10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________________ 

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014

¨ 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	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

12401 West Olympic Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90064-1022

(Address of principal executive offices)

(310) 571-6500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 [X] 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 [X] No [  ].

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 [X]	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 [X].

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: common stock, $0.001 par value, 88,302,956 shares as of May 5, 2014.

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q

March 31, 2014

Table of Contents

Part I.	Financial Information	Page Number
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	1
	Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	2
	Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	3
	Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	4
	Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	5
	Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34
Part II.	Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	35
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	37
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	37
Item 5.	Other Information	37
Item 6.	Exhibits	37
	Signature	38
	Exhibit Index	39

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	137,288		$	125,029
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $17,359 and $17,702 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	64,520			59,900
Inventory	54,227			55,067
Prepaid expenses and other	23,713			25,417
Deferred income taxes	29,075			28,907
Prepaid income taxes	454			15,434
Total current assets	309,277			309,754
Property and equipment, net	449,434			448,366
Goodwill	1,340,054			1,330,917
Other intangible assets, net	85,128			86,671
Notes receivable, net	3,225			3,454
Deferred financing costs, net	2,683			2,987
Other	60,130			55,632
Total assets	$	2,249,931		$	2,237,781
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	$	50,839		$	51,087
Accounts payable	36,240			36,962
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	63,535			57,337
Other accrued liabilities	54,830			58,762
Total current liabilities	205,444			204,148
Long-term debt, less current portion	555,592			568,558
Deferred income taxes	100,033			100,099
Other liabilities	35,953			36,758
Total liabilities	897,022			909,563
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,052			10,678
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, 88,288 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	88			89
Additional paid-in capital	380,267			384,721
Retained earnings	962,763			928,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,283		)	(6,190		)
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,331,835			1,307,340
Noncontrolling interests	10,022			10,200
Total equity	1,341,857			1,317,540
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,249,931		$	2,237,781

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

1

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed, Consolidated Income Statements

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenue	$	449,507		$	438,606
Direct costs	348,056			341,683
Gross profit	101,451			96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	41,440			39,846
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(1,221		)	1,726
Operating income	61,232			55,351
Interest expense, net	4,167			4,307
Other income	(53		)	(9		)
Income before provision for income taxes	57,118			51,053
Provision for income taxes	22,203			19,230
Net income	34,915			31,823
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	872			1,338
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043		$	30,485
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39		$	0.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38		$	0.34
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	88,338			88,400
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	89,421			89,379

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

2

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Net income(1)	$	34,915		$	31,823
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,521		)	(2,744		)
Other comprehensive loss	(5,521		)	(2,744		)
Total comprehensive income	29,394			29,079
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)	444			1,338
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	28,950		$	27,741

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

3

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Common Stock					Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Noncontrolling Interests			Total
	Shares		Amount
Balances, December 31, 2012	88,372		$	88		$	390,359		$	791,209	$	1,847		$	10,890		$	1,194,393
Net income (excludes $238 and $473 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively).	—		—			—			30,485		—			627			31,112
Other comprehensive loss	—		—			—			—		(2,744		)	—			(2,744		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—		—			(452		)	(452		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	—		—			(470		)	—		—			(4,082		)	(4,552		)
Share-based compensation	—		—			3,770			—		—			—			3,770
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	128		—			1,876			—		—			—			1,876
Stock repurchases	(6	)	—			(59		)	—		—			—			(59		)
Excess tax benefit from stock options	—		—			62			—		—			—			62
Tax benefit and other from stock options and awards	—		—			26			—		—			—			26
Balances, March 31, 2013	88,494		$	88		$	395,564		$	821,694	$	(897	)	$	6,983		$	1,223,432
Balances, December 31, 2013	88,508		$	89		$	384,721		$	928,720	$	(6,190	)	$	10,200		$	1,317,540
Net income (excludes $151 and $368 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively).	—		—			—			34,043		—			353			34,396
Other comprehensive loss (excludes $318 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests).	—		—			—			—		(5,093		)	(110		)	(5,203		)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—		—			81			81
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—		—			(502		)	(502		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	—		—			30			—		—			—			30
Share-based compensation	—		—			4,544			—		—			—			4,544
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	87		—			372			—		—			—			372
Stock repurchases	(307	)	(1		)	(9,792		)	—		—			—			(9,793		)
Excess tax benefit from stock options	—		—			392			—		—			—			392
Balances, March 31, 2014	88,288		$	88		$	380,267		$	962,763	$	(11,283	)	$	10,022		$	1,341,857

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

4

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	34,915		$	31,823
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,767			18,239
Amortization of debt issue costs	304			314
Provision for uncollectible accounts	890			1,093
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets	(1,221		)	1,726
Share-based compensation	4,544			3,770
Deferred income taxes	—			2,868
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(392		)	(62		)
Other	(905		)	(414		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(5,825		)	(16,126		)
Inventory, prepaid expense and other assets	(1,389		)	(2,491		)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(3,773		)	12,127
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	6,247			9,149
Income taxes	15,165			13,235
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,327			75,251
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(17,295		)	(6,756		)
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	—			(510		)
Capital expenditures	(16,619		)	(17,969		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	859			177
Other	520			(115		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(32,535		)	(25,173		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(12,806		)	(8,733		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(1,090		)	(1,197		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(326		)	(5,032		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	372			1,876
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	392			62
Stock repurchases	(9,793		)	(59		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(23,251		)	(13,083		)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(282		)	(144		)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,259			36,851
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,029			68,435
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	137,288		$	105,286

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

5

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued (Unaudited) (In thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	3,708		$	3,999
Income taxes paid	$	6,853		$	3,808
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
Detail of acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550		$	6,969
Noncontrolling interest	(855		)	—
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of acquired cash	(17,295		)	(6,756		)
Contingent consideration	—			(53		)
Holdbacks	(400		)	(160		)
Liabilities assumed	$	—		$	—

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

6

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

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 8, “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 March 31, 2014, we operated or managed 608 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 March 31, 2014, we operated 57 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.

2. Basis of Presentation

Our accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements as permitted under applicable rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

7

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Goodwill	$	1,216,581		$	96,871		$	138,276		$	1,451,728
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	1,216,581			96,871			17,465			1,330,917
Goodwill acquired	15,115			—			—			15,115
Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030		)	(23		)	—			(4,053		)
Other (1)	(1,925		)	—			—			(1,925		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
Goodwill	1,225,741			96,848			138,276			1,460,865
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,225,741		$	96,848		$	17,465		$	1,340,054

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.

Other Intangible Assets

Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014							As of December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	109,330	$	(44,281	)	$	65,049	$	109,842	$	(41,895	)	$	67,947
Covenants not-to-compete	8,718		(4,361		)	4,357		8,843		(4,661		)	4,182
Favorable lease assets	9,537		(4,535		)	5,002		7,458		(4,373		)	3,085
Trademarks	12,655		(4,308		)	8,347		13,115		(4,194		)	8,921
Contracts	608		(326		)	282		608		(305		)	303
Technology	5,240		(3,153		)	2,087		5,240		(3,015		)	2,225
Client lists	50		(46		)	4		50		(42		)	8
Total	$	146,138	$	(61,010	)	$	85,128	$	145,156	$	(58,485	)	$	86,671

8

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, continued

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,147	$	5,044

The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of March 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2014	$	15,651
2015	19,094
2016	16,162
2017	9,924
2018	6,350
Thereafter	17,947
Total	$	85,128

4. Acquisitions

The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Animal Hospitals:
Acquisitions	4		3
Acquisitions, merged	(1	)	—
Sold, closed or merged	(4	)	(8	)
Net decrease	(1	)	(5	)
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	—		1
Created	1		—
Net increase	1		1

9

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

4. Acquisitions, continued

Animal Hospital Acquisitions

The purchase price allocations for the acquisitions in the table below are preliminary. However, adjustments, if any, are not expected to be material. The measurement periods for purchase price allocations do not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Consideration:
Cash	$	17,295		$	6,756
Holdbacks	400			160
Earnout contingent consideration	—			53
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	17,695		$	6,969
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	701		$	491
Identifiable intangible assets	2,734			1,506
Goodwill (1)	15,115			4,972
Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550		$	6,969
Noncontrolling interest	(855		)	—
Total	$	17,695		$	6,969

____________________________

⁽¹⁾   We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

In addition to the purchase price listed above, there were no cash payments made for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals for the three months ended March 31, 2014. There were $0.5 million in cash payments made for real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

10

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

5. Other Accrued Liabilities

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

	As of March 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
Deferred revenue	$	11,102	$	11,190
Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	3,574		2,804
Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
Other	12,714		15,620
	$	54,830	$	58,762

____________________________

⁽¹⁾    Includes property, sales and use taxes.

6.Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not they are recognized in the accompanying condensed, 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	545,078	$	545,078	$	556,914	$	556,914

At March 31, 2014, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

11

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

7. 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 attributable to VCA Antech, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043	$	30,485
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	88,338		88,400
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	254		284
Nonvested shares and units	829		695
Diluted	89,421		89,379
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.34

There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, potential common shares of 497,826 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.

8. 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 and printed 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 essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

The segment information presented includes a reclassification to eliminate discounts on certain Laboratory contracts that were previously allocated to the All Other operating segment from Eliminations in the prior year financial data. These reclasses better represent the corresponding discounts and thus the operating results of our standalone entities. These changes in segment reporting only revised the presentation within the table below and did not impact our condensed, consolidated financial statements for any period presented.

12

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

8. 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			Eliminations			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
External revenue	$	351,588	$	74,783		$	22,201		$	—		$	935		$	449,507
Intercompany revenue	—		13,751			5,920			—			(19,671		)	—
Total revenue	351,588		88,534			28,121			—			(18,736		)	449,507
Direct costs	302,788		45,503			18,152			—			(18,387		)	348,056
Gross profit	48,800		43,031			9,969			—			(349		)	101,451
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128		8,018			8,348			15,946			—			41,440
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672		35,013			1,621			(15,946		)	(349		)	60,011
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168		(71		)	(1,184		)	(134		)	—			(1,221		)
Operating income (loss)	$	39,504	$	35,084		$	2,805		$	(15,812	)	$	(349	)	$	61,232
Depreciation and amortization	$	14,742	$	2,535		$	2,136		$	819		$	(465	)	$	19,767
Capital expenditures	$	13,068	$	1,981		$	758		$	1,411		$	(599	)	$	16,619
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
External revenue	$	340,615	$	73,638		$	23,628		$	—		$	725		$	438,606
Intercompany revenue	—		13,697			4,895			—			(18,592		)	—
Total revenue	340,615		87,335			28,523			—			(17,867		)	438,606
Direct costs	295,416		44,870			18,889			—			(17,492		)	341,683
Gross profit	45,199		42,465			9,634			—			(375		)	96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,325		8,005			8,914			14,602			—			39,846
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	36,874		34,460			720			(14,602		)	(375		)	57,077
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,729		(5		)	2			—			—			1,726
Operating income (loss)	$	35,145	$	34,465		$	718		$	(14,602	)	$	(375	)	$	55,351
Depreciation and amortization	$	13,387	$	2,507		$	1,965		$	819		$	(439	)	$	18,239
Capital expenditures	$	14,441	$	1,918		$	1,333		$	640		$	(363	)	$	17,969

At March 31, 2014
Total assets	$	1,864,993	$	261,178	$	94,145	$	70,046	$	(40,431	)	$	2,249,931
At December 31, 2013
Total assets	$	1,854,609	$	247,591	$	96,245	$	77,153	$	(37,817	)	$	2,237,781

13

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

9. Commitments and Contingencies

We have certain commitments including operating leases, purchase agreements and acquisition agreements. These items are discussed in detail in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows:

a. 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 have expired and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $2.3 million.

In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, contingent consideration, such as earn-out agreements, are recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. A liability is initially recorded based upon its acquisition date fair value. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable for each reporting period. The fair value is determined using a contractually stated formula using either a multiple of revenue or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). The formulas used to determine the estimated fair value are Level 3 inputs. The changes in fair value were immaterial to our condensed, consolidated financial statements when taken as a whole. We recorded $1.9 million and $2.2 million in earnout liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

b. Other Contingencies

On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

Additionally, on July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech Diagnostics has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions, and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

We are vigorously defending these lawsuits. Because these lawsuits are in the initial stages, the financial impact to us, if any, cannot be predicted.

In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

10. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 39.5%, as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in income related to our Canadian operations which are taxed at a lower rate.

14

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

11. Noncontrolling Interests

We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, 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 condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.

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 interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

	Income Statement Impact		Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	11,047
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	473
Redemption value change	39		512
Purchase of noncontrolling interests			(658		)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			(358		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(559		)
Currency translation adjustment			(219		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013			$	9,765
Balance as of December 31, 2013			$	9,355
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	368
Redemption value change	5		373
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(312		)
Currency translation adjustment			(305		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014			$	9,111

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 in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

15

VCA Antech, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

March 31, 2014

(Unaudited)

11. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

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

	Income Statement Impact			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	212
Redemption value change	26			238
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(186		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	7,043
Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	10,678
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	303
Redemption value change	(152		)	151
Formation of noncontrolling interests				855
Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(356		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(276		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	11,052

16

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

	Page
Introduction	18
Executive Overview	19
Critical Accounting Policies	20
Consolidated Results of Operations	22
Segment Results	24
Liquidity and Capital Resources	30

17

Introduction

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed, consolidated financial statements provided under Part I, Item I of this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q. 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,” “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 cause our plans, expectations, future financial condition and results to change are described throughout this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in “Risk Factors,” Part I, Item 1A of that report.

The forward-looking information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is as of May 9, 2014, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law. Shareholders and prospective investors can find information filed with the SEC after May 9, 2014 at our website at http://investor.vcaantech.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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 March 31, 2014, our animal hospital network consisted of 608 animal hospitals in 41 states and in four 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 March 31, 2014, our laboratory network consisted of 57 laboratories serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada.

Our “All Other” category includes the results of our Medical Technology 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.

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.

18

Use of Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this management's discussion and analysis, we use supplemental measures of our performance, which are derived from our consolidated financial information, but which are not presented in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These financial measures, which are considered “Non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules, include our Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization on both a consolidated basis and with respect to our Animal Hospital segment. Additionally, our Non-GAAP financial measures include our Non-GAAP operating income, Non-GAAP operating margin, Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization on a consolidated basis and lastly our Non-GAAP net income, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, Non-GAAP net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization. See “Consolidated Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about our use of these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. All references to Non-GAAP figures in the discussion that follows refer to Non-GAAP results excluding acquisition related amortization.

Executive Overview

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we experienced increases in both consolidated revenue and gross profit. The increases were primarily driven by revenue from our acquisitions, as well as organic growth in our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments. Our Animal Hospital same-store revenue increased 0.5% as compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Laboratory internal revenue increased 1.9%, adjusted for one-half less billing day in 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Our consolidated operating income increased 10.6%, on a 100 basis point increase in consolidated operating margin, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Our Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased 3.4%, on a 20 basis point increase in Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP consolidated operating income was primarily due to improved results from each of our operating segments.

Share Repurchase Program

In April 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, authorizing us to repurchase up to $125.0 million of our common shares from time to time in open market purchases, pursuant to trading plans established in accordance with SEC rules or through privately negotiated transactions. The extent and timing of our repurchases will depend upon market conditions, our cash requirements to fund the long-term growth investments in our business and other corporate considerations. The repurchases have been and will continue to be be funded by existing cash balances and by our revolving credit facility. The share repurchase program has no expiration date. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Refer to Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and the Use of Proceeds in Part II of this report.

Acquisitions

Our annual growth strategy includes the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. We also evaluate the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we acquired $16.0 million of annualized Animal Hospital revenue. These acquisitions are immaterial individually and accordingly, have not been separately disclosed. We currently anticipate that during the year, we will acquire $50 million to $85 million of annualized Animal Hospital revenue.

19

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of facilities operated by our Animal Hospital and Laboratory segments during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Animal Hospitals:
Beginning of period	609		609
Acquisitions	4		3
Acquisitions, merged	(1	)	—
Sold, closed or merged	(4	)	(8	)
End of period	608		604
Laboratories:
Beginning of period	56		55
Acquired	—		1
Created	1		—
End of period	57		56

Groupe Veteri - Medic Inc.

On July 5, 2013, AVC acquired 90% of the shares of Groupe Veteri - Medic Inc. for approximately CDN $17.2 million, which included contingent consideration. Groupe Veteri - Medic operates three animal hospitals in Montreal, Quebec. The acquisition expanded AVC's presence within the Canadian market by increasing operations into a fourth province, Quebec.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on other factors that management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting policies represent the areas where more significant judgments and estimates are used in the preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements. A discussion of such critical accounting policies, which include revenue recognition, goodwill, other intangible assets, and income taxes, can be found in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the policies noted above as of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014. A summary of our valuation of goodwill accounting policy is discussed below.

Valuation of Goodwill

At March 31, 2014, we had $1.3 billion of goodwill, accounting for 60% of our total assets. Our goodwill represents the excess of the cost of our acquired entities over the net of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

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.

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:

20

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. 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.

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. We monitor our reporting units on a quarterly basis and have not identified any events subsequent to December 31, 2013, which would indicate any impairment may have occurred in any of our reporting units.

Our Vetstreet reporting unit's estimated fair value, which has a carrying value of approximately $9.2 million of goodwill as of March 31, 2014, exceeded its carrying value by 10% during the 2013 testing. The fair value of the Vetstreet reporting unit was determined based upon estimated future cash flows generated by the business and market comparables. In the event that we are not able to timely deliver enhancements to our services necessary to reestablish our competitive advantage, our forecasted growth rates may not be attainable and therefore we could incur an impairment charge. We will continue to closely monitor the development of these enhancements in an effort to identify any potential expected further delays and their related impact on our impairment determination.

21

Consolidated Results of Operations

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Revenue:
Animal Hospital	78.2	%	77.7	%
Laboratory	19.7		19.9
All Other	6.3		6.5
Intercompany	(4.2	)	(4.1	)
Total revenue	100.0		100.0
Direct costs	77.4		77.9
Gross profit	22.6		22.1
Selling, general and administrative expense	9.2		9.1
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	(0.2	)	0.4
Operating income	13.6		12.6
Interest expense, net	0.9		1.0
Income before provision for income taxes	12.7		11.6
Provision for income taxes	4.9		4.4
Net income	7.8		7.2
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0.2		0.3
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	7.6	%	6.9	%

Revenue

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014					2013
	$			% of Total		$			% of Total		% Change
Animal Hospital	$	351,588		78.2	%	$	340,615		77.7	%	3.2	%
Laboratory	88,534			19.7	%	87,335			19.9	%	1.4	%
All Other	28,121			6.3	%	28,523			6.5	%	(1.4	)%
Intercompany	(18,736		)	(4.2	)%	(17,867		)	(4.1	)%	(4.9	)%
Total revenue	$	449,507		100.0	%	$	438,606		100.0	%	2.5	%

Consolidated revenue increased $10.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenue were primarily attributable to revenue from animal hospitals acquired since January 1, 2013. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, revenue decreased $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by an increase in organic growth in our Laboratory, Animal Hospital and Vetstreet operating segments.

22

Gross Profit

The following table summarizes our consolidated gross profit, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit and Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization in dollars and as a percentage of applicable revenue (in

thousands, except percentages):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014					2013
	$			Gross Margin		$			Gross Margin		% Change
Animal Hospital	$	48,800		13.9	%	$	45,199		13.3	%	8.0	%
Laboratory	43,031			48.6	%	42,465			48.6	%	1.3	%
All Other	9,969			35.5	%	9,634			33.8	%	3.5	%
Intercompany	(349		)			(375		)
Consolidated gross profit and gross margin	$	101,451		22.6	%	$	96,923		22.1	%	4.7	%
Impact of vacant property adjustment	—					2,046
Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit and Non-GAAP gross margin(1)	$	101,451		22.6	%	$	98,969		22.6	%	2.5	%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions	5,080					5,063
Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	$	106,531		23.7	%	$	104,032		23.7	%	2.4	%

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Consolidated gross profit increased $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the table above, Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, was primarily attributable to organic revenue growth and increased gross margins at our Animal Hospital segment and our Medical Technology business.

23

Segment Results

Animal Hospital Segment

Revenue

Animal Hospital revenue increased $11.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The components of the increase are summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages and average revenue per order):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013		% Change
Same-store facilities:
Orders (1)	1,892			1,936		(2.3	)%
Average revenue per order (2)	$	179.07		$	174.10	2.9	%
Same-store revenue (1)	$	338,721		$	337,043	0.5	%
Foreign currency impact	(3,047		)	—
Acquisitions	15,647			453
Closures	267			3,119
Net acquired revenue (3)	$	15,914		$	3,572
Total	$	351,588		$	340,615	3.2	%

____________________________

⁽¹⁾  Same-store revenue and orders were calculated using Animal Hospital operating results, adjusted to exclude the operating results 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⁾  Computed by dividing same-store revenue by same-store orders. The average revenue per order may not calculate exactly due to rounding.

⁽³⁾  Net acquired revenue represents the revenue from animal hospitals acquired, net of revenue from animal hospitals sold or closed, on or after the beginning of the comparable period, which was January 1, 2013. Fluctuations in net acquired revenue occur due to the volume, size, and timing of acquisitions and dispositions during the periods from this date through the end of the applicable period.

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 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.

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we experienced a decrease in both the number of lower-priced and higher- priced orders. The decrease in higher-priced orders was primarily a consequence of the severe weather experienced in the Northeastern part of the United States during the current quarter. The decrease in lower-priced orders was primarily a consequence of the overall competitive environment and the impact of changes in our business environment on the mix of procedures performed.

Price increases as well as the aforementioned mix in year over year growth rates of low to high-priced orders contributed to the overall increase in the average revenue per order. Prices at each of our animal 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 November of each year; however, price increases in 2013 generally ranged between 3% and 4%.

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Gross Profit

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 expense and costs of goods sold associated with the retail sales of pet food and pet supplies.

The following table summarizes gross profit, gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization, for our Animal Hospital segment (in thousands, except percentages) and the same measures on a same-store basis:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013			% Change
Gross profit	$	48,800		$	45,199		8.0	%
Impact of vacant property adjustment	—			2,046
Non-GAAP gross profit(1)	$	48,800		$	47,245		3.3	%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions	3,945			3,757
Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	$	52,745		$	51,002		3.4	%
Gross margin	13.9		%	13.3		%
Non-GAAP gross margin(1)	13.9		%	13.9		%
Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	15.0		%	15.0		%
Same-store gross profit	48,857			45,714			6.9	%
Impact of vacant property adjustment	—			1,768
Non-GAAP same-store gross profit(1)	$	48,857		$	47,482		2.9	%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions	3,273			3,763
Non-GAAP same-store gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	$	52,130		$	51,245		1.7	%
Same-store gross margin	14.4		%	13.6		%
Non-GAAP same-store gross margin(1)	14.4		%	14.1		%
Non-GAAP same-store gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	15.4		%	15.2		%

____________________________

⁽¹⁾  Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization and the same measures expressed on a same store basis, are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Consolidated Animal Hospital gross profit increased $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the table above, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in Non-GAAP consolidated gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, was primarily attributable to an increase in Animal Hospital same-store gross margin, which increased as a result of increased same-store revenue, managing costs and from additional gross profit from acquired animal hospitals.

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 primarily through cost efficiencies.

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Laboratory Segment

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013			% Change
Revenue	$	88,534		$	87,335		1.4	%
Gross profit	$	43,031		$	42,465		1.3	%
Gross margin	48.6		%	48.6		%

Laboratory revenue increased $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The components of the changes in Laboratory revenue are detailed below (in thousands, except percentages and average revenue per requisition):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013		% Change
Internal growth:
Number of requisitions (1)	3,114		3,191		(2.4	)%
Average revenue per requisition (2)	$	28.39	$	27.18	4.5	%
Total internal revenue (1)	$	88,395	$	86,736	1.9	%
Billing-day adjustment (3)	—		599
Acquired revenue (4)	139		—
Total	$	88,534	$	87,335	1.4	%

  ____________________________

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

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

⁽³⁾  The billing-day adjustment reflects the impact of one-half less billing day in 2014, as compared to 2013.

⁽⁴⁾  Acquired revenue represents the current-year period revenue recognized from our acquired laboratories that we did not own as of the beginning of the comparable prior-year period.

The increase in Laboratory revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was due to an increase in average revenue per requisition. The average revenue per requisition increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year, due to price increases in February 2014 and changes in product mix.

Laboratory gross profit is calculated as Laboratory revenue less direct costs. Laboratory direct cost comprises 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 remained unchanged at 48.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The gross margin was primarily impacted by lower revenue growth as result of the aforementioned severe weather experienced during the current quarter.

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Intercompany Revenue

Laboratory revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included intercompany revenue of $13.8 million, generated by providing laboratory services to our animal hospitals, as compared to $13.7 million for the respective prior year period. All Other revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included intercompany revenue of $5.9 million, generated by providing products and services to our animal hospitals and laboratories, as compared to $4.9 million for the respective prior year period. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany transactions are accounted for as if the transaction was with an independent third party at current market prices. For financial reporting purposes, intercompany transactions are eliminated as part of our consolidation.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014				2013
	$		% of Revenue		$		% of Revenue		% Change
Animal Hospital	$	9,128	2.6	%	$	8,325	2.4	%	9.6	%
Laboratory	8,018		9.1	%	8,005		9.2	%	0.2	%
All Other	8,348		29.7	%	8,914		31.3	%	(6.3	)%
Corporate	15,946		3.5	%	14,602		3.3	%	9.2	%
Total SG&A	$	41,440	9.2	%	$	39,846	9.1	%	4.0	%

Consolidated SG&A expense increased $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in consolidated SG&A expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to an increase in compensation related costs incurred at Corporate and in our Animal Hospital segment, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A at our Vetstreet business due to our cost containment efforts. As a result of the above mentioned increases in compensation costs and decreased Vetstreet SG&A, consolidated SG&A as a percentage of consolidated revenue increased 10 basis points.

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Operating Income

The following table summarizes our consolidated operating income, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income and Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization in both dollars and as a percentage of applicable revenue (in thousands, except percentages):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014					2013
	$			% of Revenue		$			% of Revenue		% Change
Animal Hospital	$	39,504		11.2	%	$	35,145		10.3	%	12.4	%
Laboratory	35,084			39.6	%	34,465			39.5	%	1.8	%
All Other	2,805			10.0	%	718			2.5	%	290.7	%
Corporate	(15,812		)			(14,602		)			(8.3	)%
Eliminations	(349		)			(375		)			6.9	%
Total GAAP consolidated operating income	$	61,232		13.6	%	$	55,351		12.6	%	10.6	%
Impact of vacant property adjustment	—					3,804
Non-GAAP operating income(1)	$	61,232		13.6	%	$	59,155		13.5	%	3.5	%
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions	5,147					5,044
Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization(1)	$	66,379		14.8	%	$	64,199		14.6	%	3.4	%

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP consolidated operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization are not measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about these Non-GAAP financial measures, including our reasons for including the measures, material limitations with respect to the usefulness of the measures, and a reconciliation of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Consolidated operating income increased by $5.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in prior year. Excluding the impact of the Non-GAAP adjustments detailed in the above table, Non-GAAP consolidated operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization, increased $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in prior year. The remaining increase for the three months ended March 31, 2014 primarily related to improved results, as mentioned above, in our Animal Hospital, Laboratory, and Vetstreet business segments.

Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions

Included in our direct costs is amortization expense related to our acquired intangible assets. At acquisition we assign a fair market value to identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill in our purchase price allocation. These assets include non-contractual customer relationships, covenants not-to-compete, trademarks, contracts, technology and client lists. For those identified intangible assets that have finite lives, we amortize those values over the estimated useful lives to direct costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, amortization expense was $5.1 million.

Interest Expense, Net

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

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Interest expense:
Senior term notes	$	2,663	$	2,906
Capital leases and other	1,193		1,401
Amortization of debt costs	311		314
Consolidated interest expense	4,167		4,621
Interest income	—		(314		)
Total consolidated interest expense, net of interest income	$	4,167	$	4,307

The decrease in net interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year, was primarily due to a decline in the weighted average balance and weighted average interest rates of our senior term notes. The weighted average balance of our senior term notes declined as a result of scheduled debt amortization. The weighted average interest rate decreased due to a lower effective LIBOR rate, as compared to the same period in the prior year. Additionally, we experienced a decline in interest expense related to capital leases. The interest income decrease was attributable to our resident note program.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 39.5% as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in income related to our Canadian operations which are taxed at a lower rate.

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.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use Non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows our management to better understand our consolidated financial performance from period to period and in relationship to the operating results of our segments. We also believe that excluding certain items from our GAAP results allows our management to better project our future consolidated financial performance because our forecasts are developed at a level of detail different from that used to prepare GAAP-based financial measures. Moreover, we believe these Non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful information to help them evaluate our operating results by facilitating an enhanced understanding of our operating performance, and enabling them to make more meaningful period to period comparisons.

The Non-GAAP financial measures presented in this report include Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross margin, Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP gross margin, excluding acquisition related amortization computed on a consolidated basis, for our Animal Hospital segment, and the same measures expressed on a samestore basis. Additionally, our Non-GAAP financial measures include our Non-GAAP operating income, Non-GAAP operating margin, Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP operating margin, excluding acquisition related amortization on a consolidated basis and lastly our Non-GAAP consolidated net income, Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, Non-GAAP consolidated net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization. These Non-GAAP financial measures, as defined by us, represent the comparable GAAP measures adjusted to exclude certain charges or credits, as detailed in the tables above and below. In future fiscal periods, we may exclude such items and may incur income and expenses similar to these excluded items. Accordingly, the exclusion of these items and other similar items in our Non-GAAP presentation should not be interpreted as implying that these items are non-recurring, infrequent, or unusual.

There are limitations to the use of the Non-GAAP financial measures presented in this report. Our Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate the Non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. In addition, these items can have a material impact on earnings. Our management compensates for the

29

foregoing limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using Non-GAAP financial measures supplementally. The Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered as indicators of performance in isolation from or as a substitute for consolidated gross profit or gross margin prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. We have presented reconciliations of each Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 and encourage you to review the reconciliations in conjunction with the presentation of the Non-GAAP financial measures for each of the periods included in this report. Refer to the tables above in the gross profit and operating income sections within Part I, Item 2 of this report for a reconciliation of consolidated gross profit to Non-GAAP gross profit and to Non-GAAP gross profit, excluding acquisition related amortization, consolidated operating income to Non-GAAP operating income and to Non-GAAP operating income, excluding acquisition related amortization.

Our Non-GAAP adjustments include the following:

• Vacant property adjustment - We vacated properties of two animal hospitals whose operations were consolidated into a newly constructed, newly owned animal hospital. Accordingly, we recorded a write-down to fair value and accrued certain lease related costs.

• Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions - Our GAAP net income includes amortization expense related to intangible assets in our acquired businesses. The amortization expense related to our acquired intangible assets can vary significantly dependent upon the amount and size of our acquisitions in each period; accordingly, we exclude amortization from our GAAP net income to provide investors with more comparable operating results.

The following table reconciles our GAAP net income to Non-GAAP net income, calculates our Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, and reconciles to Non-GAAP net income, excluding acquisition related amortization and calculates our Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization for the adjustments mentioned above:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
GAAP Net income	$	34,043	$	30,485
Impact of vacant property adjustment	—		3,804
Tax benefit on above adjustments	—		(1,489		)
Non-GAAP Net income	34,043		32,800
Intangible asset amortization associated with acquisitions, net of tax	3,132		3,070
Non-GAAP net income, excluding acquisition related amortization	$	37,175	$	35,870
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.37
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, excluding acquisition related amortization	$	0.42	$	0.40
Shares used for computing adjusted diluted earnings per share	89,421		89,379

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.

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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 March 31, 2014, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaled $137.3 million, representing an increase of $12.3 million, compared to December 31, 2013. Cash flows generated from operating activities totaled $68.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, representing a decrease of $6.9 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014, $9.8 millionof the$137.3 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by foreign subsidiaries. Our intention is to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings in our foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were used to fund domestic operations, they would be subject to additional income taxes upon repatriation.

We have historically funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investment in the acquisition of individual hospitals and laboratories, and other smaller acquisitions, primarily from internally-generated cash flows and we expect to continue to do so in the future. As of March 31, 2014, we have access to an unused $125 million revolving credit facility, which expires in August 2016, allowing us to maintain further operating and financial flexibility.

Historically, we have been able to access the capital markets to fund larger 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

We historically have funded our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and investments in acquisitions of individual hospitals and laboratories, and other smaller 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 the next 12 months. If we consummate additional significant acquisitions during this period, we may seek additional debt or equity financing.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we expect to spend $50 million to $85 million for the acquisition of independent animal hospitals. The ultimate number of acquisitions and cash used is largely dependent upon the attractiveness of the candidates and the strategic fit with our operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we spent $17.3 million in connection with the acquisition of 4 independent animal hospitals. In addition, we expect to spend approximately $80 million in 2014 for both property and equipment additions and capital costs necessary to maintain our existing facilities, of which approximately $16.6 million had been expended at March 31, 2014.

Through March 31, 2014, we have purchased an aggregate of 1.5 million shares of common stock for an aggregate of $42.7 million.

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 growth strategy.

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 March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these covenants, including the two covenant ratios, the fixed-charge coverage ratio and the leverage ratio.

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At March 31, 2014, we had a fixed-charge coverage ratio of 1.76 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 current cash taxes based on income with respect to such period. Pro forma earnings include 12 months of operating results for businesses acquired during the period.

At March 31, 2014, we had a leverage ratio of 1.74 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):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	68,327		$	75,251
Investing activities	(32,535		)	(25,173		)
Financing activities	(23,251		)	(13,083		)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(282		)	(144		)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,259			36,851
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,029			68,435
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	137,288		$	105,286

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, as compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to negative changes in working capital, increased payments for income taxes, and the impact of increases in receivables related to Antech's service agreements. The negative change in working capital was primarily driven by the timing of payment obligations related to accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities of $75.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, consisted of $31.8 million of net income, net noncash expenses of $27.5 million and $15.9 million of net cash provided as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities. The changes in operating assets and liabilities included a $13.2 million decrease in prepaid income taxes, a $12.1 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and a $9.1 million increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities, partially offset by a $16.1 million increase in accounts receivable and $2.5 million increase in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets. The decrease in prepaid income taxes was due to the payment of estimated taxes owed from the prior year. The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the increase in accrued payroll and related liabilities were both the result of timing of payment obligations. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily due to increases in net revenue. The increase in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets was primarily due to increases in additional inventory to fulfill current purchase commitments.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

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

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	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013			Change
Investing Cash Flows:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$	(17,295	)	$	(6,756	)	$	(10,539	)	(1)
Capital expenditures	(16,619		)	(17,969		)	1,350			(2)
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	—			(510		)	510
Proceeds from sale of assets	859			177			682
Other	520			(115		)	635
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(32,535	)	$	(25,173	)	$	(7,362	)

 ____________________________

⁽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 for capital expenditures will vary from period to period based on upgrade requirements and the expansion of our animal hospital and laboratory facilities.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013			Change
Financing Cash Flows:
Repayment of debt	$	(12,806	)	$	(8,733	)	$	(4,073	)	(1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(1,090		)	(1,197		)	107
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(326		)	(5,032		)	4,706			(2)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	372			1,876			(1,504		)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	392			62			330
Stock repurchases	(9,793		)	(59		)	(9,734		)	(3)
Net cash used in provided by financing activities	$	(23,251	)	$	(13,083	)	$	(10,168	)

____________________________

⁽¹⁾  For the three months ended March 31, 2014, our scheduled interest payments on our senior term notes increased, in comparison to the prior-year, in accordance with our debt agreement.

⁽²⁾  The cash paid to purchase noncontrolling interests will vary based upon differing opportunities and circumstances during each of the respective periods.

⁽³⁾  The cash paid for stock repurchases includes both the repurchase of our common shares, in accordance with our share repurchase program, and income taxes paid on behalf of employees who elected to settle their tax obligation on vested stock with a portion of their vested stock.

Future Contractual Cash Requirements

Off-Balance-Sheet Financing Arrangements

Other than operating leases, as of March 31, 2014, we do not have any off-balance-sheet financing arrangements.

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Description of Indebtedness

Senior Credit Facility

At March 31, 2014, we had $545.1 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 our 2013 Form 10-K. The senior term notes and the revolving credit facility mature in August 2016.

Other Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

At March 31, 2014, we had a seller note secured by assets of a certain animal hospital and capital leases that totaled $61.4 million, which are included in long-term debt in the condensed, consolidated balance sheet of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Our seller note matures in 2014 and has an interest rate of 10.0%. Our capital leases have various maturities through 2042 and various interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 15.0%.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk from those disclosed in Part II, Item 7A, of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We carried out an evaluation required by the Exchange 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 Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that 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 Exchange 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 disclosure.

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.

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives as specified above. Management does not expect, however, that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all error and fraud. Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, is based upon certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. Further, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur, or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected.

34

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

Additionally, on July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions, and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

We are vigorously defending these lawsuits. Because these lawsuits are in the initial stages, the financial impact to us, if any, cannot be predicted.

In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

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.

The following table provides information on shares of our common stock we repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2014:

35

				Total Number of	Approximate Dollar
				Shares Purchased as	Value of Shares That
	Total Number	Average		Part of Publicly	May Yet Be Purchased
	of Shares	Price Paid		Announced Plan	Under the Plan
Period	Purchased	Per Share		or Program	or Program
(1)	(2)	(3)		(4)	(4)
January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2014	168,000	$	32.22	168,000	$	85,870,834
February 1, 2014 to February 28, 2014	138,720	$	31.41	112,000	$	82,344,913
March 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014	421	$	32.01	—	$	82,344,913
	307,141	$	31.86	280,000	$	82,344,913

⁽¹⁾ Information is based on settlement dates of repurchase transactions.

⁽²⁾ Consists of shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Of these shares, 280,000 shares were repurchased in the open market pursuant to a previously-announced share repurchase program (see (4) below). The balance of the repurchases were related to 27,141 shares of common stock surrendered to us by employees to satisfy exercise price and minimum statutory tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and payout of restricted stock units. In the table above, these shares were excluded from column (4) as they do not affect the number of shares that may be repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program.

⁽³⁾ The average price paid for shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program excludes commissions paid.

⁽⁴⁾ We have an ongoing authorization, since April 2013 from our Board of Directors to repurchase up to $125 million in shares of our common stock in open market purchases or negotiated transactions.

36

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure, other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

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

37

SIGNATURE

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 May 9, 2014.

Date:	May 9, 2014	By: /s/ Tomas W. Fuller
		Tomas W. Fuller
		Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Vice President and Secretary

38

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
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.
Exhibit 101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101.SCH	XBRL Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL	XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB	XBRL Extension Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PRE	XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF	XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase Document

39

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 quarterly report on Form 10-Q 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: May 9, 2014

/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 Financial Officer

of VCA Antech, Inc.

I, Tomas W. Fuller, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q 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: May 9, 2014

/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 quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) for the period ended March 31, 2014 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: May 9, 2014
	/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 (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, balance	$ 9,111	$ 9,765	$ 9,355	$ 11,047
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	368	473
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	30	(4,552)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	81
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(502)	(452)
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, balance	11,052	7,043	10,678	6,991
Noncontrolling interest expense	303	212
Redemption value change	(152)	26
Redemption value change, redeemable noncontrolling interest	(151)	(238)
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redemption value change	5	39
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests income statement impact	373	512
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(658)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests		(358)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(312)	(559)
Currency translation adjustment	(305)	(219)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(356)
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Redemption value change, redeemable noncontrolling interest	151	238
Formation of noncontrolling interests	855
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	$ 276	$ (186)

XML

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Other accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue	$ 11,102		$ 11,190
Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
Miscellaneous accrued taxes	3,574	[1]	2,804	[1]
Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
Other	12,714		15,620
Other accrued liabilities	$ 54,830		$ 58,762

[1] Includes property, sales and use taxes.

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying value and fair value of variable rate long-term debt

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

	As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	545,078	$	545,078	$	556,914	$	556,914

XML

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Potential earn-out payment	$ 2.3
Contingent consideration	$ 1.9	$ 2.2

XML

Nature of Operations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

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 8, “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 March 31, 2014, we operated or managed 608 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 March 31, 2014, we operated 57 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.

XML

Nature of Operations (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014 Provinces Laboratory Hospital State
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of hospitals operated	608
Number of states in which hospitals are operated	41
Number Of Canadian Provinces	4
Number of states in which the company operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network	50
Number of laboratories operated	57

XML

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests

The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

	Income Statement Impact		Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	11,047
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	473
Redemption value change	39		512
Purchase of noncontrolling interests			(658		)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			(358		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(559		)
Currency translation adjustment			(219		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013			$	9,765
Balance as of December 31, 2013			$	9,355
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	368
Redemption value change	5		373
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(312		)
Currency translation adjustment			(305		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014			$	9,111

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Summary of redeemable 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, 2012				$	6,991
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	212
Redemption value change	26			238
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(186		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	7,043
Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	10,678
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	303
Redemption value change	(152		)	151
Formation of noncontrolling interests				855
Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(356		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(276		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	11,052

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,451,728		$ 1,460,865
Accumulated impairment losses	(120,811)		(120,811)
Subtotal	1,330,917		1,340,054
Goodwill acquired	15,115
Foreign translation adjustment	(4,053)
Other	(1,925)	[1]
Animal Hospital [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,216,581		1,225,741
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Subtotal	1,216,581		1,225,741
Goodwill acquired	15,115
Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030)
Other	(1,925)	[1]
Laboratory [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	96,871		96,848
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Subtotal	96,871		96,848
Goodwill acquired	0
Foreign translation adjustment	(23)
Other	0	[1]
All Other Segments [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	138,276		138,276
Accumulated impairment losses	(120,811)		(120,811)
Subtotal	17,465		17,465
Goodwill acquired	0
Foreign translation adjustment	0
Other	$ 0	[1]

[1] "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 146,138	$ 145,156
Accumulated Amortization	(61,010)	(58,485)
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671	86,671
Aggregate amortization expense	5,147	5,044
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2014	15,651
2015	19,094
2016	16,162
2017	9,924
2018	6,350
Thereafter	17,947
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671	86,671
Noncontractual customer relationships [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	109,330	109,842
Accumulated Amortization	(44,281)	(41,895)
Other intangible assets, net	65,049	67,947
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	65,049	67,947
Covenants not-to-compete [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	8,718	8,843
Accumulated Amortization	(4,361)	(4,661)
Other intangible assets, net	4,357	4,182
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	4,357	4,182
Favorable lease asset [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	9,537	7,458
Accumulated Amortization	(4,535)	(4,373)
Other intangible assets, net	5,002	3,085
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	5,002	3,085
Trademarks [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	12,655	13,115
Accumulated Amortization	(4,308)	(4,194)
Other intangible assets, net	8,347	8,921
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	8,347	8,921
Contracts [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	608	608
Accumulated Amortization	(326)	(305)
Other intangible assets, net	282	303
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	282	303
Technology [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	5,240	5,240
Accumulated Amortization	(3,153)	(3,015)
Other intangible assets, net	2,087	2,225
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	2,087	2,225
Client lists [Member]
Other Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	50	50
Accumulated Amortization	(46)	(42)
Other intangible assets, net	4	8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 4	$ 8

XML

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 34,915	[1]	$ 31,823	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,767		18,239
Amortization of debt issue costs	304		314
Provision for uncollectible accounts	890		1,093
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets	(1,221)		1,726
Share-based compensation	4,544		3,770
Deferred income taxes	0		2,868
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(392)		(62)
Other	(905)		(414)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(5,825)		(16,126)
Inventory, prepaid expense and other assets	(1,389)		(2,491)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(3,773)		12,127
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	6,247		9,149
Income taxes	15,165		13,235
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,327		75,251
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(17,295)		(6,756)
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	0		(510)
Capital expenditures	(16,619)		(17,969)
Proceeds from sale of assets	859		177
Other	520		(115)
Net cash used in investing activities	(32,535)		(25,173)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(12,806)		(8,733)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	(1,090)		(1,197)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(326)		(5,032)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	372		1,876
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	392		62
Stock repurchases	(9,793)		(59)
Net cash used in financing activities	(23,251)		(13,083)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(282)		(144)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,259		36,851
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,029
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	137,288		105,286
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	3,708		3,999
Income taxes paid	6,853		3,808
Detail of acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	18,550		6,969
Noncontrolling interest	(855)		0
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of acquired cash	(17,295)		(6,756)
Contingent consideration	0		(53)
Holdbacks	(400)		(160)
Liabilities assumed	$ 0		$ 0

[1] Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Consideration:
Cash	$ 17,295,000		$ 6,756,000
Contingent consideration	1,900,000				2,200,000
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Goodwill	1,340,054,000				1,330,917,000
Noncontrolling interest	(855,000)		0
Cash payments for real estate	0		510,000
Animal Hospital [Member]
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions	(4)		(3)
Acquisitions, merged	(1)		0
Sold, closed or merged	(4)		(8)
Net decrease in Animal Hospitals	(1)		(5)
Consideration:
Cash	17,295,000		6,756,000
Holdbacks	400,000		160,000
Contingent consideration	0		53,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred	17,695,000		6,969,000
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	701,000		491,000
Identifiable intangible assets	2,734,000		1,506,000
Goodwill	15,115,000	[1]	4,972,000	[1]
Fair value of assets acquired	18,550,000		6,969,000
Noncontrolling interest	(855,000)		0
Total	17,695,000		6,969,000
Goodwill recorded for acquisitions, fully deductible for income tax purposes	$ 10,300,000		$ 4,100,000
Laboratories Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions	0		(1)
Created	1		0
Net increase in Laboratories	1		1

[1] We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

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Noncontrolling Interests (Details Textuals)	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest in partnership	50.10%

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Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 137,288	$ 125,029
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $17,359 and $17,702 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	64,520	59,900
Inventory	54,227	55,067
Prepaid expenses and other	23,713	25,417
Deferred income taxes	29,075	28,907
Prepaid income taxes	454	15,434
Total current assets	309,277	309,754
Property and equipment, net	449,434	448,366
Goodwill	1,340,054	1,330,917
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671
Notes receivable, net	3,225	3,454
Deferred financing costs, net	2,683	2,987
Other	60,130	55,632
Total assets	2,249,931	2,237,781
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	50,839	51,087
Accounts payable	36,240	36,962
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	63,535	57,337
Other accrued liabilities	54,830	58,762
Total current liabilities	205,444	204,148
Long-term debt, less current portion	555,592	568,558
Deferred income taxes	100,033	100,099
Other liabilities	35,953	36,758
Total liabilities	897,022	909,563
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,052	10,678
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, 88,288 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	88	89
Additional paid-in capital	380,267	384,721
Retained earnings	962,763	928,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,283)	(6,190)
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,331,835	1,307,340
Noncontrolling interests	10,022	10,200
Total equity	1,341,857	1,317,540
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,249,931	$ 2,237,781

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Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,194,393	$ 88	$ 390,359	$ 791,209	$ 1,847	$ 10,890
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		88,372
Net income (excludes $238 and $473 in Q1 2013 and $151 and $368 in Q1 2014 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	31,112			30,485		627
Other comprehensive loss (excludes $318 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in Q1 2014)	(2,744)				(2,744)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(452)				0	(452)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(4,552)		(470)			(4,082)
Share-based compensation	3,770		3,770
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		128
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	1,876		1,876
Stock repurchases, shares		(6)
Stock repurchases, value	(59)		(59)
Excess tax benefit from stock options	62		62
Tax benefit and other from stock options and awards	26		26
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2013	1,223,432	88	395,564	821,694	(897)	6,983
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2013		88,494
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	1,317,540	89	384,721	928,720	(6,190)	10,200
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		88,508
Net income (excludes $238 and $473 in Q1 2013 and $151 and $368 in Q1 2014 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	34,396			34,043		353
Other comprehensive loss (excludes $318 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in Q1 2014)	(5,521)				(5,093)	(110)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	81					81
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(502)					(502)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	30		30
Share-based compensation	4,544		4,544
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		87
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	372		372
Stock repurchases, shares		(307)
Stock repurchases, value	(9,793)	(1)	(9,792)
Excess tax benefit from stock options	392		392
Other Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax, excluding mandatorily redeemable partnership interests	(5,203)
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 1,341,857	$ 88	$ 380,267	$ 962,763	$ (11,283)	$ 10,022
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2014		88,288

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Calculation of Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ 34,043	$ 30,485
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	88,338,000	88,400,000
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options (in shares)	254,000	284,000
Nonvested shares and units (in shares)	829,000	695,000
Diluted (in shares)	89,421,000	89,379,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.34
Calculation of Earnings per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	0	497,826

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Goodwill	$	1,216,581		$	96,871		$	138,276		$	1,451,728
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	1,216,581			96,871			17,465			1,330,917
Goodwill acquired	15,115			—			—			15,115
Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030		)	(23		)	—			(4,053		)
Other (1)	(1,925		)	—			—			(1,925		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
Goodwill	1,225,741			96,848			138,276			1,460,865
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,225,741		$	96,848		$	17,465		$	1,340,054

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.

Other Intangible Assets

Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014							As of December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	109,330	$	(44,281	)	$	65,049	$	109,842	$	(41,895	)	$	67,947
Covenants not-to-compete	8,718		(4,361		)	4,357		8,843		(4,661		)	4,182
Favorable lease assets	9,537		(4,535		)	5,002		7,458		(4,373		)	3,085
Trademarks	12,655		(4,308		)	8,347		13,115		(4,194		)	8,921
Contracts	608		(326		)	282		608		(305		)	303
Technology	5,240		(3,153		)	2,087		5,240		(3,015		)	2,225
Client lists	50		(46		)	4		50		(42		)	8
Total	$	146,138	$	(61,010	)	$	85,128	$	145,156	$	(58,485	)	$	86,671

Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,147	$	5,044

The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of March 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2014	$	15,651
2015	19,094
2016	16,162
2017	9,924
2018	6,350
Thereafter	17,947
Total	$	85,128

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Lines of Business (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Lines of Business
External revenue	$ 449,507	$ 438,606
Intercompany revenue	0	0
Total revenue	449,507	438,606
Direct costs	348,056	341,683
Gross profit	101,451	96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	41,440	39,846
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	60,011	57,077
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	(1,221)	1,726
Operating income	61,232	55,351
Depreciation and amortization	19,767	18,239
Capital expenditures	16,619	17,969
Total assets	2,249,931		2,237,781
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Lines of Business
External revenue	935	725
Intercompany revenue	(19,671)	(18,592)
Total revenue	(18,736)	(17,867)
Direct costs	(18,387)	(17,492)
Gross profit	(349)	(375)
Selling, general and administrative expense	0	0
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	(349)	(375)
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	0	0
Operating income	(349)	(375)
Depreciation and amortization	(465)	(439)
Capital expenditures	(599)	(363)
Total assets	(40,431)		(37,817)
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Hospital [Member]
Lines of Business
External revenue	351,588	340,615
Intercompany revenue	0	0
Total revenue	351,588	340,615
Direct costs	302,788	295,416
Gross profit	48,800	45,199
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128	8,325
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672	36,874
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168	1,729
Operating income	39,504	35,145
Depreciation and amortization	14,742	13,387
Capital expenditures	13,068	14,441
Total assets	1,864,993		1,854,609
Operating Segments [Member] | Laboratory [Member]
Lines of Business
External revenue	74,783	73,638
Intercompany revenue	13,751	13,697
Total revenue	88,534	87,335
Direct costs	45,503	44,870
Gross profit	43,031	42,465
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,018	8,005
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	35,013	34,460
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	(71)	(5)
Operating income	35,084	34,465
Depreciation and amortization	2,535	2,507
Capital expenditures	1,981	1,918
Total assets	261,178		247,591
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]
Lines of Business
External revenue	22,201	23,628
Intercompany revenue	5,920	4,895
Total revenue	28,121	28,523
Direct costs	18,152	18,889
Gross profit	9,969	9,634
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,348	8,914
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	1,621	720
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	(1,184)	2
Operating income	2,805	718
Depreciation and amortization	2,136	1,965
Capital expenditures	758	1,333
Total assets	94,145		96,245
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Lines of Business
External revenue	0	0
Intercompany revenue	0	0
Total revenue	0	0
Direct costs	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expense	15,946	14,602
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	(15,946)	(14,602)
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	(134)	0
Operating income	(15,812)	(14,602)
Depreciation and amortization	819	819
Capital expenditures	1,411	640
Total assets	$ 70,046		$ 77,153

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Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Other Accrued Liabilities

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

	As of March 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
Deferred revenue	$	11,102	$	11,190
Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	3,574		2,804
Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
Other	12,714		15,620
	$	54,830	$	58,762

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Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 151
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	368
Other comprehensive loss related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 318

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Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 17,359	$ 17,702
Liabilities and Equity
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000,000	11,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	88,288,000	88,508,000

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

We have certain commitments including operating leases, purchase agreements and acquisition agreements. These items are discussed in detail in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows:

a. 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 have expired and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $2.3 million.

In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, contingent consideration, such as earn-out agreements, are recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. A liability is initially recorded based upon its acquisition date fair value. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable for each reporting period. The fair value is determined using a contractually stated formula using either a multiple of revenue or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). The formulas used to determine the estimated fair value are Level 3 inputs. The changes in fair value were immaterial to our condensed, consolidated financial statements when taken as a whole. We recorded $1.9 million and $2.2 million in earnout liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

b. Other Contingencies

On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

Additionally, on July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech Diagnostics has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions, and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.

We are vigorously defending these lawsuits. Because these lawsuits are in the initial stages, the financial impact to us, if any, cannot be predicted.

In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	May 05, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VCA ANTECH INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000817366
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		88,302,956

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 39.5%, as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in income related to our Canadian operations which are taxed at a lower rate.

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Condensed, Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 449,507		$ 438,606
Direct costs	348,056		341,683
Gross profit	101,451		96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	41,440		39,846
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(1,221)		1,726
Operating income	61,232		55,351
Interest expense, net	4,167		4,307
Other income	(53)		(9)
Income before provision for income taxes	57,118		51,053
Provision for income taxes	22,203		19,230
Net income	34,915	[1]	31,823	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	872		1,338
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ 34,043		$ 30,485
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39		$ 0.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38		$ 0.34
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	88,338		88,400
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	89,421		89,379

[1] Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Animal Hospitals:
Acquisitions	4		3
Acquisitions, merged	(1	)	—
Sold, closed or merged	(4	)	(8	)
Net decrease	(1	)	(5	)
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	—		1
Created	1		—
Net increase	1		1

4. Acquisitions, continued

Animal Hospital Acquisitions

The purchase price allocations for the acquisitions in the table below are preliminary. However, adjustments, if any, are not expected to be material. The measurement periods for purchase price allocations do not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Consideration:
Cash	$	17,295		$	6,756
Holdbacks	400			160
Earnout contingent consideration	—			53
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	17,695		$	6,969
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	701		$	491
Identifiable intangible assets	2,734			1,506
Goodwill (1)	15,115			4,972
Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550		$	6,969
Noncontrolling interest	(855		)	—
Total	$	17,695		$	6,969

____________________________

⁽¹⁾   We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

In addition to the purchase price listed above, there were no cash payments made for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals for the three months ended March 31, 2014. There were $0.5 million in cash payments made for real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	Animal Hospital			Laboratory			All Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
Goodwill	$	1,216,581		$	96,871		$	138,276		$	1,451,728
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	1,216,581			96,871			17,465			1,330,917
Goodwill acquired	15,115			—			—			15,115
Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030		)	(23		)	—			(4,053		)
Other (1)	(1,925		)	—			—			(1,925		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
Goodwill	1,225,741			96,848			138,276			1,460,865
Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
Subtotal	$	1,225,741		$	96,848		$	17,465		$	1,340,054

 ____________________________

⁽¹⁾  "Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.

Other Intangible Assets

Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014							As of December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Non-contractual customer relationships	$	109,330	$	(44,281	)	$	65,049	$	109,842	$	(41,895	)	$	67,947
Covenants not-to-compete	8,718		(4,361		)	4,357		8,843		(4,661		)	4,182
Favorable lease assets	9,537		(4,535		)	5,002		7,458		(4,373		)	3,085
Trademarks	12,655		(4,308		)	8,347		13,115		(4,194		)	8,921
Contracts	608		(326		)	282		608		(305		)	303
Technology	5,240		(3,153		)	2,087		5,240		(3,015		)	2,225
Client lists	50		(46		)	4		50		(42		)	8
Total	$	146,138	$	(61,010	)	$	85,128	$	145,156	$	(58,485	)	$	86,671

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, continued

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,147	$	5,044

The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of March 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):

Remainder of 2014	$	15,651
2015	19,094
2016	16,162
2017	9,924
2018	6,350
Thereafter	17,947
Total	$	85,128

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Acquisitions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties

The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Animal Hospitals:
Acquisitions	4		3
Acquisitions, merged	(1	)	—
Sold, closed or merged	(4	)	(8	)
Net decrease	(1	)	(5	)
Laboratories:
Acquisitions	—		1
Created	1		—
Net increase	1		1

Animal Hospital [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Consideration:
Cash	$	17,295		$	6,756
Holdbacks	400			160
Earnout contingent consideration	—			53
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	17,695		$	6,969
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	701		$	491
Identifiable intangible assets	2,734			1,506
Goodwill (1)	15,115			4,972
Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550		$	6,969
Noncontrolling interest	(855		)	—
Total	$	17,695		$	6,969

____________________________

⁽¹⁾   We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

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Noncontrolling Interests

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests

We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, 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 condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.

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 interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

	Income Statement Impact		Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	11,047
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	473
Redemption value change	39		512
Purchase of noncontrolling interests			(658		)
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests			(358		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(559		)
Currency translation adjustment			(219		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013			$	9,765
Balance as of December 31, 2013			$	9,355
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	368
Redemption value change	5		373
Distribution to noncontrolling interests			(312		)
Currency translation adjustment			(305		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014			$	9,111

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 in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

11. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

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

	Income Statement Impact			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	212
Redemption value change	26			238
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(186		)
Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	7,043
Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	10,678
Noncontrolling interest expense	$	303
Redemption value change	(152		)	151
Formation of noncontrolling interests				855
Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(356		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(276		)
Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	11,052

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Calculation of Earnings per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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 attributable to VCA Antech, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043	$	30,485
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	88,338		88,400
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	254		284
Nonvested shares and units	829		695
Diluted	89,421		89,379
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.34

There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, potential common shares of 497,826 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.

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Other Accrued Liabilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Other Accrued Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities

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

	As of March 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
Deferred revenue	$	11,102	$	11,190
Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	3,574		2,804
Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
Other	12,714		15,620
	$	54,830	$	58,762

____________________________

⁽¹⁾    Includes property, sales and use taxes.

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not they are recognized in the accompanying condensed, 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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 March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Variable-rate long-term debt	$	545,078	$	545,078	$	556,914	$	556,914

At March 31, 2014, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

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Lines of Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Lines of Business

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 and printed 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 essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.

The segment information presented includes a reclassification to eliminate discounts on certain Laboratory contracts that were previously allocated to the All Other operating segment from Eliminations in the prior year financial data. These reclasses better represent the corresponding discounts and thus the operating results of our standalone entities. These changes in segment reporting only revised the presentation within the table below and did not impact our condensed, consolidated financial statements for any period presented.

8. 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			Eliminations			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
External revenue	$	351,588	$	74,783		$	22,201		$	—		$	935		$	449,507
Intercompany revenue	—		13,751			5,920			—			(19,671		)	—
Total revenue	351,588		88,534			28,121			—			(18,736		)	449,507
Direct costs	302,788		45,503			18,152			—			(18,387		)	348,056
Gross profit	48,800		43,031			9,969			—			(349		)	101,451
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128		8,018			8,348			15,946			—			41,440
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672		35,013			1,621			(15,946		)	(349		)	60,011
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168		(71		)	(1,184		)	(134		)	—			(1,221		)
Operating income (loss)	$	39,504	$	35,084		$	2,805		$	(15,812	)	$	(349	)	$	61,232
Depreciation and amortization	$	14,742	$	2,535		$	2,136		$	819		$	(465	)	$	19,767
Capital expenditures	$	13,068	$	1,981		$	758		$	1,411		$	(599	)	$	16,619
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
External revenue	$	340,615	$	73,638		$	23,628		$	—		$	725		$	438,606
Intercompany revenue	—		13,697			4,895			—			(18,592		)	—
Total revenue	340,615		87,335			28,523			—			(17,867		)	438,606
Direct costs	295,416		44,870			18,889			—			(17,492		)	341,683
Gross profit	45,199		42,465			9,634			—			(375		)	96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,325		8,005			8,914			14,602			—			39,846
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	36,874		34,460			720			(14,602		)	(375		)	57,077
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,729		(5		)	2			—			—			1,726
Operating income (loss)	$	35,145	$	34,465		$	718		$	(14,602	)	$	(375	)	$	55,351
Depreciation and amortization	$	13,387	$	2,507		$	1,965		$	819		$	(439	)	$	18,239
Capital expenditures	$	14,441	$	1,918		$	1,333		$	640		$	(363	)	$	17,969

At March 31, 2014
Total assets	$	1,864,993	$	261,178	$	94,145	$	70,046	$	(40,431	)	$	2,249,931
At December 31, 2013
Total assets	$	1,854,609	$	247,591	$	96,245	$	77,153	$	(37,817	)	$	2,237,781

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Variable-rate long-term debt, Carrying Value	$ 545,078	$ 556,914
Variable-rate long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 545,078	$ 556,914

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Noncontrolling Interests (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Consolidation, Policy

We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, 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 condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.

Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy

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 interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy

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 in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

11. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

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Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043	$	30,485
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	88,338		88,400
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	254		284
Nonvested shares and units	829		695
Diluted	89,421		89,379
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.34

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Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,915,000	[1]	$ 31,823,000	[1]
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,521,000)		(2,744,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(5,521,000)		(2,744,000)
Total comprehensive income	29,394,000		29,079,000
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	444,000	[1]	1,338,000	[1]
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	28,950,000		27,741,000
Net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 500,000		$ 700,000

[1] Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Our accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements as permitted under applicable rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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Lines of Business (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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			Eliminations			Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
External revenue	$	351,588	$	74,783		$	22,201		$	—		$	935		$	449,507
Intercompany revenue	—		13,751			5,920			—			(19,671		)	—
Total revenue	351,588		88,534			28,121			—			(18,736		)	449,507
Direct costs	302,788		45,503			18,152			—			(18,387		)	348,056
Gross profit	48,800		43,031			9,969			—			(349		)	101,451
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128		8,018			8,348			15,946			—			41,440
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672		35,013			1,621			(15,946		)	(349		)	60,011
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168		(71		)	(1,184		)	(134		)	—			(1,221		)
Operating income (loss)	$	39,504	$	35,084		$	2,805		$	(15,812	)	$	(349	)	$	61,232
Depreciation and amortization	$	14,742	$	2,535		$	2,136		$	819		$	(465	)	$	19,767
Capital expenditures	$	13,068	$	1,981		$	758		$	1,411		$	(599	)	$	16,619
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
External revenue	$	340,615	$	73,638		$	23,628		$	—		$	725		$	438,606
Intercompany revenue	—		13,697			4,895			—			(18,592		)	—
Total revenue	340,615		87,335			28,523			—			(17,867		)	438,606
Direct costs	295,416		44,870			18,889			—			(17,492		)	341,683
Gross profit	45,199		42,465			9,634			—			(375		)	96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,325		8,005			8,914			14,602			—			39,846
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	36,874		34,460			720			(14,602		)	(375		)	57,077
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,729		(5		)	2			—			—			1,726
Operating income (loss)	$	35,145	$	34,465		$	718		$	(14,602	)	$	(375	)	$	55,351
Depreciation and amortization	$	13,387	$	2,507		$	1,965		$	819		$	(439	)	$	18,239
Capital expenditures	$	14,441	$	1,918		$	1,333		$	640		$	(363	)	$	17,969

At March 31, 2014
Total assets	$	1,864,993	$	261,178	$	94,145	$	70,046	$	(40,431	)	$	2,249,931
At December 31, 2013
Total assets	$	1,854,609	$	247,591	$	96,245	$	77,153	$	(37,817	)	$	2,237,781

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Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate (percent)	39.50%	38.90%

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Lines of Business (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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.