Nature of Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

1. Nature of Operations

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 operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments "Animal Hospital" and "Laboratory". Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments are combined in our "All Other" category. See Footnote 9, "Lines of Business" within these notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements.

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 September 30, 2013, we operated 606 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and four 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 September 30, 2013, we operated 56 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 several different services to the veterinary community including, online communications, professional education, marketing solutions and a home delivery platform for independent animal hospitals.

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.