303			(220		)	188
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,784			(33,475		)	(48,055		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	63,651			97,126			145,181
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	68,435		$	63,651		$	97,126
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	15,407		$	15,088		$	13,357
Income taxes paid	$	61,481		$	55,660		$	77,210
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Detail of acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	220,526		$	254,781		$	139,085
Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)	—			—
Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)	—			—
Cash paid for acquisitions	(134,916		)	(203,996		)	(79,851		)
Assumed debt	(25,915		)	(26,048		)	(29,532		)
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	(10,500		)	—			—
Contingent consideration	(1,306		)	(560		)	(259		)
Holdbacks	(3,475		)	(1,500		)	—
Liabilities assumed	$	24,403		$	22,677		$	29,443

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. The Company

Our company, VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 1986 and is based in Los Angeles, California. We are an animal healthcare company with the following four operating segments: animal hospitals (“Animal Hospital”), veterinary diagnostic laboratories (“Laboratory), veterinary medical technology (“Medical Technology”) and Vetstreet.

Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our animal hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At December 31, 2012, we operated 609 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and three Canadian provinces.

We operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our laboratory network provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At December 31, 2012, we operated 55 laboratories of various sizes located strategically throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Medical Technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, provides consulting and mobile imaging services, and sells software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.

Our Vetstreet business provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a.    Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and include the accounts of our parent company, all majority-owned subsidiaries where we have control, certain fifty-percent owned subsidiaries where we possess the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies and certain veterinary medical groups to which we provide services as discussed below. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances.

We provide management and other administrative services to certain veterinary practices in states and Canadian provinces with laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states and Canadian provinces, we provide management and other administrative services to the veterinary medical practices. At December 31, 2012, we operated 177 animal hospitals in 15 of these states and 47 animal hospital in three Canadian provinces, under management agreements with these veterinary practices. Pursuant to the management agreements, the veterinary medical practices are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined by their respective state or province.

We have determined that the veterinary medical practices are variable interest entities as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and that we have a variable interest in those entities through our management agreements. We also determined that our variable interests in these veterinary medical practices, in aggregate with the variable interests held by our related parties, provide us with the power to direct the activities of these practices that most significantly impact their economic performance and obligate us to absorb losses that could potentially be significant or the right to receive benefits from the veterinary medical practices that could potentially be significant. Based on these determinations, we consolidated the veterinary medical practices in our consolidated financial statements.

b.    Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, whereas

revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the reporting period.

Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and realized transaction

gains and losses are recorded in the results of operations.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

c.    Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and our reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Amounts subject to significant judgment and estimates include, but are not limited to, collectability of receivables, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of goodwill, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, estimated redemption value of mandatorily redeemable partnership interests and inputs used for computing stock-based compensation.

d.    Revenue and Related Cost Recognition

General

We recognize revenue, barring other facts, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met:

• persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists;

• delivery of goods has occurred or services have been rendered;

• the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable; and

• collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue is reported net of sales discounts and excludes sales taxes.

We generally recognize revenue and costs as follows:

• For non-contractual services provided by our business units, at the time services are rendered.

• For the sale of merchandise when delivery of the goods has occurred.

• For services under defined support and maintenance contracts, on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, recognizing costs as incurred; these services include, but are not limited to, technical support, when-and-if available product updates for software and extended warranty coverage.

• For the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and ultrasound imaging equipment sold on a standalone basis at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or upon installation and customer acceptance if required per the sale arrangement.

• For the sale of reminder cards when shipment has occurred.

Multiple Element Arrangements

We account for revenue for certain bundled products and services as follows:

• Sales arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, whereby any discount in the arrangement is allocated proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For elements where VSOE is available, VSOE of fair value is based on the price for those products and services when sold separately by us or the price established by management with the relevant authority. TPE of selling price is the price of our, or any of our competitor’s, largely interchangeable products or services in stand-alone sales to similarly situated customers.

Digital radiography (“DR”) imaging equipment and all of its related computer equipment, our proprietary software and services in addition to any other computers sold with our proprietary software are accounted for under the FASB’s accounting guidance related to multiple-deliverable transactions.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

We do not currently have VSOE for our DR imaging equipment as units are not sold on a stand-alone basis without the related support packages. As this is also true for our competitors, TPE of selling price is also unavailable. We therefore use the ESP to allocate the arrangement consideration related to our DR imaging equipment.

In domestic markets we have VSOE for our post-contract customer support (“PCS”) as the support package is sold on a stand-alone basis. Our PCS agreements normally include a warranty on the receptor plate and technical support on the software elements. In foreign markets however, we do not have VSOE on the receptor plate warranties, accordingly we use the ESP.

In certain transactions we sell our ultrasound imaging equipment and related services together with our digital radiography imaging equipment and related services. In these transactions, we account for each item under its respective literature and allocate revenue based upon the relative selling prices.

In certain transactions with pharmaceutical companies we sell subscriptions to Vetstreet Pro and Consumer Pet portals together with other marketing related services. We account for these arrangements under the multiple-deliverable accounting, mentioned above; with the arrangement consideration allocated using the relative selling prices.

Deferred Revenue

We defer revenue for certain transactions as follows:

• We defer revenue for pre-paid services such as our consulting, marketing, education services or PCS and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract period or as the services are provided depending on the nature of the service.

• We defer revenue for PCS provided as part of the purchase of equipment and software and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the PCS period.

• We defer revenue when we lack persuasive evidence of a sales agreement and recognize that revenue only when that evidence exists.

• We defer revenue on transactions where we participated in the buyers leasing and recognize that revenue over the lease term.

As a result of these policies, we have deferred revenue and costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisting of the following (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Deferred equipment revenue(1)	$	735	$	906
Deferred fixed-priced support or maintenance contract revenue	3,383		2,890
Other deferred revenue(2)	6,828		3,262
Total deferred revenue	10,946		7,058
Less current portion included in other accrued liabilities	10,811		7,025
Long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities	$	135	$	33
Current portion of deferred costs included in prepaid expenses and other	$	709	$	258
Long-term portion of deferred costs included in other assets	1,099		1,267
Total deferred costs(3)	$	1,808	$	1,525

⁽¹⁾  Represents amounts received for sales arrangements that include equipment, hardware, software and PCS. See above discussion for the accounting guidance pertaining to revenue recognition — multiple-deliverable transactions.

⁽²⁾  Represents amounts received in advance for services.

⁽³⁾  Represents costs related to warranties, equipment and hardware included in deferred equipment revenue.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Customer Loyalty Programs

We record reductions to revenue related to customer incentive programs, which include various forms of cash consideration. Incentives may be provided in the form of credits, coupons or loans and are earned by clients upon entering into an agreement to purchase products or services in future periods while maintaining defined volume purchase or utilization levels. These incentives are capitalized and recognized as a reduction to revenue over the term of the customer agreement. We monitor customer purchases over the term of their agreement to assess the realizability of our capitalized customer acquisition costs. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any impaired customer acquisition costs.

e.    Direct Costs

Direct costs are comprised of all service and product costs, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and other hospital-based, laboratory-based personnel, and content-development personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expenses and costs of goods sold.

f.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider only highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents. We maintain balances in our bank accounts that are in excess of FDIC insured levels.

g.    Inventory

Our inventory consists primarily of finished goods and includes imaging equipment, pet food and products and medical supplies. It is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and is adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.

h.    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Equipment held under capital leases is recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the equipment at the beginning of the lease term.

We develop and implement new software to be used internally, or enhance our existing internal software. We develop the software using our own employees and/or outside consultants. Costs associated with the development of new software are expensed as incurred. Costs related directly to the software design, coding, testing and installation are capitalized and amortized over the expected life of the software. Costs related to upgrades or enhancements of existing systems are capitalized if the modifications result in additional functionality.

Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or 15 years
Furniture and equipment	5 to 7 years
Software	3 years
Equipment held under capital leases	5 to 10 years

Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of property under capital leases, in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $53.5 million, $43.6 million and $36.7 million, respectively.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Property and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of (in thousands):

	2012			2011
Land	$	56,162		$	53,425
Building and improvements	137,614			120,227
Leasehold improvements	140,944			127,790
Furniture and equipment	243,429			216,042
Software	32,676			22,932
Buildings held under capital leases	30,550			31,627
Equipment held under capital leases	849			1,034
Construction in progress	35,683			27,686
Total property and equipment	677,907			600,763
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization	(274,463		)	(230,117		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	403,444		$	370,646

Accumulated amortization on buildings and equipment held under capital leases amounted to $10.5 million and $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

i.    Operating Leases

Most of our facilities are under operating leases. The minimum lease payments, including predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to leases. The lease term includes contractual renewal options that are reasonably assured based on significant leasehold improvements acquired. Any leasehold improvement incentives paid to us by a landlord are recorded as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

j.    Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to goodwill and other intangibles, we have determined that we have four reporting units, Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet, and we estimate annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare their estimated fair value against the net book value of those reporting units to determine if our goodwill is impaired. The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed quantitative two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the two-step process. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is required to be recorded as an impairment.

We recorded impairment charges in the current year related to our Vetstreet reporting unit and in the prior year related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. For additional information related to goodwill impairment, see Note 5, Goodwill.

Our estimated reporting unit fair values are calculated using valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums. Consumer spending habits for our business are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. We believe these factors have and may continue to impact consumer spending for our products and services. Deterioration in consumer spending habits for our business would negatively impact the value of our reporting units and could result in additional goodwill impairment. Any potential impairment charge could be material and would be reflected as expense in our consolidated statements of income. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

rates will not deteriorate in the near term. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date. Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we have a $99.5 million goodwill impairment related to our Vetstreet reporting unit. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment. Our October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we had a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. Our determination in the prior year period that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value was also based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results. The Vetstreet and Medical Technology reporting units are each included in the “All Other” category of our segment disclosures in Note 15, Lines of Business.

k.    Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we have amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	110,404	$	(36,605	)	$	73,799	$	82,891	$	(21,147	)	$	61,744
Covenants not-to-compete	12,707		(7,357		)	5,350		13,035		(8,067		)	4,968
Favorable lease asset	7,228		(3,866		)	3,362		5,571		(3,210		)	2,361
Technology	6,588		(4,179		)	2,409		16,589		(2,342		)	14,247
Trademarks	12,494		(3,001		)	9,493		7,405		(1,686		)	5,719
Contracts	956		(570		)	386		3,500		(185		)	3,315
Client lists	50		(26		)	24		84		(35		)	49
Total	$	150,427	$	(55,604	)	$	94,823	$	129,075	$	(36,672	)	$	92,403

The recoverability of the carrying values of all intangible assets with finite lives is re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's value may be impaired. We perform a quarterly review of identified intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we had a $22.9 million intangible asset impairment related to non-contractual customer relationships, technology, trademarks and contracts related to Vetstreet. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the intangible assets was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment as mentioned above. The fair values of the impaired intangibles were calculated utilizing valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. The impairment is included under the caption "Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets" in our consolidated income statement.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Non-contractual hospital customer relationships	5 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships	5 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships	3 to 10 years
Covenants not-to-compete	2 to 25 years
Favorable lease asset	1 to 18 years
Technology	5 to 7 years
Trademarks	2 to 10 years
Contracts	6 years
Client lists	3 years

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	20,778
2014	18,378
2015	16,338
2016	13,196
2017	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Total	$	94,823

l.    Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes. In accordance with the guidance, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which include operating and capital loss carryforwards. As such, we have a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs. We also assess differences between our probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.

We account for unrecognized tax benefits also in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.

55

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

m.    Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are financial instruments issued in the normal course of business and are not market traded. The amounts recorded approximate fair value and are shown net of valuation allowances. There were no valuation allowances recorded as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The notes bear interest at rates varying from 3.9% to 8.0% per annum.

n.    Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs was $1.3 million and $482,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

o.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

The carrying amount reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our policy is to place our cash and cash equivalents in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions, which we believe mitigates our credit risk. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the diversity of our customer base. We routinely review the collection of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in a geographic area.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and supplies for an extended period of time will have a negative impact on our operating results.

p.    Derivative Instruments

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to derivatives and hedging, all investments in derivatives are recorded at fair value. A derivative is typically defined as an instrument whose value is “derived” from an underlying instrument, index or rate, has a notional amount, requires little or no initial investment and can be net settled. Our derivatives are reported as current assets and liabilities or other non-current assets or liabilities as appropriate.

We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. If we determine that contracts are effective at meeting our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them using hedge accounting. Under hedge accounting, we recognize the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion in earnings. If we determine that contracts do not or no longer meet our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them under a fair-value method recognizing changes in the fair value in earnings in the period of change. If we determine that a contract no longer meets our risk reduction and correlation criteria or if the derivative expires, we recognize in earnings any accumulated balance in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this contract in the period of determination. For interest rate swap agreements accounted for under hedge accounting, we assess the effectiveness based on changes in their intrinsic value with changes in the time value portion of the contract reflected in earnings. All cash payments made or received under the contracts are recognized in interest expense.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Credit exposure associated with non-performance by the counterparties to derivative instruments is generally limited to the uncollateralized fair value of the asset related to instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. We attempt to mitigate the risk of non-performance by selecting counterparties with high credit ratings and monitoring their creditworthiness and by diversifying derivative amounts with multiple counterparties.

The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Interest rates affect the fair value of derivatives. The fair values generally represent the estimated amounts that we would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the contracts at the reporting date. The fair values are based upon dealer quotes when available or an estimate using values obtained from independent pricing services, costs to settle or quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

q.    Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total marketing and advertising expense included in direct costs amounted to $25.3 million, $25.2 million and $21.7 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total marketing and advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense amounted to $7.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.8 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

r.    Insurance and Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance with high retention or high-deductible provisions for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance and our group health insurance benefits.

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on an undiscounted basis by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

s.    Product Warranties

We accrue the cost of basic product warranties included with the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and our ultrasound imaging equipment at the time we sell these units to our customers. Our warranty costs are primarily for our assistance in helping our customers resolve issues with the warranties they have with the original equipment manufacturers. We estimate our warranty costs based on historical warranty claim experience. Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $70,000 and $50,000, respectively.

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

t.    Calculation of Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,681		86,606		86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options	479		560		753
Non-vested shares and units	511		228		249
Diluted	88,671		87,394		87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	1.10	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	1.09	$	1.27

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 1.0 million, 1.2 million and 11,763, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

u.    Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB’s accounting guidance on stock compensation. Accordingly, we measure the cost of share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments and recognize the cost over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period.

Our company’s share-based employee compensation plans are described further in Note 10, Share-Based Compensation.

v.    Acquisitions

We account for acquisitions based upon the provisions of the FASB’s accounting guidance on business combinations, accordingly acquisitions are accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition costs will be expensed as incurred; non-controlling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

w.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB finalized the reporting for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, reporting for which was previously deferred, as discussed below. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, they do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is also required to present on the face of the financials where net income is reported or in the footnotes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. Other amounts need only be cross-referenced to other disclosures required that provide additional detail of these amounts. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted.

In June 2011, the FASB finalized the accounting guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of the new guidance is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting, to increase the

58

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

prominence of the items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholder’s equity and requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income. Regardless of which option is chosen it is required that reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements.

The new guidance does not change the following: the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income; when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; the option for an entity to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects; and does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.

The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new requirements had no effect on our consolidated financial statements other than the changes to presentation outlined.

In September 2011, the FASB amended the accounting guidance on Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this guidance is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing the annual goodwill impairment test and to improve the previous guidance by expanding the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in the qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment. The amendments allow an entity the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The examples of events and circumstances included in the amendment that an entity should consider in performing its qualitative assessment about whether to proceed to the first step of the goodwill impairment test supersede the examples in the existing guidance. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. An entity is no longer permitted to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit’s fair value from a prior year as previously permitted under the existing guidance. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended goodwill impairment testing procedures did not significantly impact our consolidated financial statements as we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment.

x.   Corrections    

During 2012, we recorded a $3.1 million out-of-period adjustment to depreciation expense related to our acquired capital leases.

During 2011, we corrected an error related to our deferred revenue and related deferred cost for certain equipment sales governed by revised accounting guidance related to multiple element arrangements. The correction resulted in the recognition of $4.0 million of previously deferred revenue and $3.8 million of previously deferred costs in our Medical Technology operating segment that should have been recognized in prior periods.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3. Related Party Transactions

a.   Transactions with ThinkPets Inc. (formerly known as Zoasis Corporation)

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets, Inc., for $21 million, payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. The number of shares of VCA common stock were determined based on the daily volume weighted average closing sales price of the VCA common stock for the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, Bob Antin, our CEO and Chairman of the Board, owned 54% of the common stock of ThinkPets, and served as a director of ThinkPets, and Art Antin, our Chief Operating Officer, owned 8% of the common stock of ThinkPets.

b.  Related Party Vendors

Frank Reddick joined our company as a director in February 2002 and is a partner in the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP (“Akin”). Akin provided legal services to us during 2012, 2011 and 2010. The amount paid by our company to Akin for these legal services was approximately $551,000, $1.6 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

c.    Transactions with VetSource

In 2006, we entered into a pharmacy distribution agreement with Strategic Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc. (“VetSource”) a start-up pharmacy distribution company. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are entitled to one representative on the VetSource Board of Directors. Under the agreement we promote the use of VetSource as the preferred provider of pharmaceutical products to VCA animal hospitals. The agreement has a five-year term and will renew for one year terms unless either party provides written notice of termination to the other party at least 120 days prior to expiration of the then current term. The amount paid by our company to VetSource for pharmaceutical products was $13.1 million, $28.2 million and $41.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

We own 34% of the outstanding preferred stock of VetSource.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions

Our acquisition strategy includes the acquisition of animal hospitals. If favorable opportunities are presented, we may pursue the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses. In accordance with that strategy, we acquired the following:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Animal hospitals:
Acquisitions (1), excluding AVC in 2012, BrightHeart in 2011 and Pet DRx in 2010	35		18		27
AVC (1)	44		—		—
BrightHeart(1)	—		9		—
Pet DRx(1)	—		—		23
New facilities	1		—		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing animal hospitals	(6	)	(3	)	(2	)
Sold, closed or merged	(6	)	(11	)	(9	)
Total	68		13		39
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	1		1		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing laboratories	(1	)	—		—
New facilities	2		2		4
Closed or merged	—		—		(1	)
Total	2		3		3

⁽¹⁾  Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC") was acquired on January 31, 2012, BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart") was acquired on July 11, 2011 and Pet DRx Corporation ("Pet DRx”) was acquired on July 1, 2010.

Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration, including acquisition costs, paid by us for our acquired animal hospitals and laboratories, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx, and the allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Consideration:
Cash	$	78,629		$	34,243	$	69,456
Holdback	2,425			1,500		—
Contingent consideration	1,306			79		2,857
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	3,515		$	1,237	$	3,592
Identifiable intangible assets	14,718			6,414		9,510
Goodwill(1)	64,253			28,171		60,839
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(126		)	—		(1,628		)
Total	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313

⁽¹⁾  We expect that $60.4 million, $26.4 million and $58.2 million of the goodwill recorded in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

In addition to the purchase price listed above are cash payments made for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals totaling $5.3 million, $1.9 million and $9.3 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

AVC Investment

On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in AVC by approximately CDN $81 million (approximately US $81 million) becoming the sole non-veterinarian shareholder of AVC. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, offering services ranging from primary care, to specialty referral services and 24-hour emergency care. This investment and planned additional investments in AVC will facilitate our continued expansion in the Canadian market. At the time of the investment, AVC had annualized revenue of approximately CDN $95 million (approximately US $95 million). Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of AVC since January 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes the total investment and preliminary allocation of the investment in AVC (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	48,819
Assumed debt	25,915
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	74,734
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	11,694
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	25,170
Goodwill(2)	79,707
Other liabilities assumed	(21,826		)
	$	94,745
Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)
Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)
Total	$	74,734

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademark and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted- average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately six years. The customer-related intangible assets weighted-average amortization period is approximately five years. The trademark weighted-average amortization period is approximately ten years. The covenants-not-to-compete weighted-average amortization period is approximately three years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $362,000 of the goodwill related to the AVC acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

BrightHeart Acquisition

On July 11, 2011, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of BrightHeart for approximately $50 million in cash. BrightHeart operates nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition increased our level of market recognition in areas where we had an existing market presence. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of BrightHeart since July 11, 2011.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	23,490
Assumed debt	26,048
Contingent consideration	481
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	50,019
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	18,921
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	8,796
Goodwill(2)	39,806
Other liabilities assumed	(17,504		)
Total	$	50,019

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships. The weighted average amortization period for both the total identifiable intangible assets and the customer-related intangible assets is approximately five years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that $40.7 million of the goodwill related to the BrightHeart acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Pet DRx Acquisition

On July 1, 2010, we acquired a 70.4% interest in Pet DRx Corporation (“Pet DRx”), a provider of veterinary primary care and specialized services to companion animals. Pet DRx operated 23 animal hospitals in California at the time of its acquisition. The acquisition expanded our presence in the California market. We acquired the remaining portion of Pet DRx on November 1, 2010. The aggregate purchase price in both steps was $41.3 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of Pet DRx since July 1, 2010.

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Assumed debt	$	29,532
Cash paid to shareholders	7,670
Cash paid for holdbacks	750
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	37,952
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	20,031
Identifiable intangible assets	3,074
Goodwill(1)	41,686
Other liabilities assumed	(26,839		)
Total	$	37,952

⁽¹⁾  We expected that $6.4 million of goodwill would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Other Acquisitions

ThinkPets, Inc. ("ThinkPets")

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets for $21 million , payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. We intend to combine the operations of ThinkPets with our Vetstreet business, which we expect will improve the products and services it offers to clients of both companies. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of ThinkPets since February 1, 2012.

The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and preliminary allocation of the investment in ThinkPets (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	7,468
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	10,500
Holdback	1,050
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	19,018
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	2,093
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	7,221
Goodwill(2)	12,155
Other liabilities assumed	(2,451		)
Total	$	19,018

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, contracts and trademarks. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately eight years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately nine years, for the technology approximately four years, and for the trademarks approximately two years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $821,000 of the goodwill related to the ThinkPets acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

The preliminary purchase price is pending the finalization of the working capital calculation, which at this time is under seller review.

Our ThinkPets business is reported within our “All Other” category in our segment disclosures combined with our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments.

MediMedia Animal Health, LLC (“Vetstreet”)

On August 9, 2011, we acquired 100% of the ownership interests of Vetstreet, a provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. The acquisition of Vetstreet expands the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and is expected to provide long-term synergies to our existing businesses. We acquired Vetstreet for a final purchase price of $146.4 million, net of cash acquired. The following table summarizes the final purchase price and final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Consideration:
Cash	$	146,420
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	8,565
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	45,810
Goodwill(2)	96,149
Other liabilities assumed	(4,104		)
Total	$	146,420

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, technology, trademarks, non-compete agreements and contracts. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately nine years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately ten years, for the technology and trademarks approximately seven years, for the non-compete agreements approximately two years and for the contracts approximately eight years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that all of the goodwill related to the Vetstreet acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Our Vetstreet business is reported within our “All Other” category in our segment disclosures combined with our Medical Technology operating segment.

Pro Forma Information (unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 presents, (i) the actual results of operations of our 2012 acquisitions and (ii) the combined results of operations for our company and our 2012 acquisitions as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011, the first day of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The pro forma financial information considers principally (i) our company’s financial results, (ii) the unaudited historical financial results of our acquisitions, and (iii) select pro forma adjustments to the historical financial results of our acquisitions. Such pro forma adjustments represent principally estimates of (i) the impact of the hypothetical amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) the recognition of fair value adjustments relating to tangible assets, (iii) adjustments reflecting the new capital structure, including additional financing or repayments of debt as part of the acquisitions and (iv) the tax effects of the acquisitions and related adjustments as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition at the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period.

In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of our company:

	Revenue	Net Income (Loss)
	(Unaudited)
(In thousands):
Actual from acquisition date to December 31, 2012	135,114	(6,795	)
2012 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012(1)	1,759,471	47,770
2011 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011(1)	1,731,228	108,406

⁽¹⁾  2012 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to exclude $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. 2011 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to include these charges.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

5. Goodwill

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2010
Goodwill	$	965,999		$	96,818		$	29,663		$	1,092,480
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			—			—
Subtotal	965,999			96,818			29,663			1,092,480
Goodwill acquired	70,169			6			97,177			167,352
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Foreign translation adjustment	—			(14		)	—			(14		)
Other (1)	(767		)	—			(134		)	(901		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
Goodwill	1,035,401			96,810			126,706			1,258,917
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Subtotal	1,035,401			96,810			105,396			1,237,607
Goodwill acquired	143,926			34			12,155			156,115
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(99,501		)	(99,501		)
Foreign translation adjustment	1,281			17			—			1,298
Other (1)	(3,260		)	—			(1,028		)	(4,288		)
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Goodwill	1,177,348			96,861			137,833			1,412,042
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,177,348		$	96,861		$	17,022		$	1,291,231

⁽¹⁾  In 2012, "Other" includes acquisition-price adjustments, which consist primarily of an adjustment related to capital leases and buy outs. In 2011, "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and earn-out payments.

Goodwill Impairment Charges

2012 Charge

Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at least annually. We perform our annual impairment test as of October 31st. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

We performed our annual test of goodwill as of October 31, 2012 for all of our reporting units. We determined that each of our reporting unit's fair value exceeded their respective carrying values with the exception of our Vetstreet reporting unit. Management ultimately determined that there was impairment to Vetstreet's goodwill primarily due to (i) less than anticipated financial performance for fiscal 2012, including with respect to revenue and operating cash flow, and (ii) new revenue and operating profit growth projections that are significantly lower than previous projections. Accordingly, we recorded a $99.5 million impairment charge during the fourth quarter of the current year.

Revenue and operating profit growth projections were lowered as a result of continued operational delays in part due to our upgrading and migration of Vetstreet's information technology systems from their former parent MediMedia, to their own Corporate data center. Additionally, we have changed Vetstreet's overall business strategy to better accommodate the needs of the veterinary community. The projected cash flows under our revised strategy however are significantly lower than under our

previous plan. Finally, our revised forecast reflects the impact of new well-capitalized entrants to this business which has resulted in increased competition.

The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach, which is performed at the reporting unit level. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and Step 2 must be performed. Step 2 compares the carrying value of the reporting unit's

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

5. Goodwill, continued

goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit's assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is recorded as an impairment.

In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, we estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using a combination of the income and market approaches with greater emphasis placed on the income approach, for purposes of estimating the total enterprise value.

The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis and calculates the fair value of the reporting unit by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). The WACC utilized in our analysis using the income approach was 15.5%. The WACC is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required for equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The reporting unit's cost of equity and debt was developed based on data and factors relevant to the economy, the industry and the reporting unit. The cost of equity was estimated using the capital asset pricing model ("CAPM"). The CAPM uses a risk-free rate of return and an appropriate market risk premium for equity investments and the specific risks of the investment. The analysis also included comparisons to a group of guideline companies engaged in the same or similar businesses. The cost of debt was estimated using the current after-tax average borrowing cost that a market participant would expect to pay to obtain its debt financing assuming a target capital structure.

The market approach is based on the guideline publicly traded company method to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Due to the significant lack of guideline public companies, little weight was given to this approach. Under this method, market multiples ratios were applied to the reporting unit's earnings with consideration given to our size, product offerings, growth, and other relevant factors compared to those of the guideline companies. The guideline companies selected were engaged in the same or a similar line of business as us. Market multiples were then selected based on consideration of risk, growth, and profitability differences between us and the guideline companies. The selected market multiples were then multiplied by our October 31, 2012 revenue to arrive at an estimate of fair value.

Based on the above analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Vetstreet reporting unit including goodwill exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, requiring us to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

In performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value of goodwill. This test resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $99.5 million ($60.6 million

after-tax), which was recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2012. This charge had no impact on our cash flows or our compliance with debt covenants.

The fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analysis required significant judgment. The Company's fair value estimates for purposes of determining the goodwill impairment charge are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.

We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain, including estimates of future revenues and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business. Our estimates assume that revenues will decline into the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environments or anticipated operating results are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

2011 Charge

On October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we have a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit included under the "All Other" heading in the table above. Our determination in the prior period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than its carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecast cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6. Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
Deferred revenue	$	10,811	$	7,025
Accrued health insurance	6,409		5,553
Deferred rent	4,165		3,626
Holdbacks and earn-outs	3,599		2,250
Miscellaneous accrued taxes (1)	3,485		2,015
Customer deposits	3,140		2,281
Accrued consulting fees	3,114		2,886
Accrued lab service rebates	579		332
Other	21,829		18,000
	$	57,131	$	43,968

⁽¹⁾ Includes property, sales, and use taxes.

7. Long-Term Obligations

Long-term obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

		2012			2011
Senior term notes	Notes payable, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate (1.96% and 2.00% at 2012 and 2011, respectively)	592,422			573,984
Revolving credit	Revolving line of credit, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate	—			—
Secured seller notes	Notes payable, various maturities through 2013, secured by assets and stock of certain subsidiaries, various interest rates ranging from 9.0% to 10.0%	266			346
	Total debt obligations	592,688			574,330
	Capital lease obligations	37,955			44,523
		630,643			618,853
	Less — current portion	(39,002		)	(32,571		)
		$	591,641		$	586,282

The annual aggregate scheduled maturities of our long-term obligations for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2012 are presented below (in thousands):

	Debt Obligations		Capital Lease Obligations		Total
2013	$	35,774	$	3,228	$	39,002
2014	47,344		3,249		50,593
2015	51,289		3,407		54,696
2016	458,281		3,126		461,407
2017	—		3,413		3,413
Thereafter	—		21,532		21,532
Total	$	592,688	$	37,955	$	630,643

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7. Long-Term Obligations, continued

Senior Credit Facility

In August 2010, we entered into a new senior credit facility with various lenders for $600 million of senior secured credit facilities with Bank of America, N.A. as the syndication agent and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as the administrative agent, collateral agent, issuing bank and swing line lender. At the time of entering into the senior credit facility, it included $500 million of senior term notes and $100 million revolving credit facility, which may be used to borrow, on a same-day notice under a swing line, the lesser of $10 million and the aggregate unused amount of the revolving credit facility then in effect. In connection with this transaction, we paid financing costs in the amount of $9.1 million, of which $2.1 million, or $1.3 million after tax were recognized as part of income from continuing operations, the remainder was capitalized as deferred financing costs.

In August 2011, we amended and restated our existing senior credit facility to allow for additional senior term notes in the amount of $100 million and an additional $25 million aggregate principal amount of revolving commitments. Bank of America, N.A. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. are co-syndication agents for the amended senior credit facility, while Wells Fargo, N.A. remains the administrative agent, collateral agent, issuing bank and swing line lender. The amended senior credit facility called for $581.3 million in senior term notes and a $125 million revolving credit facility. The funds borrowed from the additional senior term notes were used to repay in full, amounts borrowed in connection with the acquisition of Vetstreet on August 9, 2011. The terms of the amended and restated senior credit facility are discussed below in this footnote. In connection with the amendment we incurred $2.9 million in financing costs, of which approximately $865,000 were recognized as part of income from continuing operations and approximately $2.0 million was capitalized as deferred financing costs. In addition, we expensed $1.1 million of previously capitalized deferred financing costs associated with lenders who exited the syndicate on the amendment date or those that were determined to be extinguished.

On January 25, 2012, we executed an amendment (the "First Amendment") to our Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement entered into as of August 16, 2011 (our "Senior Credit Facility"). On January 24, 2012, we issued new term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million. The First Amendment replenished the aggregate principal amount of uncommitted incremental facilities by $50.0 million, permitting us to request up to an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million in uncommitted incremental facilities. The funds borrowed from the Incremental Facility were used to fully repay amounts borrowed to fund an additional investment in Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC") on February 1, 2012. In connection with the First Amendment we incurred $122,000 in financing costs, of which approximately $47,000 were expensed as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses and $75,000 were capitalized as deferred financing costs.

Interest Rate.    In general, borrowings under the senior term notes and the revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, on either:

• the base rate (as defined below) plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for a base rate loan is an amount equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar rate (as defined below) minus 1.00%; or

• the adjusted Eurodollar rate (as defined below), plus a margin of 1.75% (Level II, see table below), per annum until the date of delivery of the compliance certificate and the financial statements, for the period ended December 31, 2012, at which time the applicable margin will be determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the following table:

Level	Leverage Ratio	Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans		Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %
I	≥ 2.50:1.00	2.25	%	0.50	%
II	< 2.50:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00	1.75	%	0.375	%
III	< 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00	1.50	%	0.25	%
IV	< 1.00:1.00	1.25	%	0.20	%

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7. Long-Term Obligations, continued

The base rate for the senior term notes is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo") prime rate in effect on such day, the Federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.5% and the adjusted Eurodollar rate for a one-month interest period commencing on such day plus 1.0%. The adjusted Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate per annum obtained by dividing (1) the rate of interest offered to Wells Fargo on the London interbank market by (2) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of “Eurocurrency liabilities.”

Maturity and Principal Payments.    The Amended and Restated senior term notes mature on August 19, 2016. Principal payments on the senior term notes are paid quarterly in the amount of (i) $7.9 million for the first four quarters beginning on December 31, 2012, (ii) $11.8 million for the two years following, and (iii) $15.8 million for the three quarters prior to maturity, at which time the remaining balance is due. The following table sets forth the remaining scheduled principal payments for our senior term notes (in thousands):

	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Senior term notes	$	35,508	$	47,344	$	51,289	$	458,281	$	—

The revolving credit facility has a per annum commitment fee determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the table above and is applied to the unused portion of the commitment. The revolving credit facility matures on August 19, 2016. Principal payments on the revolving credit facility are made at our discretion with the entire unpaid amount due at maturity. At December 31, 2012, we had no borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Guarantees and Security.    We and each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee the outstanding debt under the senior credit facility. These borrowings, along with the guarantees of the subsidiaries, are further secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets. In addition, these borrowings are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock, or similar equity interests, of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Debt Covenants.    The senior credit facility contains certain financial covenants pertaining to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, the senior credit facility has restrictions pertaining to capital expenditures, acquisitions and the payment of cash dividends on all classes of stock. At December 31, 2012, we had a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.60 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00, and a leverage ratio of 2.03 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no more than 3.00 to 1.00.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

In the past we have entered into interest rate swap agreements whereby we pay the counterparty amounts based on a fixed interest rate and set notional principal amount in exchange for the receipt of payments from the counterparty based on current LIBOR and the same set notional principal amount. We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt.

During 2010, all of our interest rate swap agreements had expired and we have not entered into any new agreements.

The following table summarizes cash received or cash paid and unrealized gains or losses recognized as a result of our interest rate swap agreements (in thousands):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Cash paid(1)	$	—	$	—	$	382

⁽¹⁾  Our interest rate swap agreements effectively converted a certain amount of our variable-rate debt under our senior credit facility to fixed-rate debt for purposes of hedging against the risk of increasing interest rates. The above table depicts cash payments to the counterparties on our swap agreements. These payments are offset by a corresponding decrease in interest paid on our variable-rate debt under our senior credit facility. These amounts are included in interest expense in our consolidated income statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

8. Fair Value

Current fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The current guidance establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

• Level 1.    Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

• Level 2.    Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and

• Level 3.    Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Non-Recurring Assets

Non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are accounted for in accordance with FASB’s guidance on fair value measurement.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, our Vetstreet goodwill was written down to its implied fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $99.5 million, which was included in earnings in the period. Our Vetstreet goodwill balance as of December 31, 2012 was $8.8 million. Additionally, during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, our Vetstreet long-lived assets were written down to their estimated fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $22.9 million, which was included in earnings in the period. Our Vetstreet long-lived assets balance as of December 31, 2012 was $28.7 million. Both the implied fair value of goodwill and the estimated fair value of long-lived assets were calculated using Level 3 inputs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Fair value as defined by the guidance is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates of financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we might pay or receive in actual market transactions. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    These balances include cash and cash equivalents with maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Receivables, Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Payable and Certain Other Accrued Liabilities.    Due to their short-term nature, fair value approximates carrying value.

Long-Term Debt.    The fair value of debt at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.

The following table reflects the carrying value and fair value of our variable-rate long-term debt (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2012				2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	592,422	$	592,422	$	573,984	$	573,984

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9. Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our senior credit facility places limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends or make other distributions in respect of our common stock. Specifically, our amended and restated senior credit facility dated August 16, 2011 prohibits us from declaring, ordering, paying, or setting apart any sum for any dividends or other distributions on account of any shares of any class of stock, other than dividends payable solely in shares of stock to holders of such class of stock. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors, including the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits.

10. Share-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plans

At December 31, 2012, there were stock options, non-vested shares and restricted stock units outstanding under our existing stock incentive plans. We maintain three plans: the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan; the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan; and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”). New options and other stock awards may only be granted under the 2006 Plan. At December 31, 2012, the sum of the shares previously issued pursuant to awards under the 2006 Plan and the shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under the 2006 Plan to our employees, directors, consultants and those of our affiliates is 7,753,935 shares. The number of shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under the 2006 Plan may increase by any shares of common stock underlying prior outstanding options that expire, are forfeited, canceled or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full. The number of shares available for issuance at December 31, 2012 was 2,220,937. Outstanding options and non-vested shares granted under our plans typically vest over periods that range from three to six years, and outstanding options typically expire between five and ten years from the date of grant.

Stock Option Activity

A summary of our stock option activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual term):

	Stock Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	3,323		$	16.45
Granted	894		$	15.98
Exercised	(395	)	$	10.12
Forfeited/Canceled	(46	)	$	23.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,776		$	16.92	2.3	$	10,699
Granted	462		$	18.94
Exercised	(966	)	$	9.87
Expired	(1,039	)	$	23.68
Forfeited/Canceled	(52	)	$	18.91
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,181		$	17.20	3.1	$	8,399
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,049		$	17.21	1.4	$	4,025
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012.	2,151		$	17.22	3.1	$	8,246

There were 462,229 and 894,000 stock options granted during 2012 and 2011, respectively, which had an estimated weighted-average grant date fair value of approximately $5.48 and $5.21, respectively. There were no stock options granted during 2010. The aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $9.9 million, $5.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized on options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.9 million, $2.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10. Share-Based Compensation, continued

The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts and the weighted-average remaining contractual life):

Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Exercise Price	Outstanding	Weighted-Avg. Remaining Contractual         Life	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price	Exercisable	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price
$7.48	10,000	0.1	$7.48	10,000	$7.48
$15.33 - $30.70	2,171,252	3.1	$17.24	1,038,523	$17.31
	2,181,252			1,048,523

At December 31, 2012, there was $5.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to our stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of over 3.1 years.

Calculation of Fair Value

The fair value of our options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We amortize the fair value of our options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of those options granted during 2012 and 2011, as there were no options granted during 2010:

	For Years Ended
	December 31,
	2012	2011
Expected volatility(1)	34.1%	39.0%
Expected dividends	—%	—%
Expected term(2)	4.4 years	4.3 years
Risk-free rate(3)	0.62%	0.79%

⁽¹⁾  We estimated the volatility of our common stock on the date of grant based on both historical and implied volatility.

⁽²⁾  The expected term represents the period of time that we expect options to be outstanding. We estimated the expected term based upon the weighted-average of our historical experience.

⁽³⁾  The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield in effect at the time of option grant on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with equivalent remaining terms.

We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures. We recognize share-based compensation only for those awards that we expect to vest.

The compensation cost charged against income for stock options was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $2.6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $603,000, $636,000 and $1.0 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10. Share-Based Compensation, continued

Non-Vested Shares

Additionally, under our 2006 Plan, we have issued non-vested stock awards in our common stock to certain employees and members of our Board of Directors. The outstanding non-vested stock awards to employees and executives generally vest as follows: in three or four equal annual installments starting the first anniversary of the grant date. The non-vested stock awards to members of our Board of Directors generally vest in equal annual installments over three years from the date of grant. Total compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards was $11.4 million, $9.1 million and $6.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $4.4 million, $3.6 million and $2.6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 there was $18.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested shares that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. A summary of our non-vested stock activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average fair value per share:

	Shares		Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	687		$	26.16
Granted	1,248		$	19.99
Vested	(336	)	$	28.81
Forfeited/Canceled	(83	)	$	21.33
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,516		$	20.76
Granted	400		$	19.23
Vested	(457	)	$	22.17
Forfeited/Canceled	(8	)	$	19.03
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,451		$	19.90

During 2012, we granted 399,900 shares of non-vested common stock. Of these awards, 385,592 shares were granted to employees and 14,308 shares were granted to our non-employee directors. The awards to employees will vest in equal annual installments over four years. The shares awarded to our non-employee directors will vest in three equal annual installments.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

Pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, on August 27, 2012, we granted 307,989 performance based restricted stock units ("RSUs") to our executive officers representing the right to receive one share of common stock. These RSUs will be earned upon achievement of the applicable performance criteria during the performance periods, from the fourth quarter 2012 through December 31, 2014, as set forth in the 2012 Equity Performance Award Agreement. Assuming achievement of the required performance conditions and continued service through each vesting date, these awards will vest in four equal annual installments beginning August 2013 through August 2016. The RSUs had an estimated weighted-average grant date fair value of approximately $18.94.

Total compensation cost charged against income, related to RSU awards was $1.2 million for 2012. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for the same period was $468,000.

At December 31, 2012, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to our RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of over 3.7 years.

11. Commitments and Contingencies

a.    Leases

We operate many of our animal hospitals from premises that are leased under operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to 35 years. Certain leases include fair-value purchase options that can be exercised at our discretion at various times within the lease terms.

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11. Commitments and Contingencies, continued

The future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	67,617
2014	66,328
2015	66,278
2016	65,720
2017	64,748
Thereafter	767,185
Total	$	1,097,876

Rent expense totaled $66.0 million, $55.2 million and $51.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Rental income totaled $955,000, $920,000 and $726,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

b.    Purchase Commitments

Under the terms of certain purchase agreements, we have aggregate commitments to purchase approximately $31.0 million of products and services through 2016.

c.    Earn-out Payments

We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon attainment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods expire and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $1.6 million.

Contingent consideration, such as earn-out liabilities, is recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date and a corresponding liability is recorded based on the fair value of the liability if the fair value is known or determinable. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable at each reporting period.

d.    Holdbacks

In connection with certain acquisitions, we withheld a portion of the purchase price, or the holdback, as security for indemnification obligations of the sellers under the acquisition agreement. The amounts withheld are typically payable within a 12-month period. The total outstanding holdbacks at both December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and are included in other accrued liabilities.

We paid $2.7 million, $1.8 million and $3.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to sellers for the unused portion of holdbacks.

e.    Other Contingencies

We have certain contingent liabilities resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Federal:
Current	$	51,342		$	45,765	$	51,717
Deferred	(27,103		)	17,330		11,536
	24,239			63,095		63,253
State:
Current	9,896			10,710		12,892
Deferred	(5,081		)	2,222		1,957
	4,815			12,932		14,849
Foreign:
Current	4,035			—		—
Deferred	(1,214		)	—		—
	2,821			—		—
	$	31,875		$	76,027	$	78,102

The net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2012				2011
Current deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$	6,085			$	5,362
State taxes	2,471				4,469
Other liabilities and reserves	9,716				8,112
Other assets	7,119				7,046
Inventory	1,275			1,321	1,321
Valuation allowance	(4,087		)		—
Total current deferred income tax assets	$	22,579			$	26,310
Non-current deferred income tax (liabilities) assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	29,805			$	29,362
Write-down of assets	1,222				1,222
Start-up costs	335				335
Other assets	24,955				31,306
Intangible assets	(107,112		)		(128,947		)
Property and equipment	(22,649		)		(27,131		)
Unrealized loss on investments	—				1,961
Share-based compensation	7,377				6,416
Valuation allowance	(9,779		)		(15,753		)
Total non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	(75,846	)		$	(101,229	)

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12. Income Taxes, continued

At December 31, 2012, we had Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $73.0 million, comprised mainly of acquired NOL carryforwards. These NOLs expire at various dates through 2032. The utilization of NOL carryforwards to reduce taxable income is subject to certain statutory limitations. Events that cause such a limitation include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over a three-year period. We believe that some of our acquisitions caused such a change of ownership and, accordingly, utilization of the NOL carryforwards may be limited in future years. Accordingly, the valuation allowance is principally related to subsidiaries’ NOL carryforwards. The change in valuation allowance in 2012 is related to investment-related loss carryforwards which expired in 2012. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realizable.

Our effective tax rate was 41.2%, 44.3% and 41.5% in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the Federal statutory rate is as follows:

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit	4.1		4.9		6.0
Goodwill impairment	4.6		4.3		—
AVC gain	(2.6	)	—		—
Foreign rate differential	(1.1	)	—		—
Miscellaneous	1.2		0.1		0.5
	41.2	%	44.3	%	41.5	%

The provision for 2010 income taxes includes tax expense of $3.5 million, related to additional state tax payments on a tax settlement.

We are regularly audited by federal and state tax authorities. Our 2011, 2010 and 2009 taxable years are currently open for IRS audit. The previous four years are generally open for state audit.

13. Noncontrolling Interests

We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated income statements. Noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries was $5.2 million, $4.5 million and $3.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, we reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, noncontrolling interest was $10.9 million and $10.1 million, respectively.

a.    Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as an interest cost in the consolidated income statement. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, these liabilities were $11.0 million million and $3.1 million, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

13. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

b.    Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the minority partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the minority partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

	Income Statement Impact		Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2009			$	4,369
Noncontrolling interest	$	757
Redemption value change	—		757
Formation of noncontrolling interests			1,390
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(717		)
Balance as of December 31, 2010			5,799
Noncontrolling interest	$	840
Redemption value change	716		1,556
Formation of noncontrolling interests			510
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(901		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011			6,964
Noncontrolling interest	$	806
Redemption value change	156		962
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(935		)
Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	6,991

14. 401(k) Plan

In 1992, we established a voluntary retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers all employees with at least six months of employment with our company and provides the annual matching contributions by us at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Our expense for matching contributions to our voluntary retirement plan approximated $1.5 million, $1.0 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

15. Lines of Business

Our reportable segments are Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in “All Other” in the following tables are our medical technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet business, which provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.

The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

15. Lines of Business, continued

The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital		Laboratory			All Other			Corporate			Intercompany Eliminations			Total
2012
External revenue	$	1,331,314	$	275,406		$	92,922		$	—		$	—		$	1,699,642
Intercompany revenue	—		52,395			20,038			—			(72,433		)	—
Total revenue	1,331,314		327,801			112,960			—			(72,433		)	1,699,642
Direct costs	1,142,203		176,040			74,253			—			(67,828		)	1,324,668
Gross profit	189,111		151,761			38,707			—			(4,605		)	374,974
Selling, general and administrative expense	30,826		29,660			37,879			58,790			—			157,155
Operating income (loss) before charges	158,285		122,101			828			(58,790		)	(4,605		)	217,819
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	1,216		—			122,357			—			—			123,573
Net loss (gain) on sale of assets	713		(14		)	717			(106		)	—			1,310
Operating income (loss)	$	156,356	$	122,115		$	(122,246	)	$	(58,684	)	$	(4,605	)	$	92,936
Depreciation and amortization	$	54,835	$	10,141		$	9,582		$	3,198		$	(1,529	)	$	76,227
Capital expenditures	$	55,651	$	8,334		$	5,921		$	9,695		$	(2,794	)	$	76,807
Total assets at December 31, 2012	$	1,648,578	$	244,551		$	98,159		$	127,963		$	(27,671	)	$	2,091,580
2011
External revenue	$	1,150,120	$	272,468		$	62,773		$	—		$	—		$	1,485,361
Intercompany revenue	—		44,329			17,657			—			(61,986		)	—
Total revenue	1,150,120		316,797			80,430			—			(61,986		)	1,485,361
Direct costs	970,310		173,007			59,459			—			(55,872		)	1,146,904
Gross profit	179,810		143,790			20,971			—			(6,114		)	338,457
Selling, general and administrative expense	24,342		27,864			19,136			49,770			—			121,112
Operating income (loss) before charges	155,468		115,926			1,835			(49,770		)	(6,114		)	217,345
Goodwill impairment	—		—			21,310			—			—			21,310
Net loss on sale of assets	327		21			27			7			—			382
Operating income (loss)	$	155,141	$	115,905		$	(19,502	)	$	(49,777	)	$	(6,114	)	$	195,653
Depreciation and amortization	$	40,319	$	10,111		$	5,022		$	2,853		$	(1,317	)	$	56,988
Capital expenditures	$	45,753	$	6,082		$	6,448		$	7,299		$	(2,097	)	$	63,485
Total assets at December 31, 2011	$	1,439,103	$	232,423		$	202,187		$	142,793		$	(21,138	)	$	1,995,368
2010
External revenue	$	1,052,462	$	273,616		$	55,390		$	—		$	—		$	1,381,468
Intercompany revenue	—		37,038			8,623			—			(45,661		)	—
Total revenue	1,052,462		310,654			64,013			—			(45,661		)	1,381,468
Direct costs	880,072		168,458			44,736			—			(42,962		)	1,050,304
Gross profit	172,390		142,196			19,277			—			(2,699		)	331,164
Selling, general and administrative expense	23,539		26,243			14,507			59,252			—			123,541
Net loss on sale of assets	273		22			71			8			—			374
Operating income (loss)	$	148,578	$	115,931		$	4,699		$	(59,260	)	$	(2,699	)	$	207,249
Depreciation and amortization	$	32,456	$	9,738		$	2,437		$	2,474		$	(1,036	)	$	46,069
Capital expenditures	$	52,243	$	5,176		$	857		$	5,516		$	(1,841	)	$	61,951
Total assets at December 31, 2010	$	1,320,619	$	215,483		$	69,082		$	175,297		$	(14,059	)	$	1,766,422

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

15. Lines of Business, continued

The table below lists our revenue by geographic area for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011		2010
Revenue*
United States	$	1,589,588	$	1,474,294	$	1,374,835
Canada	110,054		11,067		6,633
Total	$	1,699,642	$	1,485,361	$	1,381,468

*Revenues are determined based on the location of the customer. Long-lived assets were not disclosed, as the amounts attributable to the Canadian operations are immaterial, as compared to total consolidated long-lived assets.

16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results

The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly results for the eight quarters commencing January 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	2012 Quarter Ended									2011 Quarter Ended
	Dec. 31(1)			Sept. 30		Jun. 30(2)		Mar. 31(3)		Dec. 31(4)			Sept. 30(5)		Jun. 30		Mar. 31
Revenue	$	418,192		$	433,613	$	438,372	$	409,465	$	368,998		$	385,135	$	376,105	$	355,123
Gross profit	$	81,807		$	99,181	$	100,607	$	93,379	$	71,710		$	90,137	$	96,832	$	79,778
Operating (loss) income	$	(83,553	)	$	61,186	$	61,498	$	53,805	$	14,197		$	57,841	$	70,109	$	53,506
Net (loss) income	$	(57,025	)	$	35,642	$	35,778	$	36,321	$	(2,060	)	$	31,359	$	40,065	$	30,496
Net (loss) income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	(58,051	)	$	34,037	$	34,320	$	35,245	$	(3,215	)	$	30,169	$	39,612	$	28,839
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.39	$	0.39	$	0.41	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.46	$	0.33
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.38	$	0.39	$	0.40	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.45	$	0.33

⁽¹⁾  Included in fourth quarter operating income is a $123.6 million, non-cash goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charge, or $0.90 per diluted share. The charge is primarily related to our Vetstreet reporting unit, see Note 5, Goodwill.

⁽²⁾  Included in second quarter gross profit is a $3.1 million depreciation expense adjustment, or $0.02 per diluted share, related to acquired capital leases.

⁽³⁾  Included in first quarter net income is a $5.7 million business combination adjustment gain, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the acquisition of AVC, see Note 4, Acquisitions.

⁽⁴⁾  Included in fourth quarter operating income is a $21.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, or $0.25 per diluted share, related to our medical technology business.

⁽⁵⁾  Included in third quarter net income is $2.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, related to costs incurred in conjunction with the refinance of our senior credit facility, see Note 7, Long-Term Obligations.

Although not readily detectable because of the impact of acquisitions, our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, our Animal Hospital and Laboratory revenue historically has been greater in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.

The demand for our veterinary services is significantly higher during warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors, where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In

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VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited), continued

addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of infestation of fleas, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours. A substantial portion of our costs for our veterinary services are fixed and do not vary with the level of demand. Consequently, our operating income and operating margins generally have been higher for the second and third quarters than that experienced in the first and fourth quarters.

82

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	$	1,078,606	$	1,031,626
Intercompany receivable	104,897		76,252
Total assets	$	1,183,503	$	1,107,878
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	$	88	$	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359		361,715
Retained earnings	791,209		745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847		418
Total stockholders’ equity	$	1,183,503	$	1,107,878

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

83

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Revenue	$	—	$	—	$	—
Direct costs	—		—		—
Gross profit	—		—		—
Selling, general and administrative expense	—		—		—
Loss on sale of assets	—		—		—
Operating income	—		—		—
Interest income, net	—		—		—
Equity interest in income of subsidiaries	45,551		95,405		110,243
Income before provision for income taxes	45,551		95,405		110,243
Provision for income taxes	—		—		—
Net income	45,551		95,405		110,243
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

84

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	45,551		$	95,405		$	110,243
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity interest in earnings of subsidiaries	(45,551		)	(95,405		)	(110,243		)
Increase in intercompany receivable	—			(3,999		)	(5,510		)
Net cash used in operating activities	—			(3,999		)	(5,510		)
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Other	(9,533		)	—			—
Net cash provided by investing activities	(9,533		)	—			—
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	9,533			3,999			5,510
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,533			3,999			5,510
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

85

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

Note 1.    Guarantees

The borrowings under the senior credit facility are guaranteed by VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Vicar Operating, Inc. (“Vicar”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VCA, may borrow up to $125 million under a revolving line of credit under the senior credit facility. VCA’s guarantee under the senior credit facility is secured by the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiaries in addition to a pledge of capital stock or similar equity interest of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

See Note 7, Long-Term Obligations, in our accompanying consolidated financial statements of this annual report on Form 10-K for a five-year schedule of debt maturities.

Note 2.    Dividends from Subsidiaries

The senior credit facility has restrictions on the ability of Vicar and its consolidated subsidiaries to transfer assets in the form of cash, dividends, loans or advances to VCA. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, VCA did not receive any cash dividends from its consolidated subsidiaries.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

86

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)

			Additions
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts		Write-offs			Other(1)		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	14,978	$	6,396	$	—	$	(5,134	)	$	306	$	16,546
Year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,801	$	6,742	$	—	$	(6,178	)	$	613	$	14,978
Year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,015	$	7,366	$	—	$	(7,237	)	$	657	$	13,801

⁽¹⁾  “Other” changes in the allowance for uncollectible accounts include allowances acquired with animal hospitals and laboratory acquisitions.

⁽²⁾  Balance includes allowance for trade accounts receivable and notes receivable.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

87

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act, as of December 31, 2012. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. Internal controls over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control over financial reporting are met. Further, the design of internal controls over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all internal controls over financial reporting, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective internal control over financial reporting, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, and the related report of our independent public accounting firm, are included in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K under Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, respectively, and are incorporated by reference.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During our most recent fiscal quarter, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding our directors and executive officers will appear in the proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding executive compensation will appear in the proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by this reference.

88

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters will appear in the proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions will appear in the proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding principal accountant fees and services will appear in the proxy statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by this reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — See Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM — See Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

(2) SCHEDULE I — CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION — See Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS — See Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

(3) EXHIBITS — See Exhibit Index attached to this annual report on Form 10-K.

89

List of Exhibits

Number	Exhibit Description
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 2002.
3.2	Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed July 16, 2004.
3.3	Certificate of Correction to the Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed July 16, 2004.
3.4	Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2013.
4.1	Specimen Certificate for shares of common stock of Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed November 16, 2001.
10.1	Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated August 16, 2011, by and among Vicar Operating, Inc., VCA Antech, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Vicar Operating, Inc. as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Issuing Bank and Swing Line Lender, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, and U.S. Bank National Association and Union Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, concerning newly acquired assets of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2011.
10.2	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit & Guaranty Agreement dated January 25, 2012, by and among Vicar Operating, Inc., VCA Antech, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Vicar Operating, Inc. as guarantors, and Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Issuing Bank and Swing Line Lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed January 27, 2012.
10.3*	Employment Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2001, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registration statement of Vicar Operating, Inc., on Form S-4 filed February 1, 2002.
10.4*	Employment Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2001, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the registration statement of Vicar Operating, Inc., on Form S-4 filed February 1, 2002.
10.5*	Employment Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2001, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registration statement of Vicar Operating, Inc., on Form S-4 filed February 1, 2002.
10.6*	Letter Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2004, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004.
10.7*	Letter Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2004, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004.
10.8*	Letter Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2004, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004.
10.9*	VCA Antech, Inc. 2007 Annual Cash Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant's proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2007.
10.10*	Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Coverage Agreement dated as of December 27, 2007, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 29, 2008.
10.11*	Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Coverage Agreement dated as of December 27, 2007, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 29, 2008.
10.12*	Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Coverage Agreement dated as of December 27, 2007, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Neil Tauber. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 29, 2008.

90

Number	Exhibit Description
10.13*	Post-Retirement Medical Benefits Coverage Agreement dated as of December 27, 2007, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 29, 2008.
10.14*	Letter Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2008, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Neil Tauber. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed April 28, 2008.
10.15*	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2010.
10.16*	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2010.
10.17*	Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, effective January 1, 2009, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2010.
10.18*	Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.19*	Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.20*	Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Neil Tauber. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.21*	Supplemental Executive Retirement Program Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.22*	Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Robert L. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.23*	Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Arthur J. Antin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.24*	Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Neil Tauber. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.25*	Consulting Agreement, effective as of June 28, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K dated July 7, 2010.
10.26*	Amendment No. 1 to the Consulting Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Neil Tauber. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2010.
10.27*	Amendment No. 1 to the Consulting Agreement, effective as of September 30, 2010, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Tomas W. Fuller. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2010.
10.28*	Letter Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2011, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Josh Drake. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed August 22, 2011.
10.29*	Summary of Executive Officer Compensation.
10.30*	Summary of Board of Directors Compensation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2010.
10.31	2001 Stock Incentive Plan of VCA Antech, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed October 31, 2001.
10.32	VCA Antech, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended on May 22, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on December 15, 2006.
10.33	Stock Option Agreement for VCA Antech, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on December 15, 2006.

91

Number	Exhibit Description
10.34	Restricted Stock Award Agreement for VCA Antech, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on December 15, 2006.
10.35	Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for VCA Antech, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed February 26, 2010.
10.36	Corporate Headquarters Lease, dated as of January 1, 1999, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Werner Wolfen, Michael Duritz, Nancy Bruch, Dorothy A. Duritz, Harvey Rosenberg and Judy Rosenberg (Landlords). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed October 15, 2001.
10.37	Corporate Headquarters Lease, dated as of June 9, 2004, by and between VCA Antech, Inc. and Martin Shephard, Trustee of the Shephard Family Trust of 1998 (Lessor). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 14, 2006.
10.38	Form of Indemnification Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed August 9, 2001.
14.1	Code of Conduct and Business Ethics of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K filed March 12, 2004.
21.1	Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1	Power of Attorney (included in signature page).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 ____________________

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

92

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 1, 2013.

VCA Antech, Inc.
By:	/s/    TOMAS W. FULLER
	Tomas W. Fuller
	Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer,
	Vice President and Secretary

KNOWN BY ALL PERSONS THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert L. Antin and Tomas W. Fuller, or any one of them, their attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the foregoing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature		Title	Date
/s/    Robert L. Antin		Chairman of the Board, President and	March 1, 2013
Robert L. Antin	Chief Executive Officer
/s/    Tomas W. Fuller		Chief Financial Officer, Principal	March 1, 2013
Tomas W. Fuller	Accounting Officer, Vice President
		and Secretary
/s/    John M. Baumer		Director	March 1, 2013
John M. Baumer
/s/    John Heil		Director	March 1, 2013
John Heil
/s/    Frank Reddick		Director	March 1, 2013
Frank Reddick
/s/    John B. Chickering, Jr.		Director	March 1, 2013
John B. Chickering, Jr.

*By:		Director
	Attorney-in-Fact

93

EX-10.29

EXHIBIT 10.29

SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Annual Base Salaries

The executive officers of VCA Antech., Inc., are paid the following annual base salaries:

Name	Title	Base Salary
Robert L. Antin (1)	Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer	$965,000
Arthur J. Antin (1)	Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President	$615,000
Tomas W. Fuller (1)	Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Secretary	$415,000
Neil Tauber (1)	Senior Vice President	$415,000
Josh Drake	President, Antech Diagnostics	$352,000

(1) Please refer to the employment agreements and other agreements of these executive officers, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for the other terms and conditions of their employment.

EX-21.1

EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF VCA ANTECH, INC.

The following is a list of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2012, omitting subsidiaries which, considered in the aggregate, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY	JURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATION
Vicar Operating, Inc.	Delaware
Antech Diagnostics Canada Ltd.	Alberta, Canada
Antech Diagnostics, Inc.	California
Arroyo PetCare Center, Inc.	California
Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) Ltd.	Alberta, Canada
Healthy Pet Corp.	Delaware
Pets’ Rx, Inc.	Delaware
Sound Technologies, Inc.	Delaware
VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc.	California
VCA Canada Ventures, Ltd.	British Columbia, Canada
VCA Maple Leaf, Inc.	California
VCA of New York, Inc.	Delaware
VCA Real Property Acquisition Corporation	California
Veterinary Centers of America-Texas, Inc.	Texas
Vetstreet, Inc.	California
West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group, Inc.	California

EX-23.1

EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

VCA Antech, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-139410, 333-81614 and 333-107557) on Form S-8 and the registration statements (Nos. 333-108135 and 333-114471) on Form S-3 of VCA Antech, Inc. of our reports dated March 1, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, and all related financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10-K of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries.

Our report dated March 1, 2013, on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, contains an explanatory paragraph that states that our audit of internal control over financial reporting of VCA Antech, Inc. and subsidiaries excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Associate Veterinary Clinic (1981) LTD (“AVC”), which was acquired in 2012.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 1, 2013

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification of

Chief Executive Officer

of VCA Antech, Inc.

I, Robert L. Antin, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of VCA Antech, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2013

/s/ Robert L. Antin

Robert L. Antin

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification of

Chief Executive Officer

of VCA Antech, Inc.

I, Tomas W. Fuller, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of VCA Antech, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 1, 2013

/s/ Tomas W. Fuller

Tomas W. Fuller

Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Vice President and Secretary

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification of

Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

of VCA Antech, Inc.

This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accompanies this annual report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) for the period ended December 31, 2012 of VCA Antech, Inc. (the “Issuer”).

Each of the undersigned, who are the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of VCA Antech, Inc., hereby certify that, to the best of each such officer’s knowledge:

(i) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

Dated:	March 1, 2013
		/s/ Robert L. Antin
		Robert L. Antin
		Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
		/s/ Tomas W. Fuller
		Tomas W. Fuller
		Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Vice President and Secretary

XML

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests

:

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Aggregate amortization expense
Aggregate amortization expense	$ 22,731	$ 13,391	$ 9,380
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets
2012	20,778
2013	18,378
2014	16,338
2015	13,196
2016	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Other intangible assets, net	$ 94,823	$ 92,403

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012 State province	Dec. 31, 2012 Hospital	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number Of Animal Hospitals Where Management Services Are Provided	47	177
Number Of States In Which Management Services Are Provided To Animal Hospitals	15	15
Deferred revenue and costs
Deferred equipment revenue		$ 735,000	$ 906,000
Deferred fixed priced support or maintenance contract revenue		3,383,000	2,890,000
Other deferred revenue		6,828,000	3,262,000
Total deferred revenue		10,946,000	7,058,000
Deferred Revenue, Current		10,811,000	7,025,000
Long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities		135,000	33,000
Current portion of deferred costs included in prepaid expenses and other		709,000	258,000
Long-term portion of deferred costs included in other assets		1,099,000	1,267,000
Total deferred costs		$ 1,808,000	$ 1,525,000

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of stock option activity
Stock Options, Beginning balance	3,776	3,323
Stock Options, Granted	462	894
Stock Options, Exercised	966	395
Stock option, Forfeited/Canceled	52	46
Stock Options, Ending balance	2,181	3,776
Stock Options, Exercisable	1,049
Stock Options, Vested and Expected to Vest	2,151
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$ 16.92	$ 16.45
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$ 18.94	$ 15.98
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 9.87	$ 10.12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	(1,039)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.68
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited/Canceled	$ 18.91	$ 23.25
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$ 17.20	$ 16.92
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 17.21
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest	$ 17.22
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding	3 years 37 days	2 years 110 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable	1 year 146 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Vested and expected to vest	3 years 37 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 8,399	$ 10,699
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	4,025
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest	$ 8,246

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ (58,051)	$ 34,037	$ 34,320	$ 35,245	$ (3,215)	$ 30,169	$ 39,612	$ 28,839	$ 45,551	$ 95,405	$ 110,243
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic									87,681	86,606	86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options									479	560	753
Nonvested shares									511	228	249
Diluted									88,671	87,394	87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$ (0.66)	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.41	$ (0.04)	$ 0.35	$ 0.46	$ 0.33	$ 0.52	$ 1.10	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$ (0.66)	$ 0.38	$ 0.39	$ 0.40	$ (0.04)	$ 0.35	$ 0.45	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 1.09	$ 1.27

XML

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$ 6,085	$ 5,362
State taxes	2,471	4,469
Other liabilities and reserves	9,716	8,112
Other assets	7,119	7,046
Inventory	1,275	1,321
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Current	(4,087)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	22,579	26,310
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		0
Total current deferred income tax assets	22,579	26,310
Non-current deferred income tax (liabilities) assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	29,805	29,362
Write-down of assets	1,222	1,222
Start-up costs	335	335
Other assets	24,955	31,306
Intangible assets	(107,112)	(128,947)
Property and equipment	(22,649)	(27,131)
Unrealized loss on investments	0	1,961
Share-based compensation	7,377	6,416
Valuation allowance	(9,779)	(15,753)
Total non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net	$ (75,846)	$ (101,229)

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	15.50%
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 14,978	$ 13,801	$ 13,015
Charged to Costs and Expenses		6,396	6,742	7,366
Charged to other Accounts		0	0	0
Write-offs		5,134	6,178	7,237
Other		306	613	657
Balance at the End of the period	$ 16,546	$ 16,546	$ 14,978	$ 13,801

XML

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

AVC [Member]

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions, excluding BrightHeart and Pet DRx [Member]

Dec. 31, 2011

BrightHeart [Member]

Dec. 31, 2011

Vetstreet [Member]

Dec. 31, 2010

Pet DRx [Member]

Dec. 31, 2012

Think Pets Inc [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Animal hospitals:
Acquisitions (1), excluding AVC in 2012, BrightHeart in 2011 and Pet DRx in 2010	35		18		27
AVC (1)	44		—		—
BrightHeart(1)	—		9		—
Pet DRx(1)	—		—		23
New facilities	1		—		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing animal hospitals	(6	)	(3	)	(2	)
Sold, closed or merged	(6	)	(11	)	(9	)
Total	68		13		39
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	1		1		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing laboratories	(1	)	—		—
New facilities	2		2		4
Closed or merged	—		—		(1	)
Total	2		3		3

⁽¹⁾  Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC") was acquired on January 31, 2012, BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart") was acquired on July 11, 2011 and Pet DRx Corporation ("Pet DRx”) was acquired on July 1, 2010.

Summary of purchase price and allocation of the purchase price

AVC Investment

On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in AVC by approximately CDN $81 million (approximately US $81 million) becoming the sole non-veterinarian shareholder of AVC. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, offering services ranging from primary care, to specialty referral services and 24-hour emergency care. This investment and planned additional investments in AVC will facilitate our continued expansion in the Canadian market. At the time of the investment, AVC had annualized revenue of approximately CDN $95 million (approximately US $95 million). Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of AVC since January 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes the total investment and preliminary allocation of the investment in AVC (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	48,819
Assumed debt	25,915
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	74,734
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	11,694
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	25,170
Goodwill(2)	79,707
Other liabilities assumed	(21,826		)
	$	94,745
Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)
Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)
Total	$	74,734

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademark and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted- average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately six years. The customer-related intangible assets weighted-average amortization period is approximately five years. The trademark weighted-average amortization period is approximately ten years. The covenants-not-to-compete weighted-average amortization period is approximately three years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $362,000 of the goodwill related to the AVC acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration, including acquisition costs, paid by us for our acquired animal hospitals and laboratories, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx, and the allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Consideration:
Cash	$	78,629		$	34,243	$	69,456
Holdback	2,425			1,500		—
Contingent consideration	1,306			79		2,857
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	3,515		$	1,237	$	3,592
Identifiable intangible assets	14,718			6,414		9,510
Goodwill(1)	64,253			28,171		60,839
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(126		)	—		(1,628		)
Total	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313

⁽¹⁾  We expect that $60.4 million, $26.4 million and $58.2 million of the goodwill recorded in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

BrightHeart Acquisition

On July 11, 2011, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of BrightHeart for approximately $50 million in cash. BrightHeart operates nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition increased our level of market recognition in areas where we had an existing market presence. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of BrightHeart since July 11, 2011.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	23,490
Assumed debt	26,048
Contingent consideration	481
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	50,019
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	18,921
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	8,796
Goodwill(2)	39,806
Other liabilities assumed	(17,504		)
Total	$	50,019

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships. The weighted average amortization period for both the total identifiable intangible assets and the customer-related intangible assets is approximately five years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that $40.7 million of the goodwill related to the BrightHeart acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

On August 9, 2011, we acquired 100% of the ownership interests of Vetstreet, a provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. The acquisition of Vetstreet expands the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and is expected to provide long-term synergies to our existing businesses. We acquired Vetstreet for a final purchase price of $146.4 million, net of cash acquired. The following table summarizes the final purchase price and final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Consideration:
Cash	$	146,420
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	8,565
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	45,810
Goodwill(2)	96,149
Other liabilities assumed	(4,104		)
Total	$	146,420

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, technology, trademarks, non-compete agreements and contracts. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately nine years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately ten years, for the technology and trademarks approximately seven years, for the non-compete agreements approximately two years and for the contracts approximately eight years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that all of the goodwill related to the Vetstreet acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Our Vetstreet business is reported within our “All Other” category in our segment disclosures combined with our Medical Technology operating segment.

Pet DRx Acquisition

On July 1, 2010, we acquired a 70.4% interest in Pet DRx Corporation (“Pet DRx”), a provider of veterinary primary care and specialized services to companion animals. Pet DRx operated 23 animal hospitals in California at the time of its acquisition. The acquisition expanded our presence in the California market. We acquired the remaining portion of Pet DRx on November 1, 2010. The aggregate purchase price in both steps was $41.3 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of Pet DRx since July 1, 2010.

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Assumed debt	$	29,532
Cash paid to shareholders	7,670
Cash paid for holdbacks	750
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	37,952
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	20,031
Identifiable intangible assets	3,074
Goodwill(1)	41,686
Other liabilities assumed	(26,839		)
Total	$	37,952

⁽¹⁾  We expected that $6.4 million of goodwill would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Other Acquisitions

ThinkPets, Inc. ("ThinkPets")

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets for $21 million , payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. We intend to combine the operations of ThinkPets with our Vetstreet business, which we expect will improve the products and services it offers to clients of both companies. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of ThinkPets since February 1, 2012.

The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and preliminary allocation of the investment in ThinkPets (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	7,468
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	10,500
Holdback	1,050
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	19,018
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	2,093
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	7,221
Goodwill(2)	12,155
Other liabilities assumed	(2,451		)
Total	$	19,018

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, contracts and trademarks. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately eight years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately nine years, for the technology approximately four years, and for the trademarks approximately two years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $821,000 of the goodwill related to the ThinkPets acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Business Acquisition Pro Forma Financial information

ro Forma Information (unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 presents, (i) the actual results of operations of our 2012 acquisitions and (ii) the combined results of operations for our company and our 2012 acquisitions as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011, the first day of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The pro forma financial information considers principally (i) our company’s financial results, (ii) the unaudited historical financial results of our acquisitions, and (iii) select pro forma adjustments to the historical financial results of our acquisitions. Such pro forma adjustments represent principally estimates of (i) the impact of the hypothetical amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) the recognition of fair value adjustments relating to tangible assets, (iii) adjustments reflecting the new capital structure, including additional financing or repayments of debt as part of the acquisitions and (iv) the tax effects of the acquisitions and related adjustments as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition at the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period.

In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of our company:

	Revenue	Net Income (Loss)
	(Unaudited)
(In thousands):
Actual from acquisition date to December 31, 2012	135,114	(6,795	)
2012 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012(1)	1,759,471	47,770
2011 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011(1)	1,731,228	108,406

⁽¹⁾  2012 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to exclude $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. 2011 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to include these charges.

XML

Income Taxes (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the Federal statutory rate
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit	4.10%	4.90%	6.00%
Goodwill impairment	4.60%	4.30%	0.00%
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation Business Combination Gain	(2.60%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	(1.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Miscellaneous	1.20%	0.10%	0.50%
Effective income tax rate, Total	41.20%	44.30%	41.50%

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of nonvested stock activity
Shares, Beginning balance	1,516,000	687,000
Shares, Granted	399,900	1,248,000
Shares, Vested	457,000	336,000
Shares, Forfeited/Canceled	8,000	83,000
Shares, Ending balance	1,451,000	1,516,000
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Beginning balance	$ 20.76	$ 26.16
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Granted	$ 19.23	$ 19.99
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Vested	$ 22.17	$ 28.81
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Forfeited/Canceled	$ 19.03	$ 21.33
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Ending balance	$ 19.90	$ 20.76

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferrec Revenue and costs [Line Items]
Deferred Equipment Revenue	$ 735,000	$ 906,000
Deferred Fixed Priced Support Or Maintenance Contract Revenue	3,383,000	2,890,000
Other Deferred Revenue	6,828,000	3,262,000
Deferred Revenue	10,946,000	7,058,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	10,811,000	7,025,000
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	135,000	33,000
Deferred Costs, Current	709,000	258,000
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent	1,099,000	1,267,000
Deferred Costs	$ 1,808,000	$ 1,525,000

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]
Minimum Period Of Lease Including Renewal Options Operating Leases	5 years
Maximum Period Of Lease Including Renewal Options Operating Leases	35 years
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Additional payment if specified financial criteria are attained based on contractual arrangement	$ 1,600,000
Total rent expense	66,000,000	55,200,000	51,900,000
Total rental income	955,000	920,000	726,000
Purchase commitments of products and services through 2016	31,000,000
Total outstanding holdbacks	2,200,000	1,500,000
Amount paid to sellers for unused portion of holdbacks	$ 2,700,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 3,300,000

XML

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Selected quarterly financial data (Textual) [Abstract]
Diluted per share impact of business combination gain		$ 0.06
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain		$ 5,700,000		$ 5,719,000	$ 0	$ 0
Diluted per share impact of depreciation expense adjustment	$ 0.02
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt				0	(2,764,000)	(2,131,000)
Depreciation expense adjustment	3,100,000			3,100,000
Diluted per share impact of non-cash, goodwill impairment charge				$ 0.90	$ 0.25
Goodwill impairment				99,501,000	21,310,000	0
Asset Impairment Charges				123,573,000
Cost incurred in conjunction with refinance of senior credit facility			(2,800,000)
Cost incurred in conjunction with refinance of senior credit facility per diluted share			$ 0.02
Tax expenses related to Settlement						$ 3,500,000

XML

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, Income Statement Impact	$ 806,000	$ 840,000	$ 757,000
Redemption value change, Income Statement Impact	156,000	716,000	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	962,000	1,555,000	757,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,165,000	4,455,000	3,915,000
Formation of noncontrolling interests, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests		510,000	1,390,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interests, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	935,000	901,000	717,000
Beginning balance, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	6,964,000	5,799,000	4,369,000
Ending balance, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	6,991,000	6,964,000	5,799,000
Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised	3,900,000	2,200,000	1,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	3,100,000	2,200,000	2,100,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		$ 1,556,000

XML

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 123,573
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 99,501	$ 21,310	$ 0

XML

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Federal:
Current	$ 51,342	$ 45,765	$ 51,717
Deferred	(27,103)	17,330	11,536
Federal, Total	24,239	63,095	63,253
State:
Current	9,896	10,710	12,892
Deferred	(5,081)	2,222	1,957
State, Total	4,815	12,932	14,849
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,035	0	0
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(1,214)	0	0
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	2,821	0	0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ 31,875	$ 76,027	$ 78,102

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Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of options outstanding
Number of options outstanding	2,181,252
Number of options exercisable	1,048,523
Price Range One [Member]
Summary of options outstanding
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 7.48
Number of options outstanding	10,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options Outstanding	37 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 7.48
Number of options exercisable	10,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 7.48
Price Range Two [Member]
Summary of options outstanding
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 15.33
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 30.70
Number of options outstanding	2,171,252
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life, Options Outstanding	3 years 37 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$ 17.24
Number of options exercisable	1,038,523
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 17.31

XML

Lines of Business

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Lines of Business

15. Lines of Business

Our reportable segments are Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in “All Other” in the following tables are our medical technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet business, which provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.

The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

15. Lines of Business, continued

The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital		Laboratory			All Other			Corporate			Intercompany Eliminations			Total
2012
External revenue	$	1,331,314	$	275,406		$	92,922		$	—		$	—		$	1,699,642
Intercompany revenue	—		52,395			20,038			—			(72,433		)	—
Total revenue	1,331,314		327,801			112,960			—			(72,433		)	1,699,642
Direct costs	1,142,203		176,040			74,253			—			(67,828		)	1,324,668
Gross profit	189,111		151,761			38,707			—			(4,605		)	374,974
Selling, general and administrative expense	30,826		29,660			37,879			58,790			—			157,155
Operating income (loss) before charges	158,285		122,101			828			(58,790		)	(4,605		)	217,819
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	1,216		—			122,357			—			—			123,573
Net loss (gain) on sale of assets	713		(14		)	717			(106		)	—			1,310
Operating income (loss)	$	156,356	$	122,115		$	(122,246	)	$	(58,684	)	$	(4,605	)	$	92,936
Depreciation and amortization	$	54,835	$	10,141		$	9,582		$	3,198		$	(1,529	)	$	76,227
Capital expenditures	$	55,651	$	8,334		$	5,921		$	9,695		$	(2,794	)	$	76,807
Total assets at December 31, 2012	$	1,648,578	$	244,551		$	98,159		$	127,963		$	(27,671	)	$	2,091,580
2011
External revenue	$	1,150,120	$	272,468		$	62,773		$	—		$	—		$	1,485,361
Intercompany revenue	—		44,329			17,657			—			(61,986		)	—
Total revenue	1,150,120		316,797			80,430			—			(61,986		)	1,485,361
Direct costs	970,310		173,007			59,459			—			(55,872		)	1,146,904
Gross profit	179,810		143,790			20,971			—			(6,114		)	338,457
Selling, general and administrative expense	24,342		27,864			19,136			49,770			—			121,112
Operating income (loss) before charges	155,468		115,926			1,835			(49,770		)	(6,114		)	217,345
Goodwill impairment	—		—			21,310			—			—			21,310
Net loss on sale of assets	327		21			27			7			—			382
Operating income (loss)	$	155,141	$	115,905		$	(19,502	)	$	(49,777	)	$	(6,114	)	$	195,653
Depreciation and amortization	$	40,319	$	10,111		$	5,022		$	2,853		$	(1,317	)	$	56,988
Capital expenditures	$	45,753	$	6,082		$	6,448		$	7,299		$	(2,097	)	$	63,485
Total assets at December 31, 2011	$	1,439,103	$	232,423		$	202,187		$	142,793		$	(21,138	)	$	1,995,368
2010
External revenue	$	1,052,462	$	273,616		$	55,390		$	—		$	—		$	1,381,468
Intercompany revenue	—		37,038			8,623			—			(45,661		)	—
Total revenue	1,052,462		310,654			64,013			—			(45,661		)	1,381,468
Direct costs	880,072		168,458			44,736			—			(42,962		)	1,050,304
Gross profit	172,390		142,196			19,277			—			(2,699		)	331,164
Selling, general and administrative expense	23,539		26,243			14,507			59,252			—			123,541
Net loss on sale of assets	273		22			71			8			—			374
Operating income (loss)	$	148,578	$	115,931		$	4,699		$	(59,260	)	$	(2,699	)	$	207,249
Depreciation and amortization	$	32,456	$	9,738		$	2,437		$	2,474		$	(1,036	)	$	46,069
Capital expenditures	$	52,243	$	5,176		$	857		$	5,516		$	(1,841	)	$	61,951
Total assets at December 31, 2010	$	1,320,619	$	215,483		$	69,082		$	175,297		$	(14,059	)	$	1,766,422

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

15. Lines of Business, continued

The table below lists our revenue by geographic area for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011		2010
Revenue*
United States	$	1,589,588	$	1,474,294	$	1,374,835
Canada	110,054		11,067		6,633
Total	$	1,699,642	$	1,485,361	$	1,381,468

*Revenues are determined based on the location of the customer. Long-lived assets were not disclosed, as the amounts attributable to the Canadian operations are immaterial, as compared to total consolidated long-lived assets.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	$ 677,907	$ 600,763
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(274,463)	(230,117)
Total property and equipment, net	403,444	370,646
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	56,162	53,425
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	137,614	120,227
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	140,944	127,790
Furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	243,429	216,042
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	32,676	22,932
Buildings held under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	30,550	31,627
Equipment held under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	849	1,034
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(10,500)	(5,500)
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property and equipment	$ 35,683	$ 27,686

XML

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid		$ (203,996,000)	$ (79,851,000)
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	473,389
Percentage Of Outstanding Preferred Stock Purchased	34.00%
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest of Chief Operating Officer	54.00%
Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest of Chief Operating Officer	8.00%
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer Feld [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition, total cost	551,000	1,600,000	2,300,000
VetSource [Member]
Related Party Transactions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition, total cost	$ 13,100,000	$ 28,200,000	$ 41,900,000

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum lease payments on operating leases
2012	$ 67,617
2013	66,328
2014	66,278
2015	65,720
2016	64,748
Thereafter	767,185
Total	$ 1,097,876

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Commitments and Contingencies

a.    Leases

We operate many of our animal hospitals from premises that are leased under operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to 35 years. Certain leases include fair-value purchase options that can be exercised at our discretion at various times within the lease terms.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11. Commitments and Contingencies, continued

The future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	67,617
2014	66,328
2015	66,278
2016	65,720
2017	64,748
Thereafter	767,185
Total	$	1,097,876

Rent expense totaled $66.0 million, $55.2 million and $51.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Rental income totaled $955,000, $920,000 and $726,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

b.    Purchase Commitments

Under the terms of certain purchase agreements, we have aggregate commitments to purchase approximately $31.0 million of products and services through 2016.

c.    Earn-out Payments

We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon attainment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods expire and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $1.6 million.

Contingent consideration, such as earn-out liabilities, is recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date and a corresponding liability is recorded based on the fair value of the liability if the fair value is known or determinable. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable at each reporting period.

d.    Holdbacks

In connection with certain acquisitions, we withheld a portion of the purchase price, or the holdback, as security for indemnification obligations of the sellers under the acquisition agreement. The amounts withheld are typically payable within a 12-month period. The total outstanding holdbacks at both December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and are included in other accrued liabilities.

We paid $2.7 million, $1.8 million and $3.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to sellers for the unused portion of holdbacks.

e.    Other Contingencies

We have certain contingent liabilities resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Future minimum lease payments on operating leases

2013	$	67,617
2014	66,328
2015	66,278
2016	65,720
2017	64,748
Thereafter	767,185
Total	$	1,097,876

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 150,427	$ 129,075
Accumulated Amortization	(55,604)	(36,672)
Other intangible assets, net	94,823	92,403
Customer Relationships [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	110,404	82,891
Accumulated Amortization	(36,605)	(21,147)
Other intangible assets, net	73,799	61,744
Non Compete Agreements [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	12,707	13,035
Accumulated Amortization	(7,357)	(8,067)
Other intangible assets, net	5,350	4,968
Favorable lease asset [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	7,228	5,571
Accumulated Amortization	(3,866)	(3,210)
Other intangible assets, net	3,362	2,361
Technology [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	6,588	16,589
Accumulated Amortization	(4,179)	(2,342)
Other intangible assets, net	2,409	14,247
Trademarks [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	12,494	7,405
Accumulated Amortization	(3,001)	(1,686)
Other intangible assets, net	9,493	5,719
Contracts [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	956	3,500
Accumulated Amortization	(570)	(185)
Other intangible assets, net	386	3,315
Client lists [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	50	84
Accumulated Amortization	(26)	(35)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 24	$ 49

XML

Long Term Obligations (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of cash received or cash paid and unrealized gains or losses
Cash paid	$ 0	$ 0	$ 382

XML

Acquisitions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	473,389
Cash payment made for acquisitions	$ 5,337,000	$ 1,900,000	$ 9,289,000
Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of Company acquired		100.00%
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		9 years
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price		146,400,000
Pet DRx [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of goodwill deducted for income tax purpose			6,400,000
Percentage of Company acquired			70.40%
Number of Businesses Acquired	0	0	23
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price			41,300,000
Bright Heart [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of goodwill deducted for income tax purpose		40,700,000
Percentage of Company acquired		100.00%
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		5 years
Number of Businesses Acquired	0	9	0
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price		50,000,000
Pro forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	1,500,000
Think Pets Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of goodwill deducted for income tax purpose	821,000
Percentage of Company acquired	100.00%
Preliminary purchase price, net of cash acquired	21,000,000
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	8 years
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned	10,500,000
AVC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of goodwill deducted for income tax purpose	362,000
US Annualized Revenue At Acquisition	95,000,000
Annualized Revenue At Acquisition CAD	95,000,000
Preliminary purchase price, net of cash acquired	81,000,000
Preliminary Purchase Price CAD	81,000,000
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	6 years
Number of Businesses Acquired	44	0	0
Acquisitions Excluding Bright Heart And Pet DRx [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of goodwill deducted for income tax purpose	$ 60,400,000	$ 26,400,000	$ 58,200,000
Number of Businesses Acquired	35	18	27
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		2 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | AVC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	3 years
Contracts [Member] | Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		8 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		10 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Think Pets Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	9 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | AVC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	5 years
Technology And Trademarks [Member] | Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets		7 years
Technology And Trademarks [Member] | Think Pets Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	4 years
Trademarks [Member] | Think Pets Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	2 years
Trademarks [Member] | AVC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period of identifiable intangible assets	10 years

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 125,000,000				$ 125,000,000				$ 125,000,000	$ 125,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	(57,025,000)	35,642,000	35,778,000	36,321,000	(2,060,000)	31,359,000	40,065,000	30,496,000	50,716,000	99,860,000	114,158,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities									237,253,000	191,051,000	168,073,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Other									(2,313,000)	(596,000)	(22,000)
Net cash used in investing activities									(219,258,000)	(271,310,000)	(150,174,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans									9,533,000	3,999,000	5,510,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(13,514,000)	47,004,000	(66,142,000)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									4,784,000	(33,475,000)	(48,055,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				63,651,000				97,126,000	63,651,000	97,126,000	145,181,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	68,435,000				63,651,000				68,435,000	63,651,000	97,126,000
Parent [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income									45,551,000	95,405,000	110,243,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity interest in earnings of subsidiaries									(45,551,000)	(95,405,000)	(110,243,000)
Increase in intercompany receivable									0	3,999,000	5,510,000
Net cash provided by operating activities									0	(3,999,000)	(5,510,000)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Other								0	(9,533,000)		0
Net cash used in investing activities									(9,533,000)	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans									9,533,000	3,999,000	5,510,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									9,533,000	3,999,000	5,510,000
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				0				0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	$ 9,533,000	$ 3,999,000	$ 5,510,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	2,868,000	1,708,000	378,000
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(8,216,000)	(2,673,000)	(2,310,000)
CashPaidToDebtHolders	(25,915,000)	(26,048,000)	(29,532,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	(10,500,000)	0	0
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	50,716,000	99,860,000	114,158,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset Impairment Charges	123,573,000
Goodwill impairment	99,501,000	21,310,000	0
Depreciation and amortization	76,227,000	56,988,000	46,069,000
Amortization of debt issue costs	(1,278,000)	(1,445,000)	(862,000)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	6,396,000	6,742,000	7,366,000
Debt retirement costs	0	2,764,000	2,131,000
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	(5,719,000)	0	0
Net loss on sale of assets	1,310,000	382,000	374,000
Share-based compensation	14,087,000	10,773,000	9,340,000
Deferred income taxes	33,398,000	(19,552,000)	(13,493,000)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(2,868,000)	(1,708,000)	(378,000)
Other	(584,000)	(637,000)	(901,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(1,640,000)	14,107,000	7,048,000
Inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets	(10,329,000)	(12,297,000)	(11,868,000)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(3,640,000)	5,415,000	(7,463,000)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	(7,181,000)	(4,583,000)	385,000
Income taxes	(4,103,000)	(816,000)	12,603,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	237,253,000	191,051,000	168,073,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	(5,337,000)	(1,900,000)	(9,289,000)
Property and equipment additions	(76,807,000)	(63,485,000)	(61,951,000)
Proceeds from sale of assets	(115,000)	(465,000)	(939,000)
Other	(2,313,000)	(596,000)	(22,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(219,258,000)	(271,310,000)	(150,174,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(60,775,000)	(98,990,000)	(555,529,000)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	50,000,000	150,000,000	500,000,000
Payment of financing costs	(122,000)	(2,944,000)	(9,112,000)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	50,000,000	50,000,000	0
Repayment of revolving credit facility	(50,000,000)	(50,000,000)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(4,481,000)	(3,277,000)	(4,247,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	9,533,000	3,999,000	5,510,000
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options	2,868,000	1,708,000	378,000
Stock repurchases	(8,159,000)	(2,673,000)	(2,310,000)
Other	(2,378,000)	(819,000)	(832,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(13,514,000)	47,004,000	(66,142,000)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	303,000	(220,000)	188,000
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,784,000	(33,475,000)	(48,055,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	63,651,000	97,126,000	145,181,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	68,435,000	63,651,000	97,126,000
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	15,407,000	15,088,000	13,357,000
Income taxes paid	61,481,000	55,660,000	77,210,000
Detail of acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	220,526,000	254,781,000	139,085,000
Contingent consideration	(1,306,000)	(560,000)	(259,000)
Holdbacks	(3,475,000)	(1,500,000)	0
Liabilities assumed	24,403,000	22,677,000	29,443,000
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value	(11,850,000)	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	(8,161,000)	0	0
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(134,916,000)	(205,794,000)	(79,851,000)
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid		$ (203,996,000)	$ (79,851,000)

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Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Other accrued liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
Deferred revenue	$	10,811	$	7,025
Accrued health insurance	6,409		5,553
Deferred rent	4,165		3,626
Holdbacks and earn-outs	3,599		2,250
Miscellaneous accrued taxes (1)	3,485		2,015
Customer deposits	3,140		2,281
Accrued consulting fees	3,114		2,886
Accrued lab service rebates	579		332
Other	21,829		18,000
	$	57,131	$	43,968

⁽¹⁾ Includes property, sales, and use taxes.

Deferred revenue

$ 10,811

$ 7,025

Accrued health insurance

6,409

5,553

Deferred rent

4,165

3,626

Holdbacks And Earn Outs Current

3,599

2,250

Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes

3,485

2,015

Customer deposits

3,140

2,281

Accrued consulting fees

3,114

2,886

Accrued lab service rebates

579

332

Other

21,829

18,000

Other accrued liabilities

$ 57,131

$ 43,968

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The Company (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 Laboratory State Hospital
The Company (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of hospitals operated	609
Number of states in which hospitals are operated	41
Number of states in which the company operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network	50
Number of laboratories operated	55

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Signigicant Accounting Policies (Policies) (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we have amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	110,404	$	(36,605	)	$	73,799	$	82,891	$	(21,147	)	$	61,744
Covenants not-to-compete	12,707		(7,357		)	5,350		13,035		(8,067		)	4,968
Favorable lease asset	7,228		(3,866		)	3,362		5,571		(3,210		)	2,361
Technology	6,588		(4,179		)	2,409		16,589		(2,342		)	14,247
Trademarks	12,494		(3,001		)	9,493		7,405		(1,686		)	5,719
Contracts	956		(570		)	386		3,500		(185		)	3,315
Client lists	50		(26		)	24		84		(35		)	49
Total	$	150,427	$	(55,604	)	$	94,823	$	129,075	$	(36,672	)	$	92,403

The recoverability of the carrying values of all intangible assets with finite lives is re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's value may be impaired. We perform a quarterly review of identified intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we had a $22.9 million intangible asset impairment related to non-contractual customer relationships, technology, trademarks and contracts related to Vetstreet. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the intangible assets was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment as mentioned above. The fair values of the impaired intangibles were calculated utilizing valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. The impairment is included under the caption "Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets" in our consolidated income statement.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Non-contractual hospital customer relationships	5 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships	5 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships	3 to 10 years
Covenants not-to-compete	2 to 25 years
Favorable lease asset	1 to 18 years
Technology	5 to 7 years
Trademarks	2 to 10 years
Contracts	6 years
Client lists	3 years

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	20,778
2014	18,378
2015	16,338
2016	13,196
2017	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Total	$	94,823

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes. In accordance with the guidance, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which include operating and capital loss carryforwards. As such, we have a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs. We also assess differences between our probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.

We account for unrecognized tax benefits also in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are financial instruments issued in the normal course of business and are not market traded. The amounts recorded approximate fair value and are shown net of valuation allowances. There were no valuation allowances recorded as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The notes bear interest at rates varying from 3.9% to 8.0% per annum.

Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs was $1.3 million and $482,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk [Policy Text Block]

.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

The carrying amount reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our policy is to place our cash and cash equivalents in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions, which we believe mitigates our credit risk. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the diversity of our customer base. We routinely review the collection of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in a geographic area.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and supplies for an extended period of time will have a negative impact on our operating results.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Derivative Instruments

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to derivatives and hedging, all investments in derivatives are recorded at fair value. A derivative is typically defined as an instrument whose value is “derived” from an underlying instrument, index or rate, has a notional amount, requires little or no initial investment and can be net settled. Our derivatives are reported as current assets and liabilities or other non-current assets or liabilities as appropriate.

We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. If we determine that contracts are effective at meeting our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them using hedge accounting. Under hedge accounting, we recognize the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion in earnings. If we determine that contracts do not or no longer meet our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them under a fair-value method recognizing changes in the fair value in earnings in the period of change. If we determine that a contract no longer meets our risk reduction and correlation criteria or if the derivative expires, we recognize in earnings any accumulated balance in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this contract in the period of determination. For interest rate swap agreements accounted for under hedge accounting, we assess the effectiveness based on changes in their intrinsic value with changes in the time value portion of the contract reflected in earnings. All cash payments made or received under the contracts are recognized in interest expense.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Credit exposure associated with non-performance by the counterparties to derivative instruments is generally limited to the uncollateralized fair value of the asset related to instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. We attempt to mitigate the risk of non-performance by selecting counterparties with high credit ratings and monitoring their creditworthiness and by diversifying derivative amounts with multiple counterparties.

The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Interest rates affect the fair value of derivatives. The fair values generally represent the estimated amounts that we would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the contracts at the reporting date. The fair values are based upon dealer quotes when available or an estimate using values obtained from independent pricing services, costs to settle or quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total marketing and advertising expense included in direct costs amounted to $25.3 million, $25.2 million and $21.7 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total marketing and advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense amounted to $7.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.8 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Insurance and Self Insurance [Policy Text Block]

.    Insurance and Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance with high retention or high-deductible provisions for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance and our group health insurance benefits.

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on an undiscounted basis by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block]

.    Product Warranties

We accrue the cost of basic product warranties included with the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and our ultrasound imaging equipment at the time we sell these units to our customers. Our warranty costs are primarily for our assistance in helping our customers resolve issues with the warranties they have with the original equipment manufacturers. We estimate our warranty costs based on historical warranty claim experience. Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $70,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Calculation of Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,681		86,606		86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options	479		560		753
Non-vested shares and units	511		228		249
Diluted	88,671		87,394		87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	1.10	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	1.09	$	1.27

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 1.0 million, 1.2 million and 11,763, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB’s accounting guidance on stock compensation. Accordingly, we measure the cost of share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments and recognize the cost over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period.

Our company’s share-based employee compensation plans are described further in Note 10, Share-Based Compensation.

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Acquisitions

We account for acquisitions based upon the provisions of the FASB’s accounting guidance on business combinations, accordingly acquisitions are accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition costs will be expensed as incurred; non-controlling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]

.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB finalized the reporting for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, reporting for which was previously deferred, as discussed below. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, they do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is also required to present on the face of the financials where net income is reported or in the footnotes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. Other amounts need only be cross-referenced to other disclosures required that provide additional detail of these amounts. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted.

In June 2011, the FASB finalized the accounting guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of the new guidance is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting, to increase the

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

prominence of the items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholder’s equity and requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income. Regardless of which option is chosen it is required that reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements.

The new guidance does not change the following: the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income; when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; the option for an entity to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects; and does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.

The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new requirements had no effect on our consolidated financial statements other than the changes to presentation outlined.

In September 2011, the FASB amended the accounting guidance on Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this guidance is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing the annual goodwill impairment test and to improve the previous guidance by expanding the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in the qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment. The amendments allow an entity the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The examples of events and circumstances included in the amendment that an entity should consider in performing its qualitative assessment about whether to proceed to the first step of the goodwill impairment test supersede the examples in the existing guidance. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. An entity is no longer permitted to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit’s fair value from a prior year as previously permitted under the existing guidance. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended goodwill impairment testing procedures did not significantly impact our consolidated financial statements as we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment.

Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]

During 2011, we corrected an error related to our deferred revenue and related deferred cost for certain equipment sales governed by revised accounting guidance related to multiple element arrangements. The correction resulted in the recognition of $4.0 million of previously deferred revenue and $3.8 million of previously deferred costs in our Medical Technology operating segment that should have been recognized in prior periods.

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Operating Leases

Most of our facilities are under operating leases. The minimum lease payments, including predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to leases. The lease term includes contractual renewal options that are reasonably assured based on significant leasehold improvements acquired. Any leasehold improvement incentives paid to us by a landlord are recorded as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to goodwill and other intangibles, we have determined that we have four reporting units, Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet, and we estimate annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare their estimated fair value against the net book value of those reporting units to determine if our goodwill is impaired. The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed quantitative two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the two-step process. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is required to be recorded as an impairment.

We recorded impairment charges in the current year related to our Vetstreet reporting unit and in the prior year related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. For additional information related to goodwill impairment, see Note 5, Goodwill.

Our estimated reporting unit fair values are calculated using valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums. Consumer spending habits for our business are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. We believe these factors have and may continue to impact consumer spending for our products and services. Deterioration in consumer spending habits for our business would negatively impact the value of our reporting units and could result in additional goodwill impairment. Any potential impairment charge could be material and would be reflected as expense in our consolidated statements of income. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

rates will not deteriorate in the near term. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date. Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we have a $99.5 million goodwill impairment related to our Vetstreet reporting unit. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment. Our October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we had a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. Our determination in the prior year period that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value was also based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results. The Vetstreet and Medical Technology reporting units are each included in the “All Other” category of our segment disclosures in Note 15, Lines of Business.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Foreign Currency Disclosure [Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, whereas

revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the reporting period.

Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and realized transaction

gains and losses are recorded in the results of operations.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

.    Revenue and Related Cost Recognition

General

We recognize revenue, barring other facts, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met:

• persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists;

• delivery of goods has occurred or services have been rendered;

• the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable; and

• collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue is reported net of sales discounts and excludes sales taxes.

We generally recognize revenue and costs as follows:

• For non-contractual services provided by our business units, at the time services are rendered.

• For the sale of merchandise when delivery of the goods has occurred.

• For services under defined support and maintenance contracts, on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, recognizing costs as incurred; these services include, but are not limited to, technical support, when-and-if available product updates for software and extended warranty coverage.

• For the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and ultrasound imaging equipment sold on a standalone basis at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or upon installation and customer acceptance if required per the sale arrangement.

• For the sale of reminder cards when shipment has occurred.

Multiple Element Arrangements

We account for revenue for certain bundled products and services as follows:

• Sales arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, whereby any discount in the arrangement is allocated proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For elements where VSOE is available, VSOE of fair value is based on the price for those products and services when sold separately by us or the price established by management with the relevant authority. TPE of selling price is the price of our, or any of our competitor’s, largely interchangeable products or services in stand-alone sales to similarly situated customers.

Digital radiography (“DR”) imaging equipment and all of its related computer equipment, our proprietary software and services in addition to any other computers sold with our proprietary software are accounted for under the FASB’s accounting guidance related to multiple-deliverable transactions.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

We do not currently have VSOE for our DR imaging equipment as units are not sold on a stand-alone basis without the related support packages. As this is also true for our competitors, TPE of selling price is also unavailable. We therefore use the ESP to allocate the arrangement consideration related to our DR imaging equipment.

In domestic markets we have VSOE for our post-contract customer support (“PCS”) as the support package is sold on a stand-alone basis. Our PCS agreements normally include a warranty on the receptor plate and technical support on the software elements. In foreign markets however, we do not have VSOE on the receptor plate warranties, accordingly we use the ESP.

In certain transactions we sell our ultrasound imaging equipment and related services together with our digital radiography imaging equipment and related services. In these transactions, we account for each item under its respective literature and allocate revenue based upon the relative selling prices.

In certain transactions with pharmaceutical companies we sell subscriptions to Vetstreet Pro and Consumer Pet portals together with other marketing related services. We account for these arrangements under the multiple-deliverable accounting, mentioned above; with the arrangement consideration allocated using the relative selling prices.

Deferred Revenue

We defer revenue for certain transactions as follows:

• We defer revenue for pre-paid services such as our consulting, marketing, education services or PCS and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract period or as the services are provided depending on the nature of the service.

• We defer revenue for PCS provided as part of the purchase of equipment and software and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the PCS period.

• We defer revenue when we lack persuasive evidence of a sales agreement and recognize that revenue only when that evidence exists.

• We defer revenue on transactions where we participated in the buyers leasing and recognize that revenue over the lease term.

As a result of these policies, we have deferred revenue and costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisting of the following (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Deferred equipment revenue(1)	$	735	$	906
Deferred fixed-priced support or maintenance contract revenue	3,383		2,890
Other deferred revenue(2)	6,828		3,262
Total deferred revenue	10,946		7,058
Less current portion included in other accrued liabilities	10,811		7,025
Long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities	$	135	$	33
Current portion of deferred costs included in prepaid expenses and other	$	709	$	258
Long-term portion of deferred costs included in other assets	1,099		1,267
Total deferred costs(3)	$	1,808	$	1,525

⁽¹⁾  Represents amounts received for sales arrangements that include equipment, hardware, software and PCS. See above discussion for the accounting guidance pertaining to revenue recognition — multiple-deliverable transactions.

⁽²⁾  Represents amounts received in advance for services.

⁽³⁾  Represents costs related to warranties, equipment and hardware included in deferred equipment revenue.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Customer Loyalty Programs

We record reductions to revenue related to customer incentive programs, which include various forms of cash consideration. Incentives may be provided in the form of credits, coupons or loans and are earned by clients upon entering into an agreement to purchase products or services in future periods while maintaining defined volume purchase or utilization levels. These incentives are capitalized and recognized as a reduction to revenue over the term of the customer agreement. We monitor customer purchases over the term of their agreement to assess the realizability of our capitalized customer acquisition costs. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any impaired customer acquisition costs.

Principles of Consolidation

a.    Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and include the accounts of our parent company, all majority-owned subsidiaries where we have control, certain fifty-percent owned subsidiaries where we possess the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies and certain veterinary medical groups to which we provide services as discussed below. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances.

We provide management and other administrative services to certain veterinary practices in states and Canadian provinces with laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states and Canadian provinces, we provide management and other administrative services to the veterinary medical practices. At December 31, 2012, we operated 177 animal hospitals in 15 of these states and 47 animal hospital in three Canadian provinces, under management agreements with these veterinary practices. Pursuant to the management agreements, the veterinary medical practices are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined by their respective state or province.

We have determined that the veterinary medical practices are variable interest entities as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and that we have a variable interest in those entities through our management agreements. We also determined that our variable interests in these veterinary medical practices, in aggregate with the variable interests held by our related parties, provide us with the power to direct the activities of these practices that most significantly impact their economic performance and obligate us to absorb losses that could potentially be significant or the right to receive benefits from the veterinary medical practices that could potentially be significant. Based on these determinations, we consolidated the veterinary medical practices in our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

.    Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and our reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Amounts subject to significant judgment and estimates include, but are not limited to, collectability of receivables, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of goodwill, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, estimated redemption value of mandatorily redeemable partnership interests and inputs used for computing stock-based compensation.

Direct Costs

.    Direct Costs

Direct costs are comprised of all service and product costs, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and other hospital-based, laboratory-based personnel, and content-development personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expenses and costs of goods sold.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider only highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents. We maintain balances in our bank accounts that are in excess of FDIC insured levels.

Inventory

.    Inventory

Our inventory consists primarily of finished goods and includes imaging equipment, pet food and products and medical supplies. It is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and is adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.

Property and Equipment

.    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Equipment held under capital leases is recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the equipment at the beginning of the lease term.

We develop and implement new software to be used internally, or enhance our existing internal software. We develop the software using our own employees and/or outside consultants. Costs associated with the development of new software are expensed as incurred. Costs related directly to the software design, coding, testing and installation are capitalized and amortized over the expected life of the software. Costs related to upgrades or enhancements of existing systems are capitalized if the modifications result in additional functionality.

Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or 15 years
Furniture and equipment	5 to 7 years
Software	3 years
Equipment held under capital leases	5 to 10 years

Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of property under capital leases, in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $53.5 million, $43.6 million and $36.7 million, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Property and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of (in thousands):

	2012			2011
Land	$	56,162		$	53,425
Building and improvements	137,614			120,227
Leasehold improvements	140,944			127,790
Furniture and equipment	243,429			216,042
Software	32,676			22,932
Buildings held under capital leases	30,550			31,627
Equipment held under capital leases	849			1,034
Construction in progress	35,683			27,686
Total property and equipment	677,907			600,763
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization	(274,463		)	(230,117		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	403,444		$	370,646

Accumulated amortization on buildings and equipment held under capital leases amounted to $10.5 million and $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Operating Leases

.    Operating Leases

Most of our facilities are under operating leases. The minimum lease payments, including predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to leases. The lease term includes contractual renewal options that are reasonably assured based on significant leasehold improvements acquired. Any leasehold improvement incentives paid to us by a landlord are recorded as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to goodwill and other intangibles, we have determined that we have four reporting units, Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet, and we estimate annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare their estimated fair value against the net book value of those reporting units to determine if our goodwill is impaired. The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed quantitative two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the two-step process. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is required to be recorded as an impairment.

We recorded impairment charges in the current year related to our Vetstreet reporting unit and in the prior year related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. For additional information related to goodwill impairment, see Note 5, Goodwill.

Our estimated reporting unit fair values are calculated using valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums. Consumer spending habits for our business are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. We believe these factors have and may continue to impact consumer spending for our products and services. Deterioration in consumer spending habits for our business would negatively impact the value of our reporting units and could result in additional goodwill impairment. Any potential impairment charge could be material and would be reflected as expense in our consolidated statements of income. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

rates will not deteriorate in the near term. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date. Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we have a $99.5 million goodwill impairment related to our Vetstreet reporting unit. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment. Our October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we had a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. Our determination in the prior year period that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value was also based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results. The Vetstreet and Medical Technology reporting units are each included in the “All Other” category of our segment disclosures in Note 15, Lines of Business.

Other Intangible Assets

.    Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we have amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	110,404	$	(36,605	)	$	73,799	$	82,891	$	(21,147	)	$	61,744
Covenants not-to-compete	12,707		(7,357		)	5,350		13,035		(8,067		)	4,968
Favorable lease asset	7,228		(3,866		)	3,362		5,571		(3,210		)	2,361
Technology	6,588		(4,179		)	2,409		16,589		(2,342		)	14,247
Trademarks	12,494		(3,001		)	9,493		7,405		(1,686		)	5,719
Contracts	956		(570		)	386		3,500		(185		)	3,315
Client lists	50		(26		)	24		84		(35		)	49
Total	$	150,427	$	(55,604	)	$	94,823	$	129,075	$	(36,672	)	$	92,403

The recoverability of the carrying values of all intangible assets with finite lives is re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's value may be impaired. We perform a quarterly review of identified intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we had a $22.9 million intangible asset impairment related to non-contractual customer relationships, technology, trademarks and contracts related to Vetstreet. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the intangible assets was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment as mentioned above. The fair values of the impaired intangibles were calculated utilizing valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. The impairment is included under the caption "Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets" in our consolidated income statement.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Non-contractual hospital customer relationships	5 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships	5 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships	3 to 10 years
Covenants not-to-compete	2 to 25 years
Favorable lease asset	1 to 18 years
Technology	5 to 7 years
Trademarks	2 to 10 years
Contracts	6 years
Client lists	3 years

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	20,778
2014	18,378
2015	16,338
2016	13,196
2017	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Total	$	94,823

Income Taxes

.    Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes. In accordance with the guidance, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which include operating and capital loss carryforwards. As such, we have a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs. We also assess differences between our probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.

We account for unrecognized tax benefits also in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.

Notes Receivable

.    Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are financial instruments issued in the normal course of business and are not market traded. The amounts recorded approximate fair value and are shown net of valuation allowances. There were no valuation allowances recorded as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The notes bear interest at rates varying from 3.9% to 8.0% per annum.

Deferred Financing Costs

.    Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs was $1.3 million and $482,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

The carrying amount reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our policy is to place our cash and cash equivalents in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions, which we believe mitigates our credit risk. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the diversity of our customer base. We routinely review the collection of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in a geographic area.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and supplies for an extended period of time will have a negative impact on our operating results.

Derivative Instruments

.    Derivative Instruments

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to derivatives and hedging, all investments in derivatives are recorded at fair value. A derivative is typically defined as an instrument whose value is “derived” from an underlying instrument, index or rate, has a notional amount, requires little or no initial investment and can be net settled. Our derivatives are reported as current assets and liabilities or other non-current assets or liabilities as appropriate.

We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. If we determine that contracts are effective at meeting our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them using hedge accounting. Under hedge accounting, we recognize the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion in earnings. If we determine that contracts do not or no longer meet our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them under a fair-value method recognizing changes in the fair value in earnings in the period of change. If we determine that a contract no longer meets our risk reduction and correlation criteria or if the derivative expires, we recognize in earnings any accumulated balance in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this contract in the period of determination. For interest rate swap agreements accounted for under hedge accounting, we assess the effectiveness based on changes in their intrinsic value with changes in the time value portion of the contract reflected in earnings. All cash payments made or received under the contracts are recognized in interest expense.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Credit exposure associated with non-performance by the counterparties to derivative instruments is generally limited to the uncollateralized fair value of the asset related to instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. We attempt to mitigate the risk of non-performance by selecting counterparties with high credit ratings and monitoring their creditworthiness and by diversifying derivative amounts with multiple counterparties.

The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Interest rates affect the fair value of derivatives. The fair values generally represent the estimated amounts that we would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the contracts at the reporting date. The fair values are based upon dealer quotes when available or an estimate using values obtained from independent pricing services, costs to settle or quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Marketing and Advertising

.    Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total marketing and advertising expense included in direct costs amounted to $25.3 million, $25.2 million and $21.7 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total marketing and advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense amounted to $7.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.8 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Insurance and Self-Insurance

.    Insurance and Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance with high retention or high-deductible provisions for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance and our group health insurance benefits.

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on an undiscounted basis by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Product Warranties

.    Product Warranties

We accrue the cost of basic product warranties included with the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and our ultrasound imaging equipment at the time we sell these units to our customers. Our warranty costs are primarily for our assistance in helping our customers resolve issues with the warranties they have with the original equipment manufacturers. We estimate our warranty costs based on historical warranty claim experience. Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $70,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Calculation of Earnings per Share

.    Calculation of Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,681		86,606		86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options	479		560		753
Non-vested shares and units	511		228		249
Diluted	88,671		87,394		87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	1.10	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	1.09	$	1.27

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 1.0 million, 1.2 million and 11,763, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

Share-Based Compensation

.    Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB’s accounting guidance on stock compensation. Accordingly, we measure the cost of share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments and recognize the cost over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period.

Our company’s share-based employee compensation plans are described further in Note 10, Share-Based Compensation.

Acquisitions

.    Acquisitions

We account for acquisitions based upon the provisions of the FASB’s accounting guidance on business combinations, accordingly acquisitions are accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition costs will be expensed as incurred; non-controlling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB finalized the reporting for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, reporting for which was previously deferred, as discussed below. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, they do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is also required to present on the face of the financials where net income is reported or in the footnotes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. Other amounts need only be cross-referenced to other disclosures required that provide additional detail of these amounts. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted.

In June 2011, the FASB finalized the accounting guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of the new guidance is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting, to increase the

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

prominence of the items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholder’s equity and requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income. Regardless of which option is chosen it is required that reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements.

The new guidance does not change the following: the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income; when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; the option for an entity to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects; and does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.

The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new requirements had no effect on our consolidated financial statements other than the changes to presentation outlined.

In September 2011, the FASB amended the accounting guidance on Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this guidance is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing the annual goodwill impairment test and to improve the previous guidance by expanding the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in the qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment. The amendments allow an entity the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The examples of events and circumstances included in the amendment that an entity should consider in performing its qualitative assessment about whether to proceed to the first step of the goodwill impairment test supersede the examples in the existing guidance. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. An entity is no longer permitted to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit’s fair value from a prior year as previously permitted under the existing guidance. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended goodwill impairment testing procedures did not significantly impact our consolidated financial statements as we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment.

Reclassifications/Corrections

During 2011, we corrected an error related to our deferred revenue and related deferred cost for certain equipment sales governed by revised accounting guidance related to multiple element arrangements. The correction resulted in the recognition of $4.0 million of previously deferred revenue and $3.8 million of previously deferred costs in our Medical Technology operating segment that should have been recognized in prior periods.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

State

province

Hospital

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Depreciation expense adjustment

$ 3,100,000

$ 3,100,000

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance

16,546

14,978

13,801

13,015

Unrecognized Tax Benefit

We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]

Number of animal hospitals where management services are provided

177

Number of states in which management services are provided to animal hospitals

15

Maturity period of cash equivalents

less than 90 days

Depreciation and amortization of property under capital leases

53,500,000

43,600,000

36,700,000

Goodwill impairment

99,501,000

21,310,000

0

Likelihood of benefit amount being realized upon settlement in order to be recognized as a tax benefit

greater than 50%

Accumulated amortization of deferred financing cost

1,300,000

482,000

Total marketing and advertising expense included in direct costs

25,300,000

25,200,000

21,700,000

Total marketing and advertising expenses included in selling, general and administrative expense

7,600,000

3,200,000

2,800,000

Accrued warranty costs

70,000

50,000

Common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share

1,000,000

1,200,000

11,763

Recognition of previously deferred revenue resulting from error correction

4,000,000

Recognition of previously deferred costs in Medical Technology segment resulting from error correction

3,800,000

Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

note receivable interest rate

3.90%

Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

note receivable interest rate

8.00%

Notes Receivable [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance

$ 0

XML

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Total assets	$ 2,091,580	$ 1,995,368	$ 1,766,422
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	88	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359	361,715
Accumulated earnings	791,209	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847	418
Total stockholders' equity	1,183,503	1,107,878
Parent [Member]
Assets
Investment in subsidiaries	1,078,606	1,031,626
Intercompany receivable	104,897	76,252
Total assets	1,183,503	1,107,878
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	88	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359	361,715
Accumulated earnings	791,209	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847	418
Total stockholders' equity	$ 1,183,503	$ 1,107,878

XML

Lines of Business Lines of Business (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Our reportable segments are Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in “All Other” in the following tables are our medical technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet business, which provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.

The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]

valuation and qualifying accounts [Table Text Block]

			Additions
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts		Write-offs			Other(1)		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	14,978	$	6,396	$	—	$	(5,134	)	$	306	$	16,546
Year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,801	$	6,742	$	—	$	(6,178	)	$	613	$	14,978
Year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,015	$	7,366	$	—	$	(7,237	)	$	657	$	13,801

XML

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Redemption value change, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	$ 962	$ 1,555
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 1,555	$ 450

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Maturity Period Of Cash Equivalents

less than 90 days

Deferred revenue and costs

As a result of these policies, we have deferred revenue and costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisting of the following (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Deferred equipment revenue(1)	$	735	$	906
Deferred fixed-priced support or maintenance contract revenue	3,383		2,890
Other deferred revenue(2)	6,828		3,262
Total deferred revenue	10,946		7,058
Less current portion included in other accrued liabilities	10,811		7,025
Long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities	$	135	$	33
Current portion of deferred costs included in prepaid expenses and other	$	709	$	258
Long-term portion of deferred costs included in other assets	1,099		1,267
Total deferred costs(3)	$	1,808	$	1,525

⁽¹⁾  Represents amounts received for sales arrangements that include equipment, hardware, software and PCS. See above discussion for the accounting guidance pertaining to revenue recognition — multiple-deliverable transactions.

⁽²⁾  Represents amounts received in advance for services.

⁽³⁾  Represents costs related to warranties, equipment and hardware included in deferred equipment revenue.

Property and equipment estimated useful lives

Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or 15 years
Furniture and equipment	5 to 7 years
Software	3 years
Equipment held under capital leases	5 to 10 years

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of (in thousands):

	2012			2011
Land	$	56,162		$	53,425
Building and improvements	137,614			120,227
Leasehold improvements	140,944			127,790
Furniture and equipment	243,429			216,042
Software	32,676			22,932
Buildings held under capital leases	30,550			31,627
Equipment held under capital leases	849			1,034
Construction in progress	35,683			27,686
Total property and equipment	677,907			600,763
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization	(274,463		)	(230,117		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	403,444		$	370,646

Goodwill

.

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2010
Goodwill	$	965,999		$	96,818		$	29,663		$	1,092,480
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			—			—
Subtotal	965,999			96,818			29,663			1,092,480
Goodwill acquired	70,169			6			97,177			167,352
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Foreign translation adjustment	—			(14		)	—			(14		)
Other (1)	(767		)	—			(134		)	(901		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
Goodwill	1,035,401			96,810			126,706			1,258,917
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Subtotal	1,035,401			96,810			105,396			1,237,607
Goodwill acquired	143,926			34			12,155			156,115
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(99,501		)	(99,501		)
Foreign translation adjustment	1,281			17			—			1,298
Other (1)	(3,260		)	—			(1,028		)	(4,288		)
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Goodwill	1,177,348			96,861			137,833			1,412,042
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,177,348		$	96,861		$	17,022		$	1,291,231

⁽¹⁾  In 2012, "Other" includes acquisition-price adjustments, which consist primarily of an adjustment related to capital leases and buy outs. In 2011, "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and earn-out payments.

Goodwill Impairment Charges

2012 Charge

Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at least annually. We perform our annual impairment test as of October 31st. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

We performed our annual test of goodwill as of October 31, 2012 for all of our reporting units. We determined that each of our reporting unit's fair value exceeded their respective carrying values with the exception of our Vetstreet reporting unit. Management ultimately determined that there was impairment to Vetstreet's goodwill primarily due to (i) less than anticipated financial performance for fiscal 2012, including with respect to revenue and operating cash flow, and (ii) new revenue and operating profit growth projections that are significantly lower than previous projections. Accordingly, we recorded a $99.5 million impairment charge during the fourth quarter of the current year.

Revenue and operating profit growth projections were lowered as a result of continued operational delays in part due to our upgrading and migration of Vetstreet's information technology systems from their former parent MediMedia, to their own Corporate data center. Additionally, we have changed Vetstreet's overall business strategy to better accommodate the needs of the veterinary community. The projected cash flows under our revised strategy however are significantly lower than under our

previous plan. Finally, our revised forecast reflects the impact of new well-capitalized entrants to this business which has resulted in increased competition.

The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach, which is performed at the reporting unit level. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and Step 2 must be performed. Step 2 compares the carrying value of the reporting unit's

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

5. Goodwill, continued

goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit's assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is recorded as an impairment.

In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, we estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using a combination of the income and market approaches with greater emphasis placed on the income approach, for purposes of estimating the total enterprise value.

The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis and calculates the fair value of the reporting unit by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). The WACC utilized in our analysis using the income approach was 15.5%. The WACC is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required for equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The reporting unit's cost of equity and debt was developed based on data and factors relevant to the economy, the industry and the reporting unit. The cost of equity was estimated using the capital asset pricing model ("CAPM"). The CAPM uses a risk-free rate of return and an appropriate market risk premium for equity investments and the specific risks of the investment. The analysis also included comparisons to a group of guideline companies engaged in the same or similar businesses. The cost of debt was estimated using the current after-tax average borrowing cost that a market participant would expect to pay to obtain its debt financing assuming a target capital structure.

The market approach is based on the guideline publicly traded company method to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Due to the significant lack of guideline public companies, little weight was given to this approach. Under this method, market multiples ratios were applied to the reporting unit's earnings with consideration given to our size, product offerings, growth, and other relevant factors compared to those of the guideline companies. The guideline companies selected were engaged in the same or a similar line of business as us. Market multiples were then selected based on consideration of risk, growth, and profitability differences between us and the guideline companies. The selected market multiples were then multiplied by our October 31, 2012 revenue to arrive at an estimate of fair value.

Based on the above analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Vetstreet reporting unit including goodwill exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, requiring us to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

In performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value of goodwill. This test resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $99.5 million ($60.6 million

after-tax), which was recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2012. This charge had no impact on our cash flows or our compliance with debt covenants.

The fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analysis required significant judgment. The Company's fair value estimates for purposes of determining the goodwill impairment charge are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.

We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain, including estimates of future revenues and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business. Our estimates assume that revenues will decline into the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environments or anticipated operating results are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

2011 Charge

On October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we have a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit included under the "All Other" heading in the table above. Our determination in the prior period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than its carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecast cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we have amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	110,404	$	(36,605	)	$	73,799	$	82,891	$	(21,147	)	$	61,744
Covenants not-to-compete	12,707		(7,357		)	5,350		13,035		(8,067		)	4,968
Favorable lease asset	7,228		(3,866		)	3,362		5,571		(3,210		)	2,361
Technology	6,588		(4,179		)	2,409		16,589		(2,342		)	14,247
Trademarks	12,494		(3,001		)	9,493		7,405		(1,686		)	5,719
Contracts	956		(570		)	386		3,500		(185		)	3,315
Client lists	50		(26		)	24		84		(35		)	49
Total	$	150,427	$	(55,604	)	$	94,823	$	129,075	$	(36,672	)	$	92,403

Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Non-contractual hospital customer relationships	5 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships	5 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships	3 to 10 years
Covenants not-to-compete	2 to 25 years
Favorable lease asset	1 to 18 years
Technology	5 to 7 years
Trademarks	2 to 10 years
Contracts	6 years
Client lists	3 years

Aggregate amortization expense

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	20,778
2014	18,378
2015	16,338
2016	13,196
2017	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Total	$	94,823

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,681		86,606		86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options	479		560		753
Non-vested shares and units	511		228		249
Diluted	88,671		87,394		87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	1.10	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	1.09	$	1.27

XML

401(k) Plan (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Retirement Plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Matching contributions to voluntary retirement plan	$ 1.5	$ 1.0	$ 1.6
Period to become eligible to participate in 401(k) Plan	six months

XML

Lines of Business (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]

The table below lists our revenue by geographic area for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

	2012		2011		2010
Revenue*
United States	$	1,589,588	$	1,474,294	$	1,374,835
Canada	110,054		11,067		6,633
Total	$	1,699,642	$	1,485,361	$	1,381,468

*Revenues are determined based on the location of the customer. Long-lived assets were not disclosed, as the amounts attributable to the Canadian operations are immaterial, as compared to total consolidated long-lived assets.

Lines of Business

The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital		Laboratory			All Other			Corporate			Intercompany Eliminations			Total
2012
External revenue	$	1,331,314	$	275,406		$	92,922		$	—		$	—		$	1,699,642
Intercompany revenue	—		52,395			20,038			—			(72,433		)	—
Total revenue	1,331,314		327,801			112,960			—			(72,433		)	1,699,642
Direct costs	1,142,203		176,040			74,253			—			(67,828		)	1,324,668
Gross profit	189,111		151,761			38,707			—			(4,605		)	374,974
Selling, general and administrative expense	30,826		29,660			37,879			58,790			—			157,155
Operating income (loss) before charges	158,285		122,101			828			(58,790		)	(4,605		)	217,819
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	1,216		—			122,357			—			—			123,573
Net loss (gain) on sale of assets	713		(14		)	717			(106		)	—			1,310
Operating income (loss)	$	156,356	$	122,115		$	(122,246	)	$	(58,684	)	$	(4,605	)	$	92,936
Depreciation and amortization	$	54,835	$	10,141		$	9,582		$	3,198		$	(1,529	)	$	76,227
Capital expenditures	$	55,651	$	8,334		$	5,921		$	9,695		$	(2,794	)	$	76,807
Total assets at December 31, 2012	$	1,648,578	$	244,551		$	98,159		$	127,963		$	(27,671	)	$	2,091,580
2011
External revenue	$	1,150,120	$	272,468		$	62,773		$	—		$	—		$	1,485,361
Intercompany revenue	—		44,329			17,657			—			(61,986		)	—
Total revenue	1,150,120		316,797			80,430			—			(61,986		)	1,485,361
Direct costs	970,310		173,007			59,459			—			(55,872		)	1,146,904
Gross profit	179,810		143,790			20,971			—			(6,114		)	338,457
Selling, general and administrative expense	24,342		27,864			19,136			49,770			—			121,112
Operating income (loss) before charges	155,468		115,926			1,835			(49,770		)	(6,114		)	217,345
Goodwill impairment	—		—			21,310			—			—			21,310
Net loss on sale of assets	327		21			27			7			—			382
Operating income (loss)	$	155,141	$	115,905		$	(19,502	)	$	(49,777	)	$	(6,114	)	$	195,653
Depreciation and amortization	$	40,319	$	10,111		$	5,022		$	2,853		$	(1,317	)	$	56,988
Capital expenditures	$	45,753	$	6,082		$	6,448		$	7,299		$	(2,097	)	$	63,485
Total assets at December 31, 2011	$	1,439,103	$	232,423		$	202,187		$	142,793		$	(21,138	)	$	1,995,368
2010
External revenue	$	1,052,462	$	273,616		$	55,390		$	—		$	—		$	1,381,468
Intercompany revenue	—		37,038			8,623			—			(45,661		)	—
Total revenue	1,052,462		310,654			64,013			—			(45,661		)	1,381,468
Direct costs	880,072		168,458			44,736			—			(42,962		)	1,050,304
Gross profit	172,390		142,196			19,277			—			(2,699		)	331,164
Selling, general and administrative expense	23,539		26,243			14,507			59,252			—			123,541
Net loss on sale of assets	273		22			71			8			—			374
Operating income (loss)	$	148,578	$	115,931		$	4,699		$	(59,260	)	$	(2,699	)	$	207,249
Depreciation and amortization	$	32,456	$	9,738		$	2,437		$	2,474		$	(1,036	)	$	46,069
Capital expenditures	$	52,243	$	5,176		$	857		$	5,516		$	(1,841	)	$	61,951
Total assets at December 31, 2010	$	1,320,619	$	215,483		$	69,082		$	175,297		$	(14,059	)	$	1,766,422

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 22.9
Contracts [Member]
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	6 years
Client lists [Member]
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	3 years

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free rate	0.62%	0.79%
Expected term	4 years 146 days	4 years 110 days
Expected volatility	34.10%	39.00%

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,435	$ 63,651
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $14,978 and $13,801 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	55,912	58,279
Inventory	51,456	48,661
Prepaid expenses and other	25,086	21,883
Deferred income taxes	22,579	26,310
Prepaid income taxes	20,061	18,373
Total current assets	243,529	237,157
Property and equipment, net	403,444	370,646
Goodwill	1,291,231	1,237,607
Other intangible assets, net	94,823	92,403
Notes receivable, net	6,080	6,202
Deferred financing costs, net	4,232	5,435
Other	48,241	45,918
Total assets	2,091,580	1,995,368
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	39,002	32,571
Accounts payable	39,416	37,797
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	49,893	42,658
Other accrued liabilities	57,131	43,968
Total current liabilities	185,442	156,994
Long-term debt, less current portion	591,641	586,282
Deferred income taxes	75,846	101,229
Other liabilities	37,267	25,947
Total liabilities	890,196	870,452
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,991	6,964
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 86,796 and 86,179 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	88	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359	361,715
Retained earnings	791,209	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847	418
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,183,503	1,107,878
Noncontrolling interests	10,890	10,074
Total equity	1,194,393	1,117,952
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,091,580	$ 1,995,368

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Statements of Income
Revenue	$ 418,192,000	$ 433,613,000	$ 438,372,000	$ 409,465,000	$ 368,998,000	$ 385,135,000	$ 376,105,000	$ 355,123,000	$ 1,699,642,000	$ 1,485,361,000	$ 1,381,468,000
Direct costs									1,324,668,000	1,146,904,000	1,050,304,000
Gross profit	81,807,000	99,181,000	100,607,000	93,379,000	71,710,000	90,137,000	96,832,000	79,778,000	374,974,000	338,457,000	331,164,000
Selling, general and administrative expense									157,155,000	121,112,000	123,541,000
Loss on sale of assets									(1,310,000)	(382,000)	(374,000)
Operating income	(83,553,000)	61,186,000	61,498,000	53,805,000	14,197,000	57,841,000	70,109,000	53,506,000	92,936,000	195,653,000	207,249,000
Income before provision for income taxes									82,591,000	175,887,000	192,260,000
Provision for income taxes									31,875,000	76,027,000	78,102,000
Net income	(57,025,000)	35,642,000	35,778,000	36,321,000	(2,060,000)	31,359,000	40,065,000	30,496,000	50,716,000	99,860,000	114,158,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									5,165,000	4,455,000	3,915,000
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	(58,051,000)	34,037,000	34,320,000	35,245,000	(3,215,000)	30,169,000	39,612,000	28,839,000	45,551,000	95,405,000	110,243,000
Parent [Member]
Condensed Statements of Income
Revenue									0	0	0
Direct costs									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expense									0	0	0
Loss on sale of assets									0	0	0
Operating income									0	0	0
Interest income, net									0	0	0
Equity interest in income of subsidiaries									45,551,000	95,405,000	110,243,000
Income before provision for income taxes									45,551,000	95,405,000	110,243,000
Provision for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									45,551,000	95,405,000	110,243,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.									$ 45,551,000	$ 95,405,000	$ 110,243,000

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 2.5	$ 2.0	$ 1.2

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Acquisitions (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consideration:
Cash paid for acquisitions		$ (203,996)	$ (79,851)
Contingent consideration	1,306	560	259
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	(8,161)	0	0
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value	(11,850)	0	0
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions [Member]
Consideration:
Cash paid for acquisitions	78,629	34,243	69,456
Contingent consideration	1,306	79	2,857
Cash paid for holdbacks	2,425	1,500	0
Fair value of total consideration transferred	82,360	35,822	72,313
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	3,515	1,237	3,592
Identifiable intangible assets	14,718	6,414	9,510
Goodwill	64,253	28,171	60,839
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(126)	0	(1,628)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	82,360	35,822	72,313
Think Pets Inc [Member]
Consideration:
Cash paid for acquisitions	7,468
Cash paid for holdbacks	1,050
Fair value of total consideration transferred	19,018
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	2,093
Identifiable intangible assets	7,221
Goodwill	12,155
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(2,451)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	19,018
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned	(10,500)
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	8 years
Animal Hospitals and Laboratory Acquisitions [Member]
Consideration:
Cash paid for acquisitions	48,819
Cash paid to holders of debt	25,915
Fair value of total consideration transferred	74,734
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	11,694
Identifiable intangible assets	25,170
Goodwill	79,707
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(21,826)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	74,734
business acquisition purchase price allocation total	94,745
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	(8,161)
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value	(11,850)
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years
Pet DRx [Member]
Consideration:
Cash paid to holders of debt			29,532
Cash paid for holdbacks			750
Fair value of total consideration transferred			37,952
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets			20,031
Identifiable intangible assets			3,074
Goodwill			41,686
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed			(26,839)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net			$ 37,952
Customer Relationships [Member] | Think Pets Inc [Member]
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	9 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Animal Hospitals and Laboratory Acquisitions [Member]
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying value and fair value of variable rate long-term debt

	As of December 31,
	2012				2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	592,422	$	592,422	$	573,984	$	573,984

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Long Term Obligations (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time
Leverage Ratio	2.03
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans	1.75%
Level One [Member]
Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time
Leverage Ratio	≥ 2.50:1.00
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans	2.25%
Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %	0.50%
Level Two [Member]
Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time
Leverage Ratio	< 2.50:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans	1.75%
Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %	0.375%
Level Three [Member]
Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time
Leverage Ratio	< 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans	1.50%
Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %	0.25%
Level Four [Member]
Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time
Leverage Ratio	< 1.00:1.00
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans	1.25%
Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %	0.20%

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Federal:
Current	$	51,342		$	45,765	$	51,717
Deferred	(27,103		)	17,330		11,536
	24,239			63,095		63,253
State:
Current	9,896			10,710		12,892
Deferred	(5,081		)	2,222		1,957
	4,815			12,932		14,849
Foreign:
Current	4,035			—		—
Deferred	(1,214		)	—		—
	2,821			—		—
	$	31,875		$	76,027	$	78,102

The net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2012				2011
Current deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$	6,085			$	5,362
State taxes	2,471				4,469
Other liabilities and reserves	9,716				8,112
Other assets	7,119				7,046
Inventory	1,275			1,321	1,321
Valuation allowance	(4,087		)		—
Total current deferred income tax assets	$	22,579			$	26,310
Non-current deferred income tax (liabilities) assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	29,805			$	29,362
Write-down of assets	1,222				1,222
Start-up costs	335				335
Other assets	24,955				31,306
Intangible assets	(107,112		)		(128,947		)
Property and equipment	(22,649		)		(27,131		)
Unrealized loss on investments	—				1,961
Share-based compensation	7,377				6,416
Valuation allowance	(9,779		)		(15,753		)
Total non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	(75,846	)		$	(101,229	)

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

12. Income Taxes, continued

At December 31, 2012, we had Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $73.0 million, comprised mainly of acquired NOL carryforwards. These NOLs expire at various dates through 2032. The utilization of NOL carryforwards to reduce taxable income is subject to certain statutory limitations. Events that cause such a limitation include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over a three-year period. We believe that some of our acquisitions caused such a change of ownership and, accordingly, utilization of the NOL carryforwards may be limited in future years. Accordingly, the valuation allowance is principally related to subsidiaries’ NOL carryforwards. The change in valuation allowance in 2012 is related to investment-related loss carryforwards which expired in 2012. We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realizable.

Our effective tax rate was 41.2%, 44.3% and 41.5% in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the Federal statutory rate is as follows:

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit	4.1		4.9		6.0
Goodwill impairment	4.6		4.3		—
AVC gain	(2.6	)	—		—
Foreign rate differential	(1.1	)	—		—
Miscellaneous	1.2		0.1		0.5
	41.2	%	44.3	%	41.5	%

The provision for 2010 income taxes includes tax expense of $3.5 million, related to additional state tax payments on a tax settlement.

We are regularly audited by federal and state tax authorities. Our 2011, 2010 and 2009 taxable years are currently open for IRS audit. The previous four years are generally open for state audit.

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Summary of options outstanding

The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts and the weighted-average remaining contractual life):

Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Exercise Price	Outstanding	Weighted-Avg. Remaining Contractual         Life	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price	Exercisable	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price
$7.48	10,000	0.1	$7.48	10,000	$7.48
$15.33 - $30.70	2,171,252	3.1	$17.24	1,038,523	$17.31
	2,181,252			1,048,523

Assumptions used to determine fair value of options granted

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of those options granted during 2012 and 2011, as there were no options granted during 2010:

	For Years Ended
	December 31,
	2012	2011
Expected volatility(1)	34.1%	39.0%
Expected dividends	—%	—%
Expected term(2)	4.4 years	4.3 years
Risk-free rate(3)	0.62%	0.79%

⁽¹⁾  We estimated the volatility of our common stock on the date of grant based on both historical and implied volatility.

⁽²⁾  The expected term represents the period of time that we expect options to be outstanding. We estimated the expected term based upon the weighted-average of our historical experience.

⁽³⁾  The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield in effect at the time of option grant on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with equivalent remaining terms.

Summary of nonvested stock activity

A summary of our non-vested stock activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average fair value per share:

	Shares		Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	687		$	26.16
Granted	1,248		$	19.99
Vested	(336	)	$	28.81
Forfeited/Canceled	(83	)	$	21.33
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,516		$	20.76
Granted	400		$	19.23
Vested	(457	)	$	22.17
Forfeited/Canceled	(8	)	$	19.03
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,451		$	19.90

Summary of stock option activity

Stock Option Activity

A summary of our stock option activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual term):

	Stock Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	3,323		$	16.45
Granted	894		$	15.98
Exercised	(395	)	$	10.12
Forfeited/Canceled	(46	)	$	23.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,776		$	16.92	2.3	$	10,699
Granted	462		$	18.94
Exercised	(966	)	$	9.87
Expired	(1,039	)	$	23.68
Forfeited/Canceled	(52	)	$	18.91
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,181		$	17.20	3.1	$	8,399
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,049		$	17.21	1.4	$	4,025
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012.	2,151		$	17.22	3.1	$	8,246

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401(k) Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

401(k) Plan

14. 401(k) Plan

In 1992, we established a voluntary retirement plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers all employees with at least six months of employment with our company and provides the annual matching contributions by us at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Our expense for matching contributions to our voluntary retirement plan approximated $1.5 million, $1.0 million and $1.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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Long Term Obligations (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Rate And Adjusted Rate Description	The base rate for the senior term notes is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo") prime rate in effect on such day, the Federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.5% and the adjusted Eurodollar rate for a one-month interest period commencing on such day plus 1.0%. The adjusted Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate per annum obtained by dividing (1) the rate of interest offered to Wells Fargo on the London interbank market by (2) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of “Eurocurrency liabilities.”
Base Rate And Adjusted Rate Description	the base rate or the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus a margin of 1.75%
Long Term Debt Maturities Quarterly Repayments of Principal In First Four Quarters	$ 7,900,000
Long Term Debt Maturities Quarterly Repayments Of Principal In Quarters Five Through Twelve	11,800,000
Long Term Debt Maturities Quarterly Repayments Of Principal In Last Three Quarters	15,800,000
Credit Facility Capacity Available				581,300,000	600,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	125,000,000	125,000,000	100,000,000
Senior term notes					500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Deferred financing costs	75,000	2,000,000
Capitalized Deferred financing costs associated with lenders		1,100,000
Leverage Ratio	2.03
Senior term note interest rate, period end	1.96%	2.00%
Line Of Credit Facility Minimum Borrowing Capacity Under A Swing Line					10,000,000
Debt Retirement Expense Recognized In Continuing Operations	47,000	865,000	2,100,000
Debt Retirement Expense Recognized In Continuing Operations After Tax			1,300,000
Amended Credit Facility Additional Revolving Commitment		25,000,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	50,000,000	150,000,000	500,000,000
Increase in Incremental Facilities	50,000,000
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio	1.60%
Required Leverage Ratio	3.00
Incremental Facilities After Amendment	100,000,000
Long Term Obligations (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior term notes		100,000,000
Financing costs paid	$ 122,000	$ 2,944,000	$ 9,112,000
Revolving credit facility maturity date	Aug. 19, 2016
Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	Base rate or adjusted Eurodollar rate
Senior Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Description Of Eurodollar Rate Basis	The adjusted Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate per annum obtained by dividing (1) the rate of interest offered to Wells Fargo on the London interbank market by (2) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of “Eurocurrency liabilities.”
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	The base rate for the senior term notes is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of Wells Fargo’s prime rate in effect on such day, the Federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.5% and the adjusted Eurodollar rate for a one-month interest period commencing on such day plus 1.0%.
Senior Term Notes One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%	1.75%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Basis for Effective Rate	LIBOR plus 1.75%
Secured Seller Notes [Member]
Long Term Obligations (Textual) [Abstract]
Interest rates on notes payable maturities, minimum	9.00%
Interest rates on notes payable maturities, maximum	10.00%
Fixed Charge [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage required ratio	1.20
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 19, 2016

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 886,476	$ 86	$ 335,114	$ 540,010	$ (163)	$ 11,429
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2009		85,584
Net income (excludes $632 and $485 in 2009, $757 and $419 in 2010 and $1555 and $450 in 2011 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	112,982			110,243		2,739
Foreign currency translation adjustment	668
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	3,123					3,123
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	484					484
Share-based compensation	9,340		9,340
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	0
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		(92)
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	5,510		5,510
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		687
Stock repurchases	2,310		2,310
Excess tax benefit from stock options	378		378
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards	184		184
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	900				900
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	1,009,485	86	347,848	650,253	737	10,561
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		86,179
Net income (excludes $632 and $485 in 2009, $757 and $419 in 2010 and $1555 and $450 in 2011 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	97,855			95,405		2,450
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(319)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	1,952					1,952
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	722		(263)			985
Share-based compensation	10,773		10,773
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	0
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		(114)
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	3,999	1	3,998
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		731
Stock repurchases	2,673		2,673
Excess tax benefit from stock options	1,708		1,708
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards	202		202
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(319)				(319)
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	1,117,952	87	361,715	745,658	418	10,074
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		86,796
Net income (excludes $632 and $485 in 2009, $757 and $419 in 2010 and $1555 and $450 in 2011 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	48,199			45,551		2,648
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,429
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	1,832					1,832
Share-based compensation	14,087		14,087
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions		473
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	10,500		10,500
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		(403)
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	9,533	1	9,532
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		1,506
Stock repurchases	8,216		8,216
Excess tax benefit from stock options	2,868		2,868
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards	127		127
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,429				1,429
Ending Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,194,393	$ 88	$ 390,359	$ 791,209	$ 1,847	$ 10,890
Ending Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		88,372

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 16,546	$ 14,978
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000	11,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000	175,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	88,372	86,796

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Long-Term Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Obligations

7. Long-Term Obligations

Long-term obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

		2012			2011
Senior term notes	Notes payable, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate (1.96% and 2.00% at 2012 and 2011, respectively)	592,422			573,984
Revolving credit	Revolving line of credit, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate	—			—
Secured seller notes	Notes payable, various maturities through 2013, secured by assets and stock of certain subsidiaries, various interest rates ranging from 9.0% to 10.0%	266			346
	Total debt obligations	592,688			574,330
	Capital lease obligations	37,955			44,523
		630,643			618,853
	Less — current portion	(39,002		)	(32,571		)
		$	591,641		$	586,282

The annual aggregate scheduled maturities of our long-term obligations for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2012 are presented below (in thousands):

	Debt Obligations		Capital Lease Obligations		Total
2013	$	35,774	$	3,228	$	39,002
2014	47,344		3,249		50,593
2015	51,289		3,407		54,696
2016	458,281		3,126		461,407
2017	—		3,413		3,413
Thereafter	—		21,532		21,532
Total	$	592,688	$	37,955	$	630,643

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7. Long-Term Obligations, continued

Senior Credit Facility

In August 2010, we entered into a new senior credit facility with various lenders for $600 million of senior secured credit facilities with Bank of America, N.A. as the syndication agent and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as the administrative agent, collateral agent, issuing bank and swing line lender. At the time of entering into the senior credit facility, it included $500 million of senior term notes and $100 million revolving credit facility, which may be used to borrow, on a same-day notice under a swing line, the lesser of $10 million and the aggregate unused amount of the revolving credit facility then in effect. In connection with this transaction, we paid financing costs in the amount of $9.1 million, of which $2.1 million, or $1.3 million after tax were recognized as part of income from continuing operations, the remainder was capitalized as deferred financing costs.

In August 2011, we amended and restated our existing senior credit facility to allow for additional senior term notes in the amount of $100 million and an additional $25 million aggregate principal amount of revolving commitments. Bank of America, N.A. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. are co-syndication agents for the amended senior credit facility, while Wells Fargo, N.A. remains the administrative agent, collateral agent, issuing bank and swing line lender. The amended senior credit facility called for $581.3 million in senior term notes and a $125 million revolving credit facility. The funds borrowed from the additional senior term notes were used to repay in full, amounts borrowed in connection with the acquisition of Vetstreet on August 9, 2011. The terms of the amended and restated senior credit facility are discussed below in this footnote. In connection with the amendment we incurred $2.9 million in financing costs, of which approximately $865,000 were recognized as part of income from continuing operations and approximately $2.0 million was capitalized as deferred financing costs. In addition, we expensed $1.1 million of previously capitalized deferred financing costs associated with lenders who exited the syndicate on the amendment date or those that were determined to be extinguished.

On January 25, 2012, we executed an amendment (the "First Amendment") to our Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement entered into as of August 16, 2011 (our "Senior Credit Facility"). On January 24, 2012, we issued new term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million. The First Amendment replenished the aggregate principal amount of uncommitted incremental facilities by $50.0 million, permitting us to request up to an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million in uncommitted incremental facilities. The funds borrowed from the Incremental Facility were used to fully repay amounts borrowed to fund an additional investment in Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC") on February 1, 2012. In connection with the First Amendment we incurred $122,000 in financing costs, of which approximately $47,000 were expensed as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses and $75,000 were capitalized as deferred financing costs.

Interest Rate.    In general, borrowings under the senior term notes and the revolving credit facility bear interest, at our option, on either:

• the base rate (as defined below) plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for a base rate loan is an amount equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar rate (as defined below) minus 1.00%; or

• the adjusted Eurodollar rate (as defined below), plus a margin of 1.75% (Level II, see table below), per annum until the date of delivery of the compliance certificate and the financial statements, for the period ended December 31, 2012, at which time the applicable margin will be determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the following table:

Level	Leverage Ratio	Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans		Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %
I	≥ 2.50:1.00	2.25	%	0.50	%
II	< 2.50:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00	1.75	%	0.375	%
III	< 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00	1.50	%	0.25	%
IV	< 1.00:1.00	1.25	%	0.20	%

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

7. Long-Term Obligations, continued

The base rate for the senior term notes is a rate per annum equal to the greatest of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo") prime rate in effect on such day, the Federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.5% and the adjusted Eurodollar rate for a one-month interest period commencing on such day plus 1.0%. The adjusted Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate per annum obtained by dividing (1) the rate of interest offered to Wells Fargo on the London interbank market by (2) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of “Eurocurrency liabilities.”

Maturity and Principal Payments.    The Amended and Restated senior term notes mature on August 19, 2016. Principal payments on the senior term notes are paid quarterly in the amount of (i) $7.9 million for the first four quarters beginning on December 31, 2012, (ii) $11.8 million for the two years following, and (iii) $15.8 million for the three quarters prior to maturity, at which time the remaining balance is due. The following table sets forth the remaining scheduled principal payments for our senior term notes (in thousands):

	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Senior term notes	$	35,508	$	47,344	$	51,289	$	458,281	$	—

The revolving credit facility has a per annum commitment fee determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the table above and is applied to the unused portion of the commitment. The revolving credit facility matures on August 19, 2016. Principal payments on the revolving credit facility are made at our discretion with the entire unpaid amount due at maturity. At December 31, 2012, we had no borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Guarantees and Security.    We and each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee the outstanding debt under the senior credit facility. These borrowings, along with the guarantees of the subsidiaries, are further secured by substantially all of our consolidated assets. In addition, these borrowings are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock, or similar equity interests, of our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Debt Covenants.    The senior credit facility contains certain financial covenants pertaining to fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, the senior credit facility has restrictions pertaining to capital expenditures, acquisitions and the payment of cash dividends on all classes of stock. At December 31, 2012, we had a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.60 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no less than 1.20 to 1.00, and a leverage ratio of 2.03 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no more than 3.00 to 1.00.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

In the past we have entered into interest rate swap agreements whereby we pay the counterparty amounts based on a fixed interest rate and set notional principal amount in exchange for the receipt of payments from the counterparty based on current LIBOR and the same set notional principal amount. We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt.

During 2010, all of our interest rate swap agreements had expired and we have not entered into any new agreements.

The following table summarizes cash received or cash paid and unrealized gains or losses recognized as a result of our interest rate swap agreements (in thousands):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Cash paid(1)	$	—	$	—	$	382

⁽¹⁾  Our interest rate swap agreements effectively converted a certain amount of our variable-rate debt under our senior credit facility to fixed-rate debt for purposes of hedging against the risk of increasing interest rates. The above table depicts cash payments to the counterparties on our swap agreements. These payments are offset by a corresponding decrease in interest paid on our variable-rate debt under our senior credit facility. These amounts are included in interest expense in our consolidated income statements.

XML

Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VCA ANTECH INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000817366
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 1.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		84,455,024

XML

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

8. Fair Value

Current fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The current guidance establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

• Level 1.    Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

• Level 2.    Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and

• Level 3.    Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Non-Recurring Assets

Non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are accounted for in accordance with FASB’s guidance on fair value measurement.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, our Vetstreet goodwill was written down to its implied fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $99.5 million, which was included in earnings in the period. Our Vetstreet goodwill balance as of December 31, 2012 was $8.8 million. Additionally, during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, our Vetstreet long-lived assets were written down to their estimated fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $22.9 million, which was included in earnings in the period. Our Vetstreet long-lived assets balance as of December 31, 2012 was $28.7 million. Both the implied fair value of goodwill and the estimated fair value of long-lived assets were calculated using Level 3 inputs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Fair value as defined by the guidance is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates of financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we might pay or receive in actual market transactions. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.    These balances include cash and cash equivalents with maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Receivables, Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Payable and Certain Other Accrued Liabilities.    Due to their short-term nature, fair value approximates carrying value.

Long-Term Debt.    The fair value of debt at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.

The following table reflects the carrying value and fair value of our variable-rate long-term debt (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2012				2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	592,422	$	592,422	$	573,984	$	573,984

XML

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Number of years under state audit	four years
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carry forwards	$ 73.0
Effective income tax rate	41.20%	44.30%	41.50%
Tax expense included in provision for 2010 income taxes, net of tax			$ 3.5
Percentage of cumulative ownership	50.00%
Cumulative ownership change period	three-year period

XML

Consolidated Income Statements (USD $) Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 1,699,642,000	$ 1,485,361,000	$ 1,381,468,000
Direct costs	1,324,668,000	1,146,904,000	1,050,304,000
Gross profit	374,974,000	338,457,000	331,164,000
Selling, general and administrative expense	157,155,000	121,112,000	123,541,000
Asset Impairment Charges	123,573,000
Goodwill impairment	99,501,000	21,310,000	0
Net loss on sale of assets	1,310,000	382,000	374,000
Operating income (loss)	92,936,000	195,653,000	207,249,000
Interest expense	(17,020,000)	(17,485,000)	(14,431,000)
Interest income	(468,000)	(601,000)	(801,000)
Debt retirement costs	0	2,764,000	2,131,000
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	(5,719,000)	0	0
Other expense (income)	(488,000)	118,000	(772,000)
Income before provision for income taxes	82,591,000	175,887,000	192,260,000
Provision for income taxes	31,875,000	76,027,000	78,102,000
Net income	50,716,000	99,860,000	114,158,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,165,000	4,455,000	3,915,000
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ 45,551,000	$ 95,405,000	$ 110,243,000
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.52	$ 1.10	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.51	$ 1.09	$ 1.27
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	87,681	86,606	86,049
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	88,671	87,394	87,051

XML

The Company

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The Company

1. The Company

Our company, VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 1986 and is based in Los Angeles, California. We are an animal healthcare company with the following four operating segments: animal hospitals (“Animal Hospital”), veterinary diagnostic laboratories (“Laboratory), veterinary medical technology (“Medical Technology”) and Vetstreet.

Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our animal hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At December 31, 2012, we operated 609 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and three Canadian provinces.

We operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our laboratory network provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At December 31, 2012, we operated 55 laboratories of various sizes located strategically throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Medical Technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, provides consulting and mobile imaging services, and sells software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.

Our Vetstreet business provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a.    Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and include the accounts of our parent company, all majority-owned subsidiaries where we have control, certain fifty-percent owned subsidiaries where we possess the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies and certain veterinary medical groups to which we provide services as discussed below. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances.

We provide management and other administrative services to certain veterinary practices in states and Canadian provinces with laws, rules and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states and Canadian provinces, we provide management and other administrative services to the veterinary medical practices. At December 31, 2012, we operated 177 animal hospitals in 15 of these states and 47 animal hospital in three Canadian provinces, under management agreements with these veterinary practices. Pursuant to the management agreements, the veterinary medical practices are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined by their respective state or province.

We have determined that the veterinary medical practices are variable interest entities as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and that we have a variable interest in those entities through our management agreements. We also determined that our variable interests in these veterinary medical practices, in aggregate with the variable interests held by our related parties, provide us with the power to direct the activities of these practices that most significantly impact their economic performance and obligate us to absorb losses that could potentially be significant or the right to receive benefits from the veterinary medical practices that could potentially be significant. Based on these determinations, we consolidated the veterinary medical practices in our consolidated financial statements.

b.    Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date, whereas

revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the reporting period.

Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and realized transaction

gains and losses are recorded in the results of operations.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

c.    Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and our reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Amounts subject to significant judgment and estimates include, but are not limited to, collectability of receivables, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of goodwill, cash flows used in the evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets, valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, estimated redemption value of mandatorily redeemable partnership interests and inputs used for computing stock-based compensation.

d.    Revenue and Related Cost Recognition

General

We recognize revenue, barring other facts, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met:

• persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists;

• delivery of goods has occurred or services have been rendered;

• the sales price or fee is fixed or determinable; and

• collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue is reported net of sales discounts and excludes sales taxes.

We generally recognize revenue and costs as follows:

• For non-contractual services provided by our business units, at the time services are rendered.

• For the sale of merchandise when delivery of the goods has occurred.

• For services under defined support and maintenance contracts, on a straight-line basis over the contractual period, recognizing costs as incurred; these services include, but are not limited to, technical support, when-and-if available product updates for software and extended warranty coverage.

• For the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and ultrasound imaging equipment sold on a standalone basis at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer, which is generally upon delivery or upon installation and customer acceptance if required per the sale arrangement.

• For the sale of reminder cards when shipment has occurred.

Multiple Element Arrangements

We account for revenue for certain bundled products and services as follows:

• Sales arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method, whereby any discount in the arrangement is allocated proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price. The selling price for each deliverable is based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. For elements where VSOE is available, VSOE of fair value is based on the price for those products and services when sold separately by us or the price established by management with the relevant authority. TPE of selling price is the price of our, or any of our competitor’s, largely interchangeable products or services in stand-alone sales to similarly situated customers.

Digital radiography (“DR”) imaging equipment and all of its related computer equipment, our proprietary software and services in addition to any other computers sold with our proprietary software are accounted for under the FASB’s accounting guidance related to multiple-deliverable transactions.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

We do not currently have VSOE for our DR imaging equipment as units are not sold on a stand-alone basis without the related support packages. As this is also true for our competitors, TPE of selling price is also unavailable. We therefore use the ESP to allocate the arrangement consideration related to our DR imaging equipment.

In domestic markets we have VSOE for our post-contract customer support (“PCS”) as the support package is sold on a stand-alone basis. Our PCS agreements normally include a warranty on the receptor plate and technical support on the software elements. In foreign markets however, we do not have VSOE on the receptor plate warranties, accordingly we use the ESP.

In certain transactions we sell our ultrasound imaging equipment and related services together with our digital radiography imaging equipment and related services. In these transactions, we account for each item under its respective literature and allocate revenue based upon the relative selling prices.

In certain transactions with pharmaceutical companies we sell subscriptions to Vetstreet Pro and Consumer Pet portals together with other marketing related services. We account for these arrangements under the multiple-deliverable accounting, mentioned above; with the arrangement consideration allocated using the relative selling prices.

Deferred Revenue

We defer revenue for certain transactions as follows:

• We defer revenue for pre-paid services such as our consulting, marketing, education services or PCS and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract period or as the services are provided depending on the nature of the service.

• We defer revenue for PCS provided as part of the purchase of equipment and software and recognize that revenue on a straight-line basis over the PCS period.

• We defer revenue when we lack persuasive evidence of a sales agreement and recognize that revenue only when that evidence exists.

• We defer revenue on transactions where we participated in the buyers leasing and recognize that revenue over the lease term.

As a result of these policies, we have deferred revenue and costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisting of the following (in thousands):

	2012		2011
Deferred equipment revenue(1)	$	735	$	906
Deferred fixed-priced support or maintenance contract revenue	3,383		2,890
Other deferred revenue(2)	6,828		3,262
Total deferred revenue	10,946		7,058
Less current portion included in other accrued liabilities	10,811		7,025
Long-term portion of deferred revenue included in other liabilities	$	135	$	33
Current portion of deferred costs included in prepaid expenses and other	$	709	$	258
Long-term portion of deferred costs included in other assets	1,099		1,267
Total deferred costs(3)	$	1,808	$	1,525

⁽¹⁾  Represents amounts received for sales arrangements that include equipment, hardware, software and PCS. See above discussion for the accounting guidance pertaining to revenue recognition — multiple-deliverable transactions.

⁽²⁾  Represents amounts received in advance for services.

⁽³⁾  Represents costs related to warranties, equipment and hardware included in deferred equipment revenue.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Customer Loyalty Programs

We record reductions to revenue related to customer incentive programs, which include various forms of cash consideration. Incentives may be provided in the form of credits, coupons or loans and are earned by clients upon entering into an agreement to purchase products or services in future periods while maintaining defined volume purchase or utilization levels. These incentives are capitalized and recognized as a reduction to revenue over the term of the customer agreement. We monitor customer purchases over the term of their agreement to assess the realizability of our capitalized customer acquisition costs. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any impaired customer acquisition costs.

e.    Direct Costs

Direct costs are comprised of all service and product costs, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and other hospital-based, laboratory-based personnel, and content-development personnel, transportation and delivery costs, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expenses and costs of goods sold.

f.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider only highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days to be cash equivalents. We maintain balances in our bank accounts that are in excess of FDIC insured levels.

g.    Inventory

Our inventory consists primarily of finished goods and includes imaging equipment, pet food and products and medical supplies. It is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method and is adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.

h.    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Equipment held under capital leases is recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the equipment at the beginning of the lease term.

We develop and implement new software to be used internally, or enhance our existing internal software. We develop the software using our own employees and/or outside consultants. Costs associated with the development of new software are expensed as incurred. Costs related directly to the software design, coding, testing and installation are capitalized and amortized over the expected life of the software. Costs related to upgrades or enhancements of existing systems are capitalized if the modifications result in additional functionality.

Depreciation and amortization are recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements	5 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or 15 years
Furniture and equipment	5 to 7 years
Software	3 years
Equipment held under capital leases	5 to 10 years

Depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of property under capital leases, in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $53.5 million, $43.6 million and $36.7 million, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Property and equipment at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of (in thousands):

	2012			2011
Land	$	56,162		$	53,425
Building and improvements	137,614			120,227
Leasehold improvements	140,944			127,790
Furniture and equipment	243,429			216,042
Software	32,676			22,932
Buildings held under capital leases	30,550			31,627
Equipment held under capital leases	849			1,034
Construction in progress	35,683			27,686
Total property and equipment	677,907			600,763
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization	(274,463		)	(230,117		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	403,444		$	370,646

Accumulated amortization on buildings and equipment held under capital leases amounted to $10.5 million and $5.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

i.    Operating Leases

Most of our facilities are under operating leases. The minimum lease payments, including predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, are recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to leases. The lease term includes contractual renewal options that are reasonably assured based on significant leasehold improvements acquired. Any leasehold improvement incentives paid to us by a landlord are recorded as a reduction of rent expense over the lease term.

j.    Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to goodwill and other intangibles, we have determined that we have four reporting units, Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet, and we estimate annually, or sooner if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare their estimated fair value against the net book value of those reporting units to determine if our goodwill is impaired. The recognition and measurement of a goodwill impairment loss involves either a qualitative assessment of the fair value of each reporting unit or a more detailed quantitative two-step process. We have not presently elected to rely on a qualitative assessment, accordingly we measure our goodwill for impairment based upon the two-step process. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and step two must be performed. Step two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit’s assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is required to be recorded as an impairment.

We recorded impairment charges in the current year related to our Vetstreet reporting unit and in the prior year related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. For additional information related to goodwill impairment, see Note 5, Goodwill.

Our estimated reporting unit fair values are calculated using valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. These valuation methods involve the use of significant assumptions and estimates such as forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, the weighted-average cost of capital, and risk premiums. Consumer spending habits for our business are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, salaries and wage rates, consumer confidence and consumer perception of economic conditions. We believe these factors have and may continue to impact consumer spending for our products and services. Deterioration in consumer spending habits for our business would negatively impact the value of our reporting units and could result in additional goodwill impairment. Any potential impairment charge could be material and would be reflected as expense in our consolidated statements of income. We provide no assurance that forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and discount

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

rates will not deteriorate in the near term. We will continue to analyze changes to these assumptions in future periods. We adopted the end of October as our annual impairment testing date. Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we have a $99.5 million goodwill impairment related to our Vetstreet reporting unit. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment. Our October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we had a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit. Our determination in the prior year period that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value was also based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results. The Vetstreet and Medical Technology reporting units are each included in the “All Other” category of our segment disclosures in Note 15, Lines of Business.

k.    Other Intangible Assets

In addition to goodwill, we have amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011, as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	110,404	$	(36,605	)	$	73,799	$	82,891	$	(21,147	)	$	61,744
Covenants not-to-compete	12,707		(7,357		)	5,350		13,035		(8,067		)	4,968
Favorable lease asset	7,228		(3,866		)	3,362		5,571		(3,210		)	2,361
Technology	6,588		(4,179		)	2,409		16,589		(2,342		)	14,247
Trademarks	12,494		(3,001		)	9,493		7,405		(1,686		)	5,719
Contracts	956		(570		)	386		3,500		(185		)	3,315
Client lists	50		(26		)	24		84		(35		)	49
Total	$	150,427	$	(55,604	)	$	94,823	$	129,075	$	(36,672	)	$	92,403

The recoverability of the carrying values of all intangible assets with finite lives is re-evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's value may be impaired. We perform a quarterly review of identified intangible assets to determine if facts and circumstances indicate that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated or that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such facts and circumstances exist, we assess recoverability by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts. Impairments, if any, are based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. If the useful life is shorter than originally estimated, we accelerate the rate of amortization and amortize the remaining carrying value over the new shorter useful life.

Our October 31, 2012 impairment test indicated that we had a $22.9 million intangible asset impairment related to non-contractual customer relationships, technology, trademarks and contracts related to Vetstreet. Our determination in the current period that the fair value of the intangible assets was now less than it's carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecasted cash flows related to changes in both our overall business strategy and the overall competitive environment as mentioned above. The fair values of the impaired intangibles were calculated utilizing valuation methods consisting primarily of discounted cash flow techniques, and market comparables, where applicable. The impairment is included under the caption "Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets" in our consolidated income statement.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Amortization is recognized on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Non-contractual hospital customer relationships	5 years
Non-contractual laboratory customer relationships	5 to 25 years
All other non-contractual customer relationships	3 to 10 years
Covenants not-to-compete	2 to 25 years
Favorable lease asset	1 to 18 years
Technology	5 to 7 years
Trademarks	2 to 10 years
Contracts	6 years
Client lists	3 years

The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets (in thousands):

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Aggregate amortization expense	$	22,731	$	13,391	$	9,380

The estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter at December 31, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	20,778
2014	18,378
2015	16,338
2016	13,196
2017	6,442
Thereafter	19,691
Total	$	94,823

l.    Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes. In accordance with the guidance, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets, which include operating and capital loss carryforwards. As such, we have a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs. We also assess differences between our probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities.

We account for unrecognized tax benefits also in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on income taxes which prescribe a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

m.    Notes Receivable

Notes receivable are financial instruments issued in the normal course of business and are not market traded. The amounts recorded approximate fair value and are shown net of valuation allowances. There were no valuation allowances recorded as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The notes bear interest at rates varying from 3.9% to 8.0% per annum.

n.    Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs was $1.3 million and $482,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

o.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Concentration of Risk

The carrying amount reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Our policy is to place our cash and cash equivalents in highly-rated financial instruments and institutions, which we believe mitigates our credit risk. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the diversity of our customer base. We routinely review the collection of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically have not experienced any significant losses related to an individual customer or groups of customers in a geographic area.

Our operations depend, in some cases, on the ability of single source suppliers or a limited number of suppliers, to deliver products and supplies on a timely basis. We have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, shortages of or difficulties in acquiring products and supplies in the quantities and of the quality needed. Shortages in the availability of products and supplies for an extended period of time will have a negative impact on our operating results.

p.    Derivative Instruments

In accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance pertaining to derivatives and hedging, all investments in derivatives are recorded at fair value. A derivative is typically defined as an instrument whose value is “derived” from an underlying instrument, index or rate, has a notional amount, requires little or no initial investment and can be net settled. Our derivatives are reported as current assets and liabilities or other non-current assets or liabilities as appropriate.

We use interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to increasing interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. If we determine that contracts are effective at meeting our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them using hedge accounting. Under hedge accounting, we recognize the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the contracts in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion in earnings. If we determine that contracts do not or no longer meet our risk reduction and correlation criteria, we account for them under a fair-value method recognizing changes in the fair value in earnings in the period of change. If we determine that a contract no longer meets our risk reduction and correlation criteria or if the derivative expires, we recognize in earnings any accumulated balance in other comprehensive income (loss) related to this contract in the period of determination. For interest rate swap agreements accounted for under hedge accounting, we assess the effectiveness based on changes in their intrinsic value with changes in the time value portion of the contract reflected in earnings. All cash payments made or received under the contracts are recognized in interest expense.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Credit exposure associated with non-performance by the counterparties to derivative instruments is generally limited to the uncollateralized fair value of the asset related to instruments recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. We attempt to mitigate the risk of non-performance by selecting counterparties with high credit ratings and monitoring their creditworthiness and by diversifying derivative amounts with multiple counterparties.

The contractual or notional amounts for derivatives are used to calculate the exchange of contractual payments under the agreements and are not representative of the potential for gain or loss on these instruments. Interest rates affect the fair value of derivatives. The fair values generally represent the estimated amounts that we would expect to receive or pay upon termination of the contracts at the reporting date. The fair values are based upon dealer quotes when available or an estimate using values obtained from independent pricing services, costs to settle or quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

q.    Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total marketing and advertising expense included in direct costs amounted to $25.3 million, $25.2 million and $21.7 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total marketing and advertising expense included in selling, general and administrative expense amounted to $7.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.8 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

r.    Insurance and Self-Insurance

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance with high retention or high-deductible provisions for a number of risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, property insurance and our group health insurance benefits.

Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on an undiscounted basis by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions.

s.    Product Warranties

We accrue the cost of basic product warranties included with the sale of our digital radiography imaging equipment and our ultrasound imaging equipment at the time we sell these units to our customers. Our warranty costs are primarily for our assistance in helping our customers resolve issues with the warranties they have with the original equipment manufacturers. We estimate our warranty costs based on historical warranty claim experience. Accrued warranty costs at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were approximately $70,000 and $50,000, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

t.    Calculation of Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,681		86,606		86,049
Effect of dilutive potential common stock:
Stock options	479		560		753
Non-vested shares and units	511		228		249
Diluted	88,671		87,394		87,051
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	1.10	$	1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	1.09	$	1.27

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, potential common shares of 1.0 million, 1.2 million and 11,763, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

u.    Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation in accordance with FASB’s accounting guidance on stock compensation. Accordingly, we measure the cost of share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments and recognize the cost over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period.

Our company’s share-based employee compensation plans are described further in Note 10, Share-Based Compensation.

v.    Acquisitions

We account for acquisitions based upon the provisions of the FASB’s accounting guidance on business combinations, accordingly acquisitions are accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting. Acquisition costs will be expensed as incurred; non-controlling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense.

w.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB finalized the reporting for reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, reporting for which was previously deferred, as discussed below. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, they do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. An entity is also required to present on the face of the financials where net income is reported or in the footnotes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. Other amounts need only be cross-referenced to other disclosures required that provide additional detail of these amounts. The amendments in this update are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted.

In June 2011, the FASB finalized the accounting guidance for the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of the new guidance is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting, to increase the

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

prominence of the items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and IFRS. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholder’s equity and requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income. Regardless of which option is chosen it is required that reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements.

The new guidance does not change the following: the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income; when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; the option for an entity to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects; and does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented.

The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of the new requirements had no effect on our consolidated financial statements other than the changes to presentation outlined.

In September 2011, the FASB amended the accounting guidance on Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this guidance is to reduce the cost and complexity of performing the annual goodwill impairment test and to improve the previous guidance by expanding the examples of events and circumstances that an entity should consider in the qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment. The amendments allow an entity the option of first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The examples of events and circumstances included in the amendment that an entity should consider in performing its qualitative assessment about whether to proceed to the first step of the goodwill impairment test supersede the examples in the existing guidance. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. An entity is no longer permitted to carry forward its detailed calculation of a reporting unit’s fair value from a prior year as previously permitted under the existing guidance. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended goodwill impairment testing procedures did not significantly impact our consolidated financial statements as we elected to bypass the qualitative assessment.

x.   Corrections    

During 2012, we recorded a $3.1 million out-of-period adjustment to depreciation expense related to our acquired capital leases.

During 2011, we corrected an error related to our deferred revenue and related deferred cost for certain equipment sales governed by revised accounting guidance related to multiple element arrangements. The correction resulted in the recognition of $4.0 million of previously deferred revenue and $3.8 million of previously deferred costs in our Medical Technology operating segment that should have been recognized in prior periods.

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Noncontrolling Interests

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Noncontrolling Interests

13. Noncontrolling Interests

We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated income statements. Noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries was $5.2 million, $4.5 million and $3.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, we reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, noncontrolling interest was $10.9 million and $10.1 million, respectively.

a.    Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as an interest cost in the consolidated income statement. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, these liabilities were $11.0 million million and $3.1 million, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

13. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

b.    Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the minority partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the minority partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):

	Income Statement Impact		Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2009			$	4,369
Noncontrolling interest	$	757
Redemption value change	—		757
Formation of noncontrolling interests			1,390
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(717		)
Balance as of December 31, 2010			5,799
Noncontrolling interest	$	840
Redemption value change	716		1,556
Formation of noncontrolling interests			510
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(901		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011			6,964
Noncontrolling interest	$	806
Redemption value change	156		962
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(935		)
Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	6,991

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Dividends

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Equity [Abstract]

Dividends

9. Dividends

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our senior credit facility places limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends or make other distributions in respect of our common stock. Specifically, our amended and restated senior credit facility dated August 16, 2011 prohibits us from declaring, ordering, paying, or setting apart any sum for any dividends or other distributions on account of any shares of any class of stock, other than dividends payable solely in shares of stock to holders of such class of stock. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors, including the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits.

XML

Lines of Business (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									$ 1,699,642	$ 1,485,361	$ 1,381,468
Revenue, Net	418,192	433,613	438,372	409,465	368,998	385,135	376,105	355,123	1,699,642	1,485,361	1,381,468
Intercompany revenue									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									76,807	63,485	61,951
Gross Profit	81,807	99,181	100,607	93,379	71,710	90,137	96,832	79,778	374,974	338,457	331,164
Direct costs									1,324,668	1,146,904	1,050,304
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									157,155	121,112	123,541
Operating income before significant charges									217,819	217,345
Asset Impairment Charges									123,573
Goodwill impairment									99,501	21,310	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									1,310	382	374
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Description of Revenue from External Customers									*Revenues are determined based on the location of the customer.
Operating income (loss)	(83,553)	61,186	61,498	53,805	14,197	57,841	70,109	53,506	92,936	195,653	207,249
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile									1,589,588	1,474,294	1,374,835
Assets	2,091,580				1,995,368				2,091,580	1,995,368	1,766,422
Depreciation and amortization									76,227	56,988	46,069
Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries									110,054	11,067	6,633
Animal Hospital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									1,331,314	1,150,120	1,052,462
Revenue, Net									1,331,314	1,150,120	1,052,462
Intercompany revenue									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									55,651	45,753	52,243
Gross Profit									189,111	179,810	172,390
Direct costs									1,142,203	970,310	880,072
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									30,826	24,342	23,539
Operating income before significant charges									158,285	155,468
Asset Impairment Charges									1,216
Goodwill impairment									0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									713	327	273
Operating income (loss)									156,356	155,141	148,578
Assets	1,648,578				1,439,103				1,648,578	1,439,103	1,320,619
Depreciation and amortization									54,835	40,319	32,456
Laboratory [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									275,406	272,468	273,616
Revenue, Net									327,801	316,797	310,654
Intercompany revenue									52,395	44,329	37,038
Capital expenditures									8,334	6,082	5,176
Gross Profit									151,761	143,790	142,196
Direct costs									176,040	173,007	168,458
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									29,660	27,864	26,243
Operating income before significant charges									122,101	115,926
Asset Impairment Charges									0
Goodwill impairment									0	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									(14)	21	(22)
Operating income (loss)									122,115	115,905	115,931
Assets	244,551				232,423				244,551	232,423	215,483
Depreciation and amortization									10,141	10,111	9,738
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									92,922	62,773	55,390
Revenue, Net									112,960	80,430	64,013
Intercompany revenue									20,038	17,657	8,623
Capital expenditures									5,921	6,448	857
Gross Profit									38,707	20,971	19,277
Direct costs									74,253	59,459	44,736
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									37,879	19,136	14,507
Operating income before significant charges									828	1,835
Asset Impairment Charges									122,357
Goodwill impairment									99,501	21,310
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									717	27	71
Operating income (loss)									(122,246)	(19,502)	4,699
Assets	98,159				202,187				98,159	202,187	69,082
Depreciation and amortization									9,582	5,022	2,437
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									0	0	0
Revenue, Net									0	0	0
Intercompany revenue									0	0	0
Capital expenditures									9,695	7,299	5,516
Gross Profit									0	0	0
Direct costs									0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									58,790	49,770	59,252
Operating income before significant charges									(58,790)	(49,770)
Asset Impairment Charges									0
Goodwill impairment										0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									(106)	7	8
Operating income (loss)									(58,684)	(49,777)	(59,260)
Assets	127,963				142,793				127,963	142,793	175,297
Depreciation and amortization									3,198	2,853	2,474
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenue									0	0	0
Revenue, Net									(72,433)	(61,986)	(45,661)
Intercompany revenue									(72,433)	(61,986)	(45,661)
Capital expenditures									(2,794)	(2,097)	(1,841)
Gross Profit									(4,605)	(6,114)	(2,699)
Direct costs									(67,828)	(55,872)	(42,962)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense									0	0	0
Operating income before significant charges									(4,605)	(6,114)
Asset Impairment Charges									0
Goodwill impairment										0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets									0	0	0
Operating income (loss)									(4,605)	(6,114)	(2,699)
Assets	(27,671)				(21,138)				(27,671)	(21,138)	(14,059)
Depreciation and amortization									$ (1,529)	$ (1,317)	$ (1,036)

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Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

4. Acquisitions

Our acquisition strategy includes the acquisition of animal hospitals. If favorable opportunities are presented, we may pursue the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses. In accordance with that strategy, we acquired the following:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Animal hospitals:
Acquisitions (1), excluding AVC in 2012, BrightHeart in 2011 and Pet DRx in 2010	35		18		27
AVC (1)	44		—		—
BrightHeart(1)	—		9		—
Pet DRx(1)	—		—		23
New facilities	1		—		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing animal hospitals	(6	)	(3	)	(2	)
Sold, closed or merged	(6	)	(11	)	(9	)
Total	68		13		39
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	1		1		—
Acquisitions relocated into our existing laboratories	(1	)	—		—
New facilities	2		2		4
Closed or merged	—		—		(1	)
Total	2		3		3

⁽¹⁾  Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC") was acquired on January 31, 2012, BrightHeart Veterinary Centers (“BrightHeart") was acquired on July 11, 2011 and Pet DRx Corporation ("Pet DRx”) was acquired on July 1, 2010.

Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration, including acquisition costs, paid by us for our acquired animal hospitals and laboratories, excluding AVC, BrightHeart and Pet DRx, and the allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Consideration:
Cash	$	78,629		$	34,243	$	69,456
Holdback	2,425			1,500		—
Contingent consideration	1,306			79		2,857
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	3,515		$	1,237	$	3,592
Identifiable intangible assets	14,718			6,414		9,510
Goodwill(1)	64,253			28,171		60,839
Notes payable and other liabilities assumed	(126		)	—		(1,628		)
Total	$	82,360		$	35,822	$	72,313

⁽¹⁾  We expect that $60.4 million, $26.4 million and $58.2 million of the goodwill recorded in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

In addition to the purchase price listed above are cash payments made for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals totaling $5.3 million, $1.9 million and $9.3 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

AVC Investment

On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in AVC by approximately CDN $81 million (approximately US $81 million) becoming the sole non-veterinarian shareholder of AVC. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, offering services ranging from primary care, to specialty referral services and 24-hour emergency care. This investment and planned additional investments in AVC will facilitate our continued expansion in the Canadian market. At the time of the investment, AVC had annualized revenue of approximately CDN $95 million (approximately US $95 million). Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of AVC since January 31, 2012.

The following table summarizes the total investment and preliminary allocation of the investment in AVC (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	48,819
Assumed debt	25,915
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	74,734
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	11,694
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	25,170
Goodwill(2)	79,707
Other liabilities assumed	(21,826		)
	$	94,745
Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)
Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)
Total	$	74,734

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademark and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted- average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately six years. The customer-related intangible assets weighted-average amortization period is approximately five years. The trademark weighted-average amortization period is approximately ten years. The covenants-not-to-compete weighted-average amortization period is approximately three years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $362,000 of the goodwill related to the AVC acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

BrightHeart Acquisition

On July 11, 2011, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of BrightHeart for approximately $50 million in cash. BrightHeart operates nine animal hospitals, eight of which focus on the delivery of specialty and emergency medicine. The acquisition increased our level of market recognition in areas where we had an existing market presence. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of BrightHeart since July 11, 2011.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	23,490
Assumed debt	26,048
Contingent consideration	481
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	50,019
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	18,921
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	8,796
Goodwill(2)	39,806
Other liabilities assumed	(17,504		)
Total	$	50,019

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships. The weighted average amortization period for both the total identifiable intangible assets and the customer-related intangible assets is approximately five years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that $40.7 million of the goodwill related to the BrightHeart acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Pet DRx Acquisition

On July 1, 2010, we acquired a 70.4% interest in Pet DRx Corporation (“Pet DRx”), a provider of veterinary primary care and specialized services to companion animals. Pet DRx operated 23 animal hospitals in California at the time of its acquisition. The acquisition expanded our presence in the California market. We acquired the remaining portion of Pet DRx on November 1, 2010. The aggregate purchase price in both steps was $41.3 million. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of Pet DRx since July 1, 2010.

The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

Consideration:
Assumed debt	$	29,532
Cash paid to shareholders	7,670
Cash paid for holdbacks	750
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	37,952
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	20,031
Identifiable intangible assets	3,074
Goodwill(1)	41,686
Other liabilities assumed	(26,839		)
Total	$	37,952

⁽¹⁾  We expected that $6.4 million of goodwill would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Other Acquisitions

ThinkPets, Inc. ("ThinkPets")

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets for $21 million , payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. We intend to combine the operations of ThinkPets with our Vetstreet business, which we expect will improve the products and services it offers to clients of both companies. Our consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of ThinkPets since February 1, 2012.

The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and preliminary allocation of the investment in ThinkPets (in thousands):

Consideration:
Cash	$	7,468
Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	10,500
Holdback	1,050
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	19,018
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	2,093
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	7,221
Goodwill(2)	12,155
Other liabilities assumed	(2,451		)
Total	$	19,018

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, contracts and trademarks. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately eight years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately nine years, for the technology approximately four years, and for the trademarks approximately two years.

⁽²⁾  We expect that $821,000 of the goodwill related to the ThinkPets acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2012 will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

The preliminary purchase price is pending the finalization of the working capital calculation, which at this time is under seller review.

Our ThinkPets business is reported within our “All Other” category in our segment disclosures combined with our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments.

MediMedia Animal Health, LLC (“Vetstreet”)

On August 9, 2011, we acquired 100% of the ownership interests of Vetstreet, a provider of online communications, professional education and marketing solutions to the veterinary community. The acquisition of Vetstreet expands the breadth of our product offerings to the veterinary community and is expected to provide long-term synergies to our existing businesses. We acquired Vetstreet for a final purchase price of $146.4 million, net of cash acquired. The following table summarizes the final purchase price and final allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Consideration:
Cash	$	146,420
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	8,565
Identifiable intangible assets(1)	45,810
Goodwill(2)	96,149
Other liabilities assumed	(4,104		)
Total	$	146,420

⁽¹⁾  Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, technology, trademarks, non-compete agreements and contracts. The weighted average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately nine years, for the customer-related intangible assets approximately ten years, for the technology and trademarks approximately seven years, for the non-compete agreements approximately two years and for the contracts approximately eight years.

⁽²⁾  We expected that all of the goodwill related to the Vetstreet acquisition recorded as of December 31, 2011 would be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Our Vetstreet business is reported within our “All Other” category in our segment disclosures combined with our Medical Technology operating segment.

Pro Forma Information (unaudited)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 presents, (i) the actual results of operations of our 2012 acquisitions and (ii) the combined results of operations for our company and our 2012 acquisitions as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011, the first day of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The pro forma financial information considers principally (i) our company’s financial results, (ii) the unaudited historical financial results of our acquisitions, and (iii) select pro forma adjustments to the historical financial results of our acquisitions. Such pro forma adjustments represent principally estimates of (i) the impact of the hypothetical amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) the recognition of fair value adjustments relating to tangible assets, (iii) adjustments reflecting the new capital structure, including additional financing or repayments of debt as part of the acquisitions and (iv) the tax effects of the acquisitions and related adjustments as if those acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition at the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period.

In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of our company:

	Revenue	Net Income (Loss)
	(Unaudited)
(In thousands):
Actual from acquisition date to December 31, 2012	135,114	(6,795	)
2012 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012(1)	1,759,471	47,770
2011 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011(1)	1,731,228	108,406

⁽¹⁾  2012 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to exclude $1.5 million of acquisition-related costs incurred in 2012. 2011 supplemental pro forma net income was adjusted to include these charges.

XML

Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid			$ (203,996,000)	$ (79,851,000)
Revenue	135,114
Net Income	(6,795)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		1,759,471	1,731,228
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		47,770	108,406
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value	1,306,000	1,306,000	560,000	259,000
Vetstreet [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid			146,420,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Tangible Assets			8,565,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			45,810,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			96,149,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed			(4,104,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net			146,420,000
Pet DRx [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid For Hold Backs				750,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred				37,952,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Tangible Assets				20,031,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets				3,074,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount				41,686,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed				(26,839,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net				37,952,000
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid To Bondholders				29,532,000
Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Cash Paid To Shareholders				7,670,000
BrightHeart [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid			23,490,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred			50,019,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Tangible Assets			18,921,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets			8,796,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount			39,806,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed			(17,504,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net			50,019,000
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid To Bondholders			26,048,000
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value			481,000
Think Pets Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	7,468,000	7,468,000
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned	10,500,000	10,500,000
Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid For Hold Backs	1,050,000	1,050,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred	19,018,000	19,018,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Tangible Assets	2,093,000	2,093,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets	7,221,000	7,221,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount	12,155,000	12,155,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed	(2,451,000)	(2,451,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 19,018,000	$ 19,018,000

XML

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

	December 31,
	2012		2011
Assets:
Investment in subsidiaries	$	1,078,606	$	1,031,626
Intercompany receivable	104,897		76,252
Total assets	$	1,183,503	$	1,107,878
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	$	88	$	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359		361,715
Retained earnings	791,209		745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847		418
Total stockholders’ equity	$	1,183,503	$	1,107,878

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Revenue	$	—	$	—	$	—
Direct costs	—		—		—
Gross profit	—		—		—
Selling, general and administrative expense	—		—		—
Loss on sale of assets	—		—		—
Operating income	—		—		—
Interest income, net	—		—		—
Equity interest in income of subsidiaries	45,551		95,405		110,243
Income before provision for income taxes	45,551		95,405		110,243
Provision for income taxes	—		—		—
Net income	45,551		95,405		110,243
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		—
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	45,551	$	95,405	$	110,243

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	45,551		$	95,405		$	110,243
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Equity interest in earnings of subsidiaries	(45,551		)	(95,405		)	(110,243		)
Increase in intercompany receivable	—			(3,999		)	(5,510		)
Net cash used in operating activities	—			(3,999		)	(5,510		)
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Other	(9,533		)	—			—
Net cash provided by investing activities	(9,533		)	—			—
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	9,533			3,999			5,510
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,533			3,999			5,510
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			—			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)

VCA Antech, Inc. (Parent Company)

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)

			Additions
	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts		Write-offs			Other(1)		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2012
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	14,978	$	6,396	$	—	$	(5,134	)	$	306	$	16,546
Year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,801	$	6,742	$	—	$	(6,178	)	$	613	$	14,978
Year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2)	$	13,015	$	7,366	$	—	$	(7,237	)	$	657	$	13,801

⁽¹⁾  “Other” changes in the allowance for uncollectible accounts include allowances acquired with animal hospitals and laboratory acquisitions.

⁽²⁾  Balance includes allowance for trade accounts receivable and notes receivable.

XML

Other Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Other Accrued Liabilities

6. Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

	As of December 31,
	2012		2011
Deferred revenue	$	10,811	$	7,025
Accrued health insurance	6,409		5,553
Deferred rent	4,165		3,626
Holdbacks and earn-outs	3,599		2,250
Miscellaneous accrued taxes (1)	3,485		2,015
Customer deposits	3,140		2,281
Accrued consulting fees	3,114		2,886
Accrued lab service rebates	579		332
Other	21,829		18,000
	$	57,131	$	43,968

⁽¹⁾ Includes property, sales, and use taxes.

XML

Long-Term Obligations (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 39,002
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	50,593
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	54,696
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	461,407
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	3,413
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	21,532
Long-term Debt	592,688	574,330
Capital Lease Obligations	37,955	44,523
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Leverage Ratio	2.03
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	630,643	618,853
Senior Notes [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	35,774
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	47,344
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	51,289
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	458,281
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	0
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	3,228
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	3,249
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	3,407
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	3,126
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	3,413
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	$ 21,532
Leverage Ratio Level One [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Leverage Ratio	≥ 2.50:1.00
Leverage Ratio Level Two [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.375%
Leverage Ratio	< 2.50:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00
Leverage Ratio Level Three [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Leverage Ratio	< 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00
Leverage Ratio Level Four [Member]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Leverage Ratio	< 1.00:1.00

XML

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Unaudited quarterly results
Revenue, Net	$ 418,192	$ 433,613	$ 438,372	$ 409,465	$ 368,998	$ 385,135	$ 376,105	$ 355,123	$ 1,699,642	$ 1,485,361	$ 1,381,468
Gross profit	81,807	99,181	100,607	93,379	71,710	90,137	96,832	79,778	374,974	338,457	331,164
Operating income	(83,553)	61,186	61,498	53,805	14,197	57,841	70,109	53,506	92,936	195,653	207,249
Net income	(57,025)	35,642	35,778	36,321	(2,060)	31,359	40,065	30,496	50,716	99,860	114,158
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ (58,051)	$ 34,037	$ 34,320	$ 35,245	$ (3,215)	$ 30,169	$ 39,612	$ 28,839	$ 45,551	$ 95,405	$ 110,243
Basic earnings per common share	$ (0.66)	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.41	$ (0.04)	$ 0.35	$ 0.46	$ 0.33	$ 0.52	$ 1.10	$ 1.28
Diluted earnings per common share	$ (0.66)	$ 0.38	$ 0.39	$ 0.40	$ (0.04)	$ 0.35	$ 0.45	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 1.09	$ 1.27

XML

Long Term Obligations (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2012	39,002
2013	50,593
2014	54,696
2015	461,407
2016	3,413
Secured Seller Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	9.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
Senior Term Notes Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2012	35,508
Senior Term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2012	35,774
2013	47,344
2014	51,289
2015	458,281
2016	0

XML

Long-Term Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 592,422,000	$ 573,984,000
Derivative, Cost of Hedge Net of Cash Received	0	0	382
Summary of long-term obligations
Secured seller notes	266,000	346,000
Total debt obligations	592,688,000	574,330,000
Capital lease obligations	37,955,000	44,523,000
Long term debt including capital lease obligation	630,643,000	618,853,000
Less - current portion	(39,002,000)	(32,571,000)
Long term debt and capital lease obligations	591,641,000	586,282,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

		2012			2011
Senior term notes	Notes payable, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate (1.96% and 2.00% at 2012 and 2011, respectively)	592,422			573,984
Revolving credit	Revolving line of credit, maturing in 2016, secured by assets, variable interest rate	—			—
Secured seller notes	Notes payable, various maturities through 2013, secured by assets and stock of certain subsidiaries, various interest rates ranging from 9.0% to 10.0%	266			346
	Total debt obligations	592,688			574,330
	Capital lease obligations	37,955			44,523
		630,643			618,853
	Less — current portion	(39,002		)	(32,571		)
		$	591,641		$	586,282

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

	Debt Obligations		Capital Lease Obligations		Total
2013	$	35,774	$	3,228	$	39,002
2014	47,344		3,249		50,593
2015	51,289		3,407		54,696
2016	458,281		3,126		461,407
2017	—		3,413		3,413
Thereafter	—		21,532		21,532
Total	$	592,688	$	37,955	$	630,643

Summary of Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time

Level	Leverage Ratio	Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans		Applicable Revolving Commitment Fee %
I	≥ 2.50:1.00	2.25	%	0.50	%
II	< 2.50:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00	1.75	%	0.375	%
III	< 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00	1.50	%	0.25	%
IV	< 1.00:1.00	1.25	%	0.20	%

Scheduled principal payments for senior term notes

	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
Senior term notes	$	35,508	$	47,344	$	51,289	$	458,281	$	—

Summary of cash received or cash paid and unrealized gains or losses

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Cash paid(1)	$	—	$	—	$	382

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 1,237,607	$ 1,092,480
Goodwill acquired	156,115	167,352
Goodwill impairment	(99,501)	(21,310)	0
Other	(4,288)	(901)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,291,231	1,237,607	1,092,480
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(120,811)	21,310	0
Animal Hospital [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,035,401	965,999
Goodwill acquired	143,926	70,169
Goodwill impairment	0	0
Other	(3,260)	(767)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,177,348	1,035,401
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0
Laboratory [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	96,810	96,818
Goodwill acquired	34	6
Goodwill impairment	0	0
Other	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	96,861	96,810
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

11. Commitments and Contingencies

a.    Leases

We operate many of our animal hospitals from premises that are leased under operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to 35 years. Certain leases include fair-value purchase options that can be exercised at our discretion at various times within the lease terms.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

11. Commitments and Contingencies, continued

The future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	67,617
2014	66,328
2015	66,278
2016	65,720
2017	64,748
Thereafter	767,185
Total	$	1,097,876

Rent expense totaled $66.0 million, $55.2 million and $51.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Rental income totaled $955,000, $920,000 and $726,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

b.    Purchase Commitments

Under the terms of certain purchase agreements, we have aggregate commitments to purchase approximately $31.0 million of products and services through 2016.

c.    Earn-out Payments

We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon attainment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods expire and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $1.6 million.

Contingent consideration, such as earn-out liabilities, is recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date and a corresponding liability is recorded based on the fair value of the liability if the fair value is known or determinable. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable at each reporting period.

d.    Holdbacks

In connection with certain acquisitions, we withheld a portion of the purchase price, or the holdback, as security for indemnification obligations of the sellers under the acquisition agreement. The amounts withheld are typically payable within a 12-month period. The total outstanding holdbacks at both December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and are included in other accrued liabilities.

We paid $2.7 million, $1.8 million and $3.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, to sellers for the unused portion of holdbacks.

e.    Other Contingencies

We have certain contingent liabilities resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results

The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly results for the eight quarters commencing January 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

	2012 Quarter Ended									2011 Quarter Ended
	Dec. 31(1)			Sept. 30		Jun. 30(2)		Mar. 31(3)		Dec. 31(4)			Sept. 30(5)		Jun. 30		Mar. 31
Revenue	$	418,192		$	433,613	$	438,372	$	409,465	$	368,998		$	385,135	$	376,105	$	355,123
Gross profit	$	81,807		$	99,181	$	100,607	$	93,379	$	71,710		$	90,137	$	96,832	$	79,778
Operating (loss) income	$	(83,553	)	$	61,186	$	61,498	$	53,805	$	14,197		$	57,841	$	70,109	$	53,506
Net (loss) income	$	(57,025	)	$	35,642	$	35,778	$	36,321	$	(2,060	)	$	31,359	$	40,065	$	30,496
Net (loss) income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	(58,051	)	$	34,037	$	34,320	$	35,245	$	(3,215	)	$	30,169	$	39,612	$	28,839
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.39	$	0.39	$	0.41	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.46	$	0.33
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.38	$	0.39	$	0.40	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.45	$	0.33

⁽¹⁾  Included in fourth quarter operating income is a $123.6 million, non-cash goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charge, or $0.90 per diluted share. The charge is primarily related to our Vetstreet reporting unit, see Note 5, Goodwill.

⁽²⁾  Included in second quarter gross profit is a $3.1 million depreciation expense adjustment, or $0.02 per diluted share, related to acquired capital leases.

⁽³⁾  Included in first quarter net income is a $5.7 million business combination adjustment gain, or $0.06 per diluted share, related to the acquisition of AVC, see Note 4, Acquisitions.

⁽⁴⁾  Included in fourth quarter operating income is a $21.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, or $0.25 per diluted share, related to our medical technology business.

⁽⁵⁾  Included in third quarter net income is $2.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, related to costs incurred in conjunction with the refinance of our senior credit facility, see Note 7, Long-Term Obligations.

Although not readily detectable because of the impact of acquisitions, our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, our Animal Hospital and Laboratory revenue historically has been greater in the second and third quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.

The demand for our veterinary services is significantly higher during warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors, where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited), continued

addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of infestation of fleas, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours. A substantial portion of our costs for our veterinary services are fixed and do not vary with the level of demand. Consequently, our operating income and operating margins generally have been higher for the second and third quarters than that experienced in the first and fourth quarters.

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	5
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	Lesser of lease term
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	5
Minimum [Member] | Equipment held under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	5
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	40
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	15
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	7
Maximum [Member] | Equipment held under capital leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	10
Lease Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	1 year
Lease Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	18 years
Customer Lists [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	3 years
Contractual Rights [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	6 years
Trademarks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	2 years
Trademarks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	10 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	5 years
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	7 years
Non Compete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	2 years
Non Compete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	25 years
Animal Hospital [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	5 years
Laboratory [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	5 years
Laboratory [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	25 years
All Other Segments [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	3 years
All Other Segments [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment estimated useful lives
Amortization of intangible assets estimated useful lives	10 years

XML

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Unaudited quarterly results

	2012 Quarter Ended									2011 Quarter Ended
	Dec. 31(1)			Sept. 30		Jun. 30(2)		Mar. 31(3)		Dec. 31(4)			Sept. 30(5)		Jun. 30		Mar. 31
Revenue	$	418,192		$	433,613	$	438,372	$	409,465	$	368,998		$	385,135	$	376,105	$	355,123
Gross profit	$	81,807		$	99,181	$	100,607	$	93,379	$	71,710		$	90,137	$	96,832	$	79,778
Operating (loss) income	$	(83,553	)	$	61,186	$	61,498	$	53,805	$	14,197		$	57,841	$	70,109	$	53,506
Net (loss) income	$	(57,025	)	$	35,642	$	35,778	$	36,321	$	(2,060	)	$	31,359	$	40,065	$	30,496
Net (loss) income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	(58,051	)	$	34,037	$	34,320	$	35,245	$	(3,215	)	$	30,169	$	39,612	$	28,839
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.39	$	0.39	$	0.41	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.46	$	0.33
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$	(0.66	)	$	0.38	$	0.39	$	0.40	$	(0.04	)	$	0.35	$	0.45	$	0.33

XML

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income Loss Attributable To Redeemable And Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,200,000
Net income	50,716,000	99,860,000	114,158,000
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized loss on hedging instruments	0	0	2,000
Tax benefit	0	0	1,000
Losses on hedging instruments reclassified to income	0	0	(382,000)
Tax benefit	0	0	(149,000)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	1,429,000	(319,000)	900,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,429,000	(319,000)	668,000
Total comprehensive income	52,145,000	99,541,000	115,058,000
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,165,000	4,455,000	3,915,000
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$ 46,980,000	$ 95,086,000	$ 111,143,000

XML

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,412,042,000	$ 1,412,042,000	$ 1,258,917,000	$ 1,092,480,000
Goodwill	1,291,231,000	1,291,231,000	1,237,607,000	1,092,480,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		1,298,000	(14,000)
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(4,288,000)	(901,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		(99,501,000)	(21,310,000)	0
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	15.50%
Goodwill Impairment Loss, Net of Tax Benefit		60,600,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		156,115,000	167,352,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	120,811,000	120,811,000	(21,310,000)	0
Animal Hospital [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	1,177,348,000	1,177,348,000	1,035,401,000	965,999,000
Goodwill	1,177,348,000	1,177,348,000	1,035,401,000	965,999,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		1,281,000	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(3,260,000)	(767,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		143,926,000	70,169,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0	0
Laboratory [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	96,861,000	96,861,000	96,810,000	96,818,000
Goodwill	96,861,000	96,861,000	96,810,000	96,818,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		17,000	(14,000)
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		34,000	6,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0	0
Other Segments [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	137,833,000	137,833,000	126,706,000	29,663,000
Goodwill	17,022,000	17,022,000	105,396,000	29,663,000
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments		0	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments		(1,028,000)	(134,000)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		(99,501,000)	(21,310,000)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		12,155,000	97,177,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 120,811,000	$ 120,811,000	$ (21,310,000)	$ 0

XML

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

3. Related Party Transactions

a.   Transactions with ThinkPets Inc. (formerly known as Zoasis Corporation)

On February 1, 2012, we acquired 100% interest in ThinkPets, Inc., for $21 million, payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. The number of shares of VCA common stock were determined based on the daily volume weighted average closing sales price of the VCA common stock for the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, Bob Antin, our CEO and Chairman of the Board, owned 54% of the common stock of ThinkPets, and served as a director of ThinkPets, and Art Antin, our Chief Operating Officer, owned 8% of the common stock of ThinkPets.

b.  Related Party Vendors

Frank Reddick joined our company as a director in February 2002 and is a partner in the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP (“Akin”). Akin provided legal services to us during 2012, 2011 and 2010. The amount paid by our company to Akin for these legal services was approximately $551,000, $1.6 million and $2.3 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

c.    Transactions with VetSource

In 2006, we entered into a pharmacy distribution agreement with Strategic Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc. (“VetSource”) a start-up pharmacy distribution company. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are entitled to one representative on the VetSource Board of Directors. Under the agreement we promote the use of VetSource as the preferred provider of pharmaceutical products to VCA animal hospitals. The agreement has a five-year term and will renew for one year terms unless either party provides written notice of termination to the other party at least 120 days prior to expiration of the then current term. The amount paid by our company to VetSource for pharmaceutical products was $13.1 million, $28.2 million and $41.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

We own 34% of the outstanding preferred stock of VetSource.

XML

Acquisitions (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Properties Sold Closed or Merged		(6)	(11)	(9)
Acquisitions relocated into our existing animal hospitals		(6)	(3)	(2)
Total animal hospitals	13	68		39
Total laboratories		2	3	3
AVC [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Businesses Acquired		44	0	0
Acquisitions, excluding BrightHeart and Pet DRx [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Businesses Acquired		35	18	27
BrightHeart [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Businesses Acquired		0	9	0
Pet DRx [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Businesses Acquired		0	0	23
Acquisitions [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Businesses Acquired	1	1		0
Acquisitions relocated into our existing laboratories [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Acquired Laboratories Relocated To Existing Laboratories		(1)	0	0
New facilities [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Laboratories Created		2	2	4
Closed or merged [Member]
Summary of acquisitions of animal hospitals and laboratories
Number of Properties Sold Closed or Merged		0	0	(1)

XML

Noncontrolling Interests (Details Textual) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Included In Other Liabilities	$ 11,000,000	$ 3,100,000
Noncontrolling Interests (Textual) [Abstract]
Ownership interest percentage to consolidate partnerships	50.10%
Noncontrolling interests	$ 10,890,000	$ 10,074,000

XML

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 123,573,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	99,501,000	21,310,000	0
Goodwill	1,291,231,000	1,237,607,000	1,092,480,000
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Variable-rate long-term debt, Carrying Value	592,422,000	573,984,000
Variable-rate long-term debt, Fair Value	592,422,000	573,984,000
Vetstreet [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	22,900,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	99,500,000
Goodwill	8,800,000
Long-Lived Assets	$ 28,700,000

XML

Goodwill (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill [Line Items]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

.

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2010
Goodwill	$	965,999		$	96,818		$	29,663		$	1,092,480
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			—			—
Subtotal	965,999			96,818			29,663			1,092,480
Goodwill acquired	70,169			6			97,177			167,352
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Foreign translation adjustment	—			(14		)	—			(14		)
Other (1)	(767		)	—			(134		)	(901		)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
Goodwill	1,035,401			96,810			126,706			1,258,917
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(21,310		)	(21,310		)
Subtotal	1,035,401			96,810			105,396			1,237,607
Goodwill acquired	143,926			34			12,155			156,115
Goodwill impairment	—			—			(99,501		)	(99,501		)
Foreign translation adjustment	1,281			17			—			1,298
Other (1)	(3,260		)	—			(1,028		)	(4,288		)
Balance as of December 31, 2012
Goodwill	1,177,348			96,861			137,833			1,412,042
Accumulated Impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,177,348		$	96,861		$	17,022		$	1,291,231

⁽¹⁾  In 2012, "Other" includes acquisition-price adjustments, which consist primarily of an adjustment related to capital leases and buy outs. In 2011, "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and earn-out payments.

Goodwill Impairment Charges

2012 Charge

Impairment testing for goodwill is performed at least annually. We perform our annual impairment test as of October 31st. Goodwill is also tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.

We performed our annual test of goodwill as of October 31, 2012 for all of our reporting units. We determined that each of our reporting unit's fair value exceeded their respective carrying values with the exception of our Vetstreet reporting unit. Management ultimately determined that there was impairment to Vetstreet's goodwill primarily due to (i) less than anticipated financial performance for fiscal 2012, including with respect to revenue and operating cash flow, and (ii) new revenue and operating profit growth projections that are significantly lower than previous projections. Accordingly, we recorded a $99.5 million impairment charge during the fourth quarter of the current year.

Revenue and operating profit growth projections were lowered as a result of continued operational delays in part due to our upgrading and migration of Vetstreet's information technology systems from their former parent MediMedia, to their own Corporate data center. Additionally, we have changed Vetstreet's overall business strategy to better accommodate the needs of the veterinary community. The projected cash flows under our revised strategy however are significantly lower than under our

previous plan. Finally, our revised forecast reflects the impact of new well-capitalized entrants to this business which has resulted in increased competition.

The impairment test for goodwill uses a two-step approach, which is performed at the reporting unit level. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, there is a potential impairment and Step 2 must be performed. Step 2 compares the carrying value of the reporting unit's

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

5. Goodwill, continued

goodwill to its implied fair value (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit less the fair value of the unit's assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets). If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is recorded as an impairment.

In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, we estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using a combination of the income and market approaches with greater emphasis placed on the income approach, for purposes of estimating the total enterprise value.

The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis and calculates the fair value of the reporting unit by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). The WACC utilized in our analysis using the income approach was 15.5%. The WACC is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required for equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The reporting unit's cost of equity and debt was developed based on data and factors relevant to the economy, the industry and the reporting unit. The cost of equity was estimated using the capital asset pricing model ("CAPM"). The CAPM uses a risk-free rate of return and an appropriate market risk premium for equity investments and the specific risks of the investment. The analysis also included comparisons to a group of guideline companies engaged in the same or similar businesses. The cost of debt was estimated using the current after-tax average borrowing cost that a market participant would expect to pay to obtain its debt financing assuming a target capital structure.

The market approach is based on the guideline publicly traded company method to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. Due to the significant lack of guideline public companies, little weight was given to this approach. Under this method, market multiples ratios were applied to the reporting unit's earnings with consideration given to our size, product offerings, growth, and other relevant factors compared to those of the guideline companies. The guideline companies selected were engaged in the same or a similar line of business as us. Market multiples were then selected based on consideration of risk, growth, and profitability differences between us and the guideline companies. The selected market multiples were then multiplied by our October 31, 2012 revenue to arrive at an estimate of fair value.

Based on the above analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Vetstreet reporting unit including goodwill exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, requiring us to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

In performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, we compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill to its carrying value of goodwill. This test resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $99.5 million ($60.6 million

after-tax), which was recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2012. This charge had no impact on our cash flows or our compliance with debt covenants.

The fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analysis required significant judgment. The Company's fair value estimates for purposes of determining the goodwill impairment charge are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.

We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain, including estimates of future revenues and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business. Our estimates assume that revenues will decline into the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environments or anticipated operating results are not correct, we may be required to record goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

2011 Charge

On October 31, 2011 impairment test indicated that we have a $21.3 million goodwill impairment related to our Medical Technology reporting unit included under the "All Other" heading in the table above. Our determination in the prior period that the fair value of the reporting unit was now less than its carrying value was based upon changes in our estimate of forecast cash flows related to a shortfall in our 2011 period results.

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Share-Based Compensation (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$ 3,100,000	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,100,000
Number of shares available for issuance	7,753,935
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	2,220,937
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 19.23	$ 19.99
Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised	3,900,000	2,200,000	1,300,000
Stock option granted	462,229	894,000	0
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	9,900,000	5,600,000	3,300,000
Shares of non-vested common stock granted	399,900	1,248,000
Number of restricted stock units granted	307,989
Estimated weighted average grant date fair value of stock options	$ 5.48	$ 5.21
Shares of non-vested common stock to vest in equal installments	1,451,000	1,516,000	687,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	3 years
Expiration period of outstanding options	P5Y
Maximum [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	6 years
Expiration period of outstanding options	P10Y
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 18.94
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	4 years
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	3 years 256 days
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options	0
Compensation cost charged against income	1,200,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	468,000
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years 329 days
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options	18,500,000
Compensation cost charged against income	11,400,000	9,100,000	6,700,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	4,400,000	3,600,000	2,600,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	3 years 37 days
Compensation cost charged against income	1,500,000	1,600,000	2,600,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	603,000	636,000	1,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 5,400,000
Employees - Non-Vested Shares 1 [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	3 years
Shares of non-vested common stock granted	385,592
Employees - Non-Vested Shares 1 [Member] | Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	4 years
Board of Directors [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	3 years
Shares of non-vested common stock granted	14,308
Board of Directors [Member] | Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	3 years
Employees - Non Vested Shares Two Member
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Minimum vesting period of outstanding options and non vested shares	4 years
AVC [Member]
Share-Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for income taxes

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
Federal:
Current	$	51,342		$	45,765	$	51,717
Deferred	(27,103		)	17,330		11,536
	24,239			63,095		63,253
State:
Current	9,896			10,710		12,892
Deferred	(5,081		)	2,222		1,957
	4,815			12,932		14,849
Foreign:
Current	4,035			—		—
Deferred	(1,214		)	—		—
	2,821			—		—
	$	31,875		$	76,027	$	78,102

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)

	December 31,
	2012				2011
Current deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$	6,085			$	5,362
State taxes	2,471				4,469
Other liabilities and reserves	9,716				8,112
Other assets	7,119				7,046
Inventory	1,275			1,321	1,321
Valuation allowance	(4,087		)		—
Total current deferred income tax assets	$	22,579			$	26,310
Non-current deferred income tax (liabilities) assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	29,805			$	29,362
Write-down of assets	1,222				1,222
Start-up costs	335				335
Other assets	24,955				31,306
Intangible assets	(107,112		)		(128,947		)
Property and equipment	(22,649		)		(27,131		)
Unrealized loss on investments	—				1,961
Share-based compensation	7,377				6,416
Valuation allowance	(9,779		)		(15,753		)
Total non-current deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	(75,846	)		$	(101,229	)

Reconciliation of provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the Federal statutory rate

	For Years Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit	4.1		4.9		6.0
Goodwill impairment	4.6		4.3		—
AVC gain	(2.6	)	—		—
Foreign rate differential	(1.1	)	—		—
Miscellaneous	1.2		0.1		0.5
	41.2	%	44.3	%	41.5	%

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Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

10. Share-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Plans

At December 31, 2012, there were stock options, non-vested shares and restricted stock units outstanding under our existing stock incentive plans. We maintain three plans: the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan; the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan; and the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”). New options and other stock awards may only be granted under the 2006 Plan. At December 31, 2012, the sum of the shares previously issued pursuant to awards under the 2006 Plan and the shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under the 2006 Plan to our employees, directors, consultants and those of our affiliates is 7,753,935 shares. The number of shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under the 2006 Plan may increase by any shares of common stock underlying prior outstanding options that expire, are forfeited, canceled or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full. The number of shares available for issuance at December 31, 2012 was 2,220,937. Outstanding options and non-vested shares granted under our plans typically vest over periods that range from three to six years, and outstanding options typically expire between five and ten years from the date of grant.

Stock Option Activity

A summary of our stock option activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average exercise price and weighted-average remaining contractual term):

	Stock Options		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	3,323		$	16.45
Granted	894		$	15.98
Exercised	(395	)	$	10.12
Forfeited/Canceled	(46	)	$	23.25
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,776		$	16.92	2.3	$	10,699
Granted	462		$	18.94
Exercised	(966	)	$	9.87
Expired	(1,039	)	$	23.68
Forfeited/Canceled	(52	)	$	18.91
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,181		$	17.20	3.1	$	8,399
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,049		$	17.21	1.4	$	4,025
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012.	2,151		$	17.22	3.1	$	8,246

There were 462,229 and 894,000 stock options granted during 2012 and 2011, respectively, which had an estimated weighted-average grant date fair value of approximately $5.48 and $5.21, respectively. There were no stock options granted during 2010. The aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $9.9 million, $5.6 million and $3.3 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized on options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.9 million, $2.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10. Share-Based Compensation, continued

The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at December 31, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts and the weighted-average remaining contractual life):

Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Exercise Price	Outstanding	Weighted-Avg. Remaining Contractual         Life	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price	Exercisable	Weighted-Avg. Exercise Price
$7.48	10,000	0.1	$7.48	10,000	$7.48
$15.33 - $30.70	2,171,252	3.1	$17.24	1,038,523	$17.31
	2,181,252			1,048,523

At December 31, 2012, there was $5.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to our stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of over 3.1 years.

Calculation of Fair Value

The fair value of our options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We amortize the fair value of our options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of those options granted during 2012 and 2011, as there were no options granted during 2010:

	For Years Ended
	December 31,
	2012	2011
Expected volatility(1)	34.1%	39.0%
Expected dividends	—%	—%
Expected term(2)	4.4 years	4.3 years
Risk-free rate(3)	0.62%	0.79%

⁽¹⁾  We estimated the volatility of our common stock on the date of grant based on both historical and implied volatility.

⁽²⁾  The expected term represents the period of time that we expect options to be outstanding. We estimated the expected term based upon the weighted-average of our historical experience.

⁽³⁾  The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield in effect at the time of option grant on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with equivalent remaining terms.

We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures. We recognize share-based compensation only for those awards that we expect to vest.

The compensation cost charged against income for stock options was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $2.6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $603,000, $636,000 and $1.0 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10. Share-Based Compensation, continued

Non-Vested Shares

Additionally, under our 2006 Plan, we have issued non-vested stock awards in our common stock to certain employees and members of our Board of Directors. The outstanding non-vested stock awards to employees and executives generally vest as follows: in three or four equal annual installments starting the first anniversary of the grant date. The non-vested stock awards to members of our Board of Directors generally vest in equal annual installments over three years from the date of grant. Total compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards was $11.4 million, $9.1 million and $6.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $4.4 million, $3.6 million and $2.6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 there was $18.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these non-vested shares that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. A summary of our non-vested stock activity for 2012 is as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average fair value per share:

	Shares		Grant Date Weighted- Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2010	687		$	26.16
Granted	1,248		$	19.99
Vested	(336	)	$	28.81
Forfeited/Canceled	(83	)	$	21.33
Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,516		$	20.76
Granted	400		$	19.23
Vested	(457	)	$	22.17
Forfeited/Canceled	(8	)	$	19.03
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,451		$	19.90

During 2012, we granted 399,900 shares of non-vested common stock. Of these awards, 385,592 shares were granted to employees and 14,308 shares were granted to our non-employee directors. The awards to employees will vest in equal annual installments over four years. The shares awarded to our non-employee directors will vest in three equal annual installments.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

Pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, on August 27, 2012, we granted 307,989 performance based restricted stock units ("RSUs") to our executive officers representing the right to receive one share of common stock. These RSUs will be earned upon achievement of the applicable performance criteria during the performance periods, from the fourth quarter 2012 through December 31, 2014, as set forth in the 2012 Equity Performance Award Agreement. Assuming achievement of the required performance conditions and continued service through each vesting date, these awards will vest in four equal annual installments beginning August 2013 through August 2016. The RSUs had an estimated weighted-average grant date fair value of approximately $18.94.

Total compensation cost charged against income, related to RSU awards was $1.2 million for 2012. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for the same period was $468,000.

At December 31, 2012, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to our RSU awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of over 3.7 years.