EXHIBIT 99.2



                                VCA ANTECH, INC.
                              COMPLETES MERGER WITH
                         NATIONAL PETCARE CENTERS, INC.

        LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 1, 2004 - VCA ANTECH, INC. (NASDAQ NM
SYMBOL: WOOF), a leading animal health care company in the United States today
announced that it has completed the merger with National PetCare Centers, Inc.
("NPC"). Under the agreement, VCA Antech acquired NPC for $76.5 million (less
assumed debt) in cash. NPC operates 68 animal hospitals in 11 states with annual
revenues in 2003 of $81.7 million.

        Statements contained in this release that are not based on historical
information, including the statements as to the expected benefits of the
combination of the two companies, are forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary substantially as a result of a
variety of factors. Among the important factors that could cause actual results
to differ are: the ability to successfully integrate the two companies and
achieve expected operating synergies following the merger; the level of direct
costs and the ability of the Company to maintain revenue at a level necessary to
maintain expected operating margins; the level of selling, general and
administrative costs; the effects of competition; the effects of the Company's
recent acquisitions and its ability to effectively manage its growth; the
ability of the Company to service its debt; the continued implementation of VCA
Antech's management information systems; pending litigation and governmental
investigations; general economic conditions; and the results of the Company's
acquisition program. These and other risk factors are discussed in the Company's
recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K and the
reader is directed to these statements for a further discussion of important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements.

        VCA Antech owns, operates and manages the largest networks of
freestanding veterinary hospitals and veterinary-exclusive clinical laboratories
in the country.

        Media contact:  Tom Fuller, Chief Financial Officer
                        (310) 571-6505



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