Vca Inactive 10-Q8 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Entity Registrant Name	'VCA ANTECH INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000817366	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	88,749,756

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$153,174	$68,435
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $15,212 and $14,978 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	60,770	55,912
Inventory	51,929	51,456
Prepaid expenses and other	25,115	25,086
Deferred income taxes	26,130	22,579
Prepaid income taxes	1,512	20,061
Total current assets	318,630	243,529
Property and equipment, net	445,392	403,444
Goodwill	1,320,952	1,291,231
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	90,139	94,823
Notes receivable, net	3,474	6,080
Deferred financing costs, net	3,295	4,232
Other	53,453	48,241
Total assets	2,235,335	2,091,580
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	51,232	39,002
Accounts payable	37,797	39,416
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	62,323	49,893
Other accrued liabilities	63,814	57,131
Total current liabilities	215,166	185,442
Long-term debt, less current portion	581,145	591,641
Deferred income taxes	82,568	75,846
Other liabilities	35,947	37,267
Total liabilities	914,826	890,196
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,031	6,991
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, 87,498 and 86,796 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	89	88
Additional paid-in capital	398,099	390,359
Retained earnings	904,003	791,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-1,861	1,847
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,300,330	1,183,503
Noncontrolling interests	9,148	10,890
Total equity	1,309,478	1,194,393
Total liabilities and equity	$2,235,335	$2,091,580

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$17,420	$16,546
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000	11,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	'
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000	175,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	88,948	88,372

Condensed_Consolidated_Income_

Condensed, Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue	$464,055	$433,613	$1,367,916	$1,281,450
Direct costs	353,378	334,432	1,046,022	988,283
Gross profit	110,677	99,181	321,894	293,167
Selling, general and administrative expense	38,747	37,608	117,616	115,656
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-109	387	1,187	1,022
Operating income	72,039	61,186	203,091	176,489
Interest expense, net	4,474	4,295	14,439	12,746
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	0	0	0	-5,719
Other expense (income)	-86	-284	-113	-639
Income before provision for income taxes	67,651	57,175	188,765	170,101
Provision for income taxes	25,740	21,533	71,571	62,360
Net income	41,911	35,642	117,194	107,741
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,264	-1,605	-4,400	-4,139
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	40,647	34,037	112,794	103,602
Basic earnings per share	$0.46	$0.39	$1.27	$1.18
Diluted earnings per share	$0.45	$0.38	$1.26	$1.17
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	88,834	87,773	88,583	87,554
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	89,845	88,654	89,659	88,589
Animal Hospital [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	368,868	342,840	1,074,688	1,001,247
Direct costs	308,029	288,588	908,537	852,059
Gross profit	60,839	54,252	166,151	149,188
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,678	7,745	25,723	22,797
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-110	-77	1,459	316
Operating income	$52,271	$46,584	$138,969	$126,075

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$41,911,000	$35,642,000	$117,194,000	$107,741,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,633,000	2,878,000	-3,708,000	2,465,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,633,000	2,878,000	-3,708,000	2,465,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	44,544,000	38,520,000	113,486,000	110,206,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,264,000	1,605,000	4,400,000	4,139,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	43,280,000	36,915,000	109,086,000	106,067,000
Comprehensive Income Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	$2,600,000	$2,100,000	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,117,952	$87	$361,715	$745,658	$418	$10,074	'
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	86,796	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	105,680	0	0	103,602	0	2,078	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,465	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,465	0	0	0	2,465	0	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	-8,161	'	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,009	0	0	0	0	-1,102	-1,102
Share-based compensation	10,466	0	10,466	0	0	0	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	3,322	1	3,321	0	0	0	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	-185	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	'	473	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	10,500	0	10,500	0	0	0	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares	'	745	'	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchases	-3,933	0	-3,933	0	0	0	'
Excess tax benefit from stock options	358	0	358	0	0	0	'
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards	52	0	52	0	0	0	'
Ending Balances at Sep. 30, 2012	1,245,760	88	382,479	849,260	2,883	11,050	'
Ending Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	87,829	'	'	'	'	'
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	114,567	0	0	112,794	0	1,773	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-3,708	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-3,708	0	0	0	-3,708	0	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	5,406	0	0	0	0	1,806	1,806
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,437	0	0	0	0	-1,175	-1,175
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest	'	0	'	0	0	-976	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	658	'	'	'	'	4,309	5,285
Share-based compensation	10,340	0	10,340	0	0	0	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	15,111	1	15,110	0	0	0	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	'	737	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	19,384	0	19,384	0	0	0	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares	'	1,313	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit from stock options	2,654	0	2,654	0	0	0	'
Tax shortfall and other from stock options and awards	-4	0	4	0	0	0	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other	163	0	0	0	0	163	'
Ending Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$1,309,478	$89	$398,099	$904,003	($1,861)	$9,148	'
Ending Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	88,948	'	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$1,152	$702	$1,152	$702
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	$1,475	$1,359	$1,475	$1,359

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$41,911	$35,642	$117,194	$107,741
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	57,783	56,882
Amortization of debt issue costs	'	'	937	961
Provision for uncollectible accounts	'	'	5,380	4,437
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	0	0	0	-5,719
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-109	387	1,187	1,022
Share-based compensation	'	'	10,340	10,466
Deferred income taxes	'	'	2,868	14,119
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	'	-2,654	-358
Other	'	'	-251	-838
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	'	'	-9,986	-5,079
Inventory, prepaid expense and other assets	'	'	-1,634	-6,727
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	'	'	4,941	3,161
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	'	'	11,408	10,007
Income taxes	'	'	21,492	-1,636
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	219,005	188,439
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'	'
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	'	'	-39,640	-108,031
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	-1,200	'	-1,208	-1,602
Property and equipment additions	'	'	-52,682	-55,257
Proceeds from sale of assets	'	'	905	112
Other	'	'	-1,738	-1,583
Net cash used in investing activities	'	'	-94,363	-166,361
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'	'
Repayment of debt	'	'	-28,507	-52,040
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	0	50,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	'	'	0	50,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility	'	'	0	-50,000
Payment of financing costs	'	'	0	-122
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	3,324	2,802
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	'	'	-5,727	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	'	'	15,111	3,322
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	'	'	2,654	358
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	'	'	-19,384	-3,897
Other	'	'	-160	-1,273
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	'	'	-39,337	-6,454
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'	-566	386
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	84,739	16,010
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	'	'	68,435	63,651
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	153,174	79,661	153,174	79,661
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'	'	'
Interest paid	9,487	11,614	'	'
Income taxes paid	47,305	48,671	'	'
Detail of acquisitions:	'	'	'	'
Fair value of assets acquired	'	187,515	58,825	'
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value	0	-11,850	0	-11,850
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	'	8,161	-5,406	8,161
Cash paid for acquisitions	-39,640	-108,031	-39,640	-108,031
CashPaidToDebtHolders	'	-25,915	-2,360	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	0	-10,500	'	-10,500
Contingent consideration	-1,120	-934	-1,120	-934
Holdbacks	-892	-2,525	'	'
Liabilities assumed	9,407	19,599	'	'
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	'	'	$21,668	$0

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'

	1	Nature of Operations
	Our company, VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 1986 and is based in Los Angeles, California. We are an animal healthcare company with the following four operating segments: animal hospitals ("Animal Hospital"), veterinary diagnostic laboratories (“Laboratory”), veterinary medical technology (“Medical Technology”), and Vetstreet. Our operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments "Animal Hospital" and "Laboratory". Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments are combined in our "All Other" category. See Footnote 9, "Lines of Business" within these notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements.
	Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our animal hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At September 30, 2013, we operated 606 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and four Canadian provinces.
	We operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our laboratory network provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At September 30, 2013, we operated 56 laboratories of various sizes located strategically throughout the United States and Canada.
	Our Medical Technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, provides consulting and mobile imaging services, and sells software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.
	Our Vetstreet business provides several different services to the veterinary community including, online communications, professional education, marketing solutions and a home delivery platform for independent animal hospitals.
	The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of flea infestation, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'

	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2013. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2012 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.

	During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a non-cash physical inventory adjustment in our Animal Hospital business segment, which resulted in a $2.8 million credit adjustment to direct costs.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'

	3	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):



		Animal				Laboratory				All Other				Total
		Hospital
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
	Goodwill	$	1,177,348			$	96,861			$	137,833			$	1,412,042

	Accumulated impairment losses	—				—				(120,811		)		(120,811		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2012, net	1,177,348				96,861				17,022				1,291,231

	Goodwill acquired	32,549				8				—				32,557

	Foreign translation adjustment	(2,836		)		(22		)		—				(2,858		)

	Other (1)	(421		)		—				443				22

	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Goodwill	1,206,640				96,847				138,276				1,441,763

	Accumulated impairment losses	—				—				(120,811		)		(120,811		)

	Balance as of September 30, 2013, net	$	1,206,640			$	96,847			$	17,465			$	1,320,952

	____________________________


	(1)	Other primarily includes measurement period adjustments and a write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):



		As of September 30, 2013												As of December 31, 2012
		Gross				Accumulated				Net				Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying				Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount								Amount				Amount						Amount
	Non-contractual customer relationships	$	113,573			$	(41,637	)		$	71,936			$	110,404		$	(36,605	)	$	73,799

	Covenants not-to-compete	9,873				(5,458		)		4,415				12,707			(7,357		)	5,350

	Favorable lease assets	7,465				(4,252		)		3,213				7,228			(3,866		)	3,362

	Trademarks	12,096				(3,865		)		8,231				12,494			(3,001		)	9,493

	Contracts	956				(633		)		323				956			(570		)	386

	Technology	4,901				(2,891		)		2,010				6,588			(4,179		)	2,409

	Client lists	50				(39		)		11				50			(26		)	24

	Total	$	148,914			$	(58,775	)		$	90,139			$	150,427		$	(55,604	)	$	94,823




	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								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2013				2012				2013				2012
Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,588			$	6,612			$	16,153			$	16,830

The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2013 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of September 30, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):



Remainder of 2013	$	5,471

2014	20,613

2015	18,557

2016	15,520

2017	9,096

Thereafter	20,882

Total	$	90,139

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'

	4	Acquisitions

	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:



		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	Animal Hospitals:	2013			2012
	Animal Hospital acquisitions, excluding Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC")	14			24

	Acquisitions, merged	(2	)		(4	)
	AVC acquisition	—			44

	Sold, closed or merged	(15	)		(4	)
	Net (decrease) increase	(3	)		60


	Laboratories:
	Acquisitions	1			—

	Created	—			2

	Net increase	1			2



	4	Acquisitions, continued
	Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions, excluding 2012 acquisition of AVC
	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals, excluding AVC, and one laboratory acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the preliminary allocation of the acquisition price (in thousands):



		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013				2012
	Consideration:
	Cash	$	39,640			$	51,744

	Cash paid to debt holders	2,360				—

	Holdbacks	892				1,475

	Earnout contingent consideration	1,120				934

	Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	44,012			$	54,153


	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	13,494			$	1,995

	Identifiable intangible assets	12,774				9,184

	Goodwill (1)	32,557				42,974

	Other liabilities assumed	(9,407		)		—

		$	49,418			$	54,153

	Noncontrolling interest	(5,406		)		—

	Total	$	44,012			$	54,153

____________________________

(1) We expect that $12.9 million and $40.0 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, will be deductible for income tax purposes.

The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary, because certain items have not been completed or finalized, including but not limited to, the valuation of tangible and intangible assets.

In addition to the purchase price listed above, we made cash payments for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals totaling $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. There were $1.6 million in cash payments made for real estate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
2012 AVC Investment
On January 31, 2012, we increased our investment in AVC by approximately CDN $81 million (approximately US $81 million) becoming the sole non-veterinarian shareholder of AVC. At the time of the additional investment, AVC operated 44 animal hospitals in three Canadian provinces, offering services ranging from primary care, to specialty referral services and 24-hour emergency care. This investment and additional investments in AVC facilitates our continued expansion in the Canadian market. At the time of the investment, AVC had annualized revenue of approximately CDN $95 million (approximately US $95 million). Our condensed, consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of AVC since January 31, 2012.


4	Acquisitions, continued

The AVC investment accounting was finalized during the first quarter of 2013. The following table summarizes the total investment and the final allocation of the investment in AVC (in thousands):


Consideration:
Cash	$	48,819

Cash paid to debt holders	25,915

Fair value of total consideration transferred, net of cash acquired	$	74,734


Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	11,694

Identifiable intangible assets (1)	25,170

Goodwill (2)	79,707

Other liabilities assumed	(21,826		)
	94,745

Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)
Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)
Total	$	74,734

____________________________

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

(2) As of September 30, 2013, we expect that approximately $362,000 of the goodwill recorded for this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes.
AVC is reported within our Animal Hospital reportable segment.
2012 ThinkPets, Inc ("ThinkPets")
On February 1, 2012, we acquired a 100% interest in ThinkPets for $21 million, payable by delivery of 473,389 shares of VCA common stock and $10.5 million in cash. Subsequent to the acquisition, we merged the operations of ThinkPets with Vetstreet. Our condensed, consolidated financial statements reflect the operating results of ThinkPets since February 1, 2012 reported within our "All Other" category in our segment disclosures.

4	Acquisitions, continued
The ThinkPets acquisition accounting was finalized during the first quarter of 2013. The following table summarizes the total purchase price and the final allocation of the investment in ThinkPets (in thousands):


Consideration:
Cash	$	7,468

Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	10,500

Holdback	1,050

Fair value of total consideration transferred, net of cash acquired	$	19,018


Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	$	2,093

Identifiable intangible assets (1)	7,221

Goodwill (2)	12,155

Other liabilities assumed	(2,451		)
Total	$	19,018

____________________________

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

(2) As of September 30, 2013, we expect that approximately $821,000 of the goodwill recorded for this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Other Accrued Liabilities	'

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



		As of September 30, 2013		As of December 31, 2012
	Deferred revenue	$	10,340	$	10,811

	Accrued health insurance	5,897		6,409

	Deferred rent	4,294		3,604

	Accrued other insurance	4,236		3,799

	Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	4,090		3,485

	Accrued workers' compensation	5,980		3,570

	Holdbacks and earnouts	4,042		3,599

	Customer deposits	2,872		3,140

	Accrued consulting fees	2,943		3,114

	Accrued lease payments	2,992		888

	Other	16,128		14,712

		$	63,814	$	57,131

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

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.

Fair Value Measurements, continued

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

As of September 30, 2013

As of December 31, 2012

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Value

Variable-rate long-term debt

568,750

592,422

At September 30, 2013, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, Vetstreet's goodwill was written down to its implied fair value. Vetstreet's goodwill balance as of December 31, 2012 was $8.8 million. Additionally, during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, Vetstreet's long-lived assets were written down to their estimated fair value. Vetstreet's long-lived assets balance as of December 31, 2012 was $28.7 million.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'

	7	Share-Based Compensation
	Stock Option Activity
	A summary of our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):



		Stock		Weighted-
		Options		Average
				Exercise
				Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,181		$	17.2

	Exercised	(912	)	$	16.82

	Expired	(36	)	$	30.7

	Canceled	(24	)	$	16.21

	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,209		$	17.11

	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	472		$	16.69

	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	1,191		$	17.12

	There were no stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The aggregate intrinsic value of our stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $7.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively and the actual tax benefit realized on options exercised during these periods was $3.0 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013 there was $4.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to our stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
	The compensation cost charged against income, for stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, was $436,000 and $362,000, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized was $171,000 and $142,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The compensation cost charged against income, for stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, was $1.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized was $599,000 and $433,000, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.


	7. Share-Based Compensation, continued
	Nonvested Stock Activity
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 12,052 shares of nonvested common stock were granted to our directors representing their annual grant. Assuming continued service through each vesting date, these awards will vest in three equal annual installments beginning May 2014 to May 2016.
	Total compensation cost charged against income related to nonvested stock awards was $1.8 million and $2.1 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $700,000 and $805,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Total compensation cost charged against income related to nonvested stock awards was $6.7 million and $9.1 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $2.6 million and $3.6 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, there was $12.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these nonvested shares, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. A summary of our nonvested stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):



		Shares		Grant Date
				Weighted-
				Average Fair
				Value
				Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,451		$	19.9

	Granted	12		$	24.89

	Vested	(362	)	$	20.25

	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,101		$	19.84


	Restricted Stock Unit Activity
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we granted 292,478 performance based restricted stock units ("RSUs") to our executive officers representing the right to receive one share of common stock. These RSUs will be earned upon achievement of the applicable performance criteria during the performance periods, from October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015, as set forth in the 2013 equity performance award agreements. Assuming achievement of the required performance conditions and continued service through each vesting date, these awards will vest in four equal annual installments beginning September 2014 through September 2017.
	Total compensation cost charged against income related to RSU awards was $696,000 and $279,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $273,000 and $109,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Total compensation cost charged against income related to RSU awards was $2.1 million and $279,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The corresponding income tax benefit recognized in the income statement was $806,000 and$109,000, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, there was $10.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to these RSUs, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years.

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh

Calculation of Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	40,647	$	34,037	$	112,794	$	103,602

	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	88,834		87,773		88,583		87,554

	Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
	Stock options	310		461		318		523

	Nonvested shares and units	701		420		758		512

	Diluted	89,845		88,654		89,659		88,589

	Basic earnings per share	$	0.46	$	0.39	$	1.27	$	1.18

	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.45	$	0.38	$	1.26	$	1.17


	There were no potential common shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2013. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, potential common shares of 1,220,547 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, potential common shares of 23,538 and 1,100,645 respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.

Lines_of_Business

Lines of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Lines of Business	'

		Lines of Business
	Our business is divided into four operating segments: Animal Hospital, Laboratory, Medical Technology and Vetstreet. Our operating segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards.
	Our reportable segments are aggregated into two reportable segments, "Animal Hospital" and "Laboratory". Our Animal Hospital reportable segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory reportable segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for separate reportable segments and are included in our "All Other" category. Our Medical Technology segment sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet segment provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our segments.
	The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2012 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.



	9	Lines of Business, continued
	The segment information presented below 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. The segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 has been adjusted retrospectively to conform to the current period presentation.

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



		Animal				Laboratory			All Other				Corporate				Eliminations				Total
		Hospital
	Three Months Ended
	30-Sep-13
	External revenue	$	368,868			$	72,877		$	21,482			$	—			$	828			$	464,055

	Intercompany revenue	—				13,583			5,980				—				(19,563		)		—

	Total revenue	368,868				86,460			27,462				—				(18,735		)		464,055

	Direct costs	308,029				45,650			17,456				—				(17,757		)		353,378

	Gross profit	60,839				40,810			10,006				—				(978		)		110,677

	Selling, general and administrative expense	8,678				7,921			7,618				14,530				—				38,747

	Operating income (loss) before charges	52,161				32,889			2,388				(14,530		)		(978		)		71,930

	Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(110		)		11			—				(10		)		—				(109		)

	Operating income (loss)	$	52,271			$	32,878		$	2,388			$	(14,520	)		$	(978	)		$	72,039

	Depreciation and amortization	$	15,037			$	2,554		$	2,087			$	816			$	(450	)		$	20,044

	Property and equipment additions	$	15,915			$	1,905		$	872			$	1,795			$	(900	)		$	19,587

	Three Months Ended
	30-Sep-12
	External revenue	$	342,840			$	68,139		$	21,970			$	—			$	664			$	433,613

	Intercompany revenue	—				13,147			6,130				—				(19,277		)		—

	Total revenue	342,840				81,286			28,100				—				(18,613		)		433,613

	Direct costs	288,588				44,109			19,217				—				(17,482		)		334,432

	Gross profit	54,252				37,177			8,883				—				(1,131		)		99,181

	Selling, general and administrative expense	7,745				7,285			8,764				13,814				—				37,608

	Operating income (loss) before charges	46,507				29,892			119				(13,814		)		(1,131		)		61,573

	Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(77		)		—			464				—				—				387

	Operating income (loss)	$	46,584			$	29,892		$	(345	)		$	(13,814	)		$	(1,131	)		$	61,186

	Depreciation and amortization	$	13,953			$	2,544		$	2,611			$	806			$	(395	)		$	19,519

Property and equipment additions	$	14,069			$	1,342		$	1,660			$	2,120			$	(1,099	)		$	18,092






9. Lines of Business, continued



	Animal				Laboratory			All Other				Corporate				Eliminations				Total
	Hospital
Nine Months Ended
30-Sep-13
External revenue	$	1,074,688			$	223,466		$	67,339			$	—			$	2,423			$	1,367,916

Intercompany revenue	—				41,559			16,118				—				(57,677		)		—

Total revenue	1,074,688				265,025			83,457				—				(55,254		)		1,367,916

Direct costs	908,537				136,524			54,394				—				(53,433		)		1,046,022

Gross profit	166,151				128,501			29,063				—				(1,821		)		321,894

Selling, general and administrative expense	25,723				23,891			24,573				43,429				—				117,616

Operating income (loss) before charges	140,428				104,610			4,490				(43,429		)		(1,821		)		204,278

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,459				5			3				(280		)		—				1,187

Operating income (loss)	$	138,969			$	104,605		$	4,487			$	(43,149	)		$	(1,821	)		$	203,091

Depreciation and amortization	$	43,108			$	7,651		$	5,989			$	2,370			$	(1,335	)		$	57,783

Property and equipment additions	$	41,682			$	5,641		$	3,244			$	3,741			$	(1,626	)		$	52,682

Nine Months Ended
30-Sep-12
External revenue	$	1,001,247			$	212,562		$	65,926			$	—			$	1,715			$	1,281,450

Intercompany revenue	—				40,074			15,917				—				(55,991		)		—

Total revenue	1,001,247				252,636			81,843				—				(54,276		)		1,281,450

Direct costs	852,059				132,612			54,499				—				(50,887		)		988,283

Gross profit	149,188				120,024			27,344				—				(3,389		)		293,167

Selling, general and administrative expense	22,797				22,393			27,076				43,390				—				115,656

Operating income (loss) before charges	126,391				97,631			268				(43,390		)		(3,389		)		177,511

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	316				(14		)	704				16				—				1,022

Operating income (loss)	$	126,075			$	97,645		$	(436	)		$	(43,406	)		$	(3,389	)		$	176,489

Depreciation and amortization	$	40,536			$	7,618		$	7,456			$	2,374			$	(1,102	)		$	56,882

Property and equipment additions	$	40,132			$	4,691		$	4,430			$	8,111			$	(2,107	)		$	55,257




At September 30, 2013
Total assets	$	1,849,587			$	252,179		$	99,435			$	63,803			$	(29,669	)		$	2,235,335

At December 31, 2012
Total assets	$	1,648,578			$	244,551		$	98,159			$	127,963			$	(27,671	)		$	2,091,580

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows:


	a.	Earn-Out Payments
	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, Tax, 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 $2.5 million and $1.5 million in earnout liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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, entitled 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 against Antech Diagnostics, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of VCA, entitled 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 hired by us 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 estimated.
	We have certain contingent liabilities resulting from other litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'

		Income Taxes

	The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was 38.8% as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, of 38.7% and 37.6%, respectively. The increase in the effective rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was in part, due to a non-taxable gain of $5.7 million in the prior year related to the increase in value of our historic noncontrolling interest in AVC, realized upon the acquisition of the remaining equity interest.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Non controlling 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).


	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 multiple of revenue, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The formulas used to determine the redemption value use level 3 inputs and include an EBITDA multiple or a two-year revenue average calculation and a valuation multiple. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in the condensed, consolidated statements of income.

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



		Income			Mandatorily Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	3,111

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,359

	Redemption value change	117			1,476

	Formation of noncontrolling interests				8,161

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,009		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(56		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	11,683


	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	11,047

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,475

	Redemption value change	134			1,609

	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(658		)
	Dissolution of noncontrolling interests				(357		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,437		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(145		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	10,059




	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.
	12. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

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



		Income			Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	6,964

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	666

	Redemption value change	36			702

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(691		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	6,975


Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991

Noncontrolling interest expense	$	900

Redemption value change	252			1,152

Formation of noncontrolling interests				3,600

Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(712		)
Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	11,031

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'

		Recent Accounting Pronouncements

	In March 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to resolve diversity in practice about which accounting guidance to use when releasing the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary. This amendment also resolves the diversity in practice related to the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages involving a foreign entity. In practice, some entities view step acquisitions as being composed of two events, the disposition of the equity method investment and simultaneous acquisition of the controlling financial interest, whereby the cumulative translation adjustment related to the equity method investment is released to net income. Entities that view those transactions as a single event do not release any cumulative translation adjustment. These amendments affect entities that cease to hold a controlling financial interest within a foreign entity and there is a cumulative translation adjustment balance associated with the foreign entity. These amendments also affect entities that lose a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity and those that acquire a business in stages by increasing an investment in a foreign entity from one accounted for as an equity method investment to one accounted for as a consolidated investment.

	When a parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity the parent is required to release any cumulative translation adjustment to net income. The cumulative translation adjustment should be released to net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets resided.

	For an equity method investment that is a foreign entity a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of the equity method investment. This treatment does not apply to an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity, in those instances a cumulative translation adjustment would be released into net income only if the partial sale represented a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that contains the equity method investment.

	These amendments clarify that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity and events that result in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date. Upon the occurrence of those two situations the cumulative translation adjustment should be released to net income.



	13	Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued

	The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 25, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. This guidance is not expected to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.

Lines_of_Business_Policies

Lines of Business (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Our reportable segments are aggregated into two reportable segments, "Animal Hospital" and "Laboratory". Our Animal Hospital reportable segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory reportable segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for separate reportable segments and are included in our "All Other" category. Our Medical Technology segment sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet segment provides online communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our segments.
	The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2012 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.



	9	Lines of Business, continued

Noncontrolling_Interests_Nonco

Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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).
Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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 multiple of revenue, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The formulas used to determine the redemption value use level 3 inputs and include an EBITDA multiple or a two-year revenue average calculation and a valuation multiple. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in the condensed, consolidated statements of income.
redeemable noncontrolling interest [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	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.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands):



		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,588		$	6,612		$	16,153		$	16,830

Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):



		Animal			Laboratory			All Other			Total
		Hospital
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
	Goodwill	$	1,177,348		$	96,861		$	137,833		$	1,412,042

	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)

	Balance as of December 31, 2012, net	1,177,348			96,861			17,022			1,291,231

	Goodwill acquired	32,549			8			—			32,557

	Foreign translation adjustment	(2,836		)	(22		)	—			(2,858		)

	Other (1)	(421		)	—			443			22

	Balance as of September 30, 2013
	Goodwill	1,206,640			96,847			138,276			1,441,763

	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)

	Balance as of September 30, 2013, net	$	1,206,640		$	96,847		$	17,465		$	1,320,952

	____________________________


	(1)	Other primarily includes measurement period adjustments and a write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.
Other Intangible Assets	'
	Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):



		As of September 30, 2013									As of December 31, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Non-contractual customer relationships	$	113,573		$	(41,637	)	$	71,936		$	110,404		$	(36,605	)	$	73,799

	Covenants not-to-compete	9,873			(5,458		)	4,415			12,707			(7,357		)	5,350

	Favorable lease assets	7,465			(4,252		)	3,213			7,228			(3,866		)	3,362

	Trademarks	12,096			(3,865		)	8,231			12,494			(3,001		)	9,493

	Contracts	956			(633		)	323			956			(570		)	386

	Technology	4,901			(2,891		)	2,010			6,588			(4,179		)	2,409

	Client lists	50			(39		)	11			50			(26		)	24

	Total	$	148,914		$	(58,775	)	$	90,139		$	150,427		$	(55,604	)	$	94,823

Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets	'
	The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2013 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of September 30, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):



	Remainder of 2013	$	5,471

	2014	20,613

	2015	18,557

	2016	15,520

	2017	9,096

	Thereafter	20,882

	Total	$	90,139

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Tabl

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:



		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	Animal Hospitals:	2013		2012
	Animal Hospital acquisitions, excluding Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC")	14		24

	Acquisitions, merged	(2	)	(4	)
	AVC acquisition	—		44

	Sold, closed or merged	(15	)	(4	)
	Net (decrease) increase	(3	)	60


	Laboratories:
	Acquisitions	1		—

	Created	—		2

	Net increase	1		2

Acquisitions_Business_Acquisit

Acquisitions Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:



		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	Animal Hospitals:	2013		2012
	Animal Hospital acquisitions, excluding Associate Veterinary Clinics (1981) LTD ("AVC")	14		24

	Acquisitions, merged	(2	)	(4	)
	AVC acquisition	—		44

	Sold, closed or merged	(15	)	(4	)
	Net (decrease) increase	(3	)	60


	Laboratories:
	Acquisitions	1		—

	Created	—		2

	Net increase	1		2

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Purch

Acquisitions Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Animal Hospital [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals, excluding AVC, and one laboratory acquired during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the preliminary allocation of the acquisition price (in thousands):



		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Consideration:
	Cash	$	39,640		$	51,744

	Cash paid to debt holders	2,360			—

	Holdbacks	892			1,475

	Earnout contingent consideration	1,120			934

	Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	44,012		$	54,153


	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	13,494		$	1,995

	Identifiable intangible assets	12,774			9,184

	Goodwill (1)	32,557			42,974

	Other liabilities assumed	(9,407		)	—

		$	49,418		$	54,153

	Noncontrolling interest	(5,406		)	—

	Total	$	44,012		$	54,153

	____________________________

	(1) We expect that $12.9 million and $40.0 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, will be deductible for income tax purposes.
AVC Acquisition [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the total investment and the final allocation of the investment in AVC (in thousands):


	Consideration:
	Cash	$	48,819

	Cash paid to debt holders	25,915

	Fair value of total consideration transferred, net of cash acquired	$	74,734


	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	11,694

	Identifiable intangible assets (1)	25,170

	Goodwill (2)	79,707

	Other liabilities assumed	(21,826		)
		94,745

	Noncontrolling interest	(8,161		)
	Fair value of pre-existing investment in AVC	(11,850		)
	Total	$	74,734

	____________________________

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

	(2) As of September 30, 2013, we expect that approximately $362,000 of the goodwill recorded for this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes.
ThinkPetsAcquisition [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the total purchase price and the final allocation of the investment in ThinkPets (in thousands):


	Consideration:
	Cash	$	7,468

	Issuance of common stock for acquisitions	10,500

	Holdback	1,050

	Fair value of total consideration transferred, net of cash acquired	$	19,018


	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	2,093

	Identifiable intangible assets (1)	7,221

	Goodwill (2)	12,155

	Other liabilities assumed	(2,451		)
	Total	$	19,018

	____________________________

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

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accrued liabilities [Line Items]	'
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):



		As of September 30, 2013		As of December 31, 2012
	Deferred revenue	$	10,340	$	10,811

	Accrued health insurance	5,897		6,409

	Deferred rent	4,294		3,604

	Accrued other insurance	4,236		3,799

	Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	4,090		3,485

	Accrued workers' compensation	5,980		3,570

	Holdbacks and earnouts	4,042		3,599

	Customer deposits	2,872		3,140

	Accrued consulting fees	2,943		3,114

	Accrued lease payments	2,992		888

	Other	16,128		14,712

		$	63,814	$	57,131

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial 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 September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.

Fair Value Measurements, continued

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

As of September 30, 2013

As of December 31, 2012

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Value

Variable-rate long-term debt

568,750

592,422

At September 30, 2013, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

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 September 30, 2013

As of December 31, 2012

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Value

Variable-rate long-term debt

568,750

592,422

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013					Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'					'
Summary of nonvested stock activity	'					'
	A summary of our nonvested stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):



		Shares		Grant Date
				Weighted-
				Average Fair
				Value
				Per Share
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,451		$	19.9

	Granted	12		$	24.89

	Vested	(362	)	$	20.25

	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,101		$	19.84

Summary of stock option activity	'					'

						7	Share-Based Compensation
						Stock Option Activity
						A summary of our stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):



							Stock		Weighted-
							Options		Average
									Exercise
									Price
						Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,181		$	17.2

						Exercised	(912	)	$	16.82

						Expired	(36	)	$	30.7

						Canceled	(24	)	$	16.21

						Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,209		$	17.11

						Exercisable at September 30, 2013	472		$	16.69

						Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	1,191		$	17.12

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh1

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	40,647	$	34,037	$	112,794	$	103,602

	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	88,834		87,773		88,583		87,554

	Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
	Stock options	310		461		318		523

	Nonvested shares and units	701		420		758		512

	Diluted	89,845		88,654		89,659		88,589

	Basic earnings per share	$	0.46	$	0.39	$	1.27	$	1.18

	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.45	$	0.38	$	1.26	$	1.17

Lines_of_Business_Tables

Lines of Business (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Lines of Business	'
	The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):



		Animal				Laboratory			All Other				Corporate				Eliminations				Total
		Hospital
	Three Months Ended
	30-Sep-13
	External revenue	$	368,868			$	72,877		$	21,482			$	—			$	828			$	464,055

	Intercompany revenue	—				13,583			5,980				—				(19,563		)		—

	Total revenue	368,868				86,460			27,462				—				(18,735		)		464,055

	Direct costs	308,029				45,650			17,456				—				(17,757		)		353,378

	Gross profit	60,839				40,810			10,006				—				(978		)		110,677

	Selling, general and administrative expense	8,678				7,921			7,618				14,530				—				38,747

	Operating income (loss) before charges	52,161				32,889			2,388				(14,530		)		(978		)		71,930

	Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(110		)		11			—				(10		)		—				(109		)

	Operating income (loss)	$	52,271			$	32,878		$	2,388			$	(14,520	)		$	(978	)		$	72,039

	Depreciation and amortization	$	15,037			$	2,554		$	2,087			$	816			$	(450	)		$	20,044

	Property and equipment additions	$	15,915			$	1,905		$	872			$	1,795			$	(900	)		$	19,587

	Three Months Ended
	30-Sep-12
	External revenue	$	342,840			$	68,139		$	21,970			$	—			$	664			$	433,613

	Intercompany revenue	—				13,147			6,130				—				(19,277		)		—

	Total revenue	342,840				81,286			28,100				—				(18,613		)		433,613

	Direct costs	288,588				44,109			19,217				—				(17,482		)		334,432

	Gross profit	54,252				37,177			8,883				—				(1,131		)		99,181

	Selling, general and administrative expense	7,745				7,285			8,764				13,814				—				37,608

	Operating income (loss) before charges	46,507				29,892			119				(13,814		)		(1,131		)		61,573

	Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(77		)		—			464				—				—				387

	Operating income (loss)	$	46,584			$	29,892		$	(345	)		$	(13,814	)		$	(1,131	)		$	61,186

	Depreciation and amortization	$	13,953			$	2,544		$	2,611			$	806			$	(395	)		$	19,519

	Property and equipment additions	$	14,069			$	1,342		$	1,660			$	2,120			$	(1,099	)		$	18,092






	9. Lines of Business, continued



	Animal				Laboratory			All Other				Corporate				Eliminations				Total
	Hospital
Nine Months Ended
30-Sep-13
External revenue	$	1,074,688			$	223,466		$	67,339			$	—			$	2,423			$	1,367,916

Intercompany revenue	—				41,559			16,118				—				(57,677		)		—

Total revenue	1,074,688				265,025			83,457				—				(55,254		)		1,367,916

Direct costs	908,537				136,524			54,394				—				(53,433		)		1,046,022

Gross profit	166,151				128,501			29,063				—				(1,821		)		321,894

Selling, general and administrative expense	25,723				23,891			24,573				43,429				—				117,616

Operating income (loss) before charges	140,428				104,610			4,490				(43,429		)		(1,821		)		204,278

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,459				5			3				(280		)		—				1,187

Operating income (loss)	$	138,969			$	104,605		$	4,487			$	(43,149	)		$	(1,821	)		$	203,091

Depreciation and amortization	$	43,108			$	7,651		$	5,989			$	2,370			$	(1,335	)		$	57,783

Property and equipment additions	$	41,682			$	5,641		$	3,244			$	3,741			$	(1,626	)		$	52,682

Nine Months Ended
30-Sep-12
External revenue	$	1,001,247			$	212,562		$	65,926			$	—			$	1,715			$	1,281,450

Intercompany revenue	—				40,074			15,917				—				(55,991		)		—

Total revenue	1,001,247				252,636			81,843				—				(54,276		)		1,281,450

Direct costs	852,059				132,612			54,499				—				(50,887		)		988,283

Gross profit	149,188				120,024			27,344				—				(3,389		)		293,167

Selling, general and administrative expense	22,797				22,393			27,076				43,390				—				115,656

Operating income (loss) before charges	126,391				97,631			268				(43,390		)		(3,389		)		177,511

Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	316				(14		)	704				16				—				1,022

Operating income (loss)	$	126,075			$	97,645		$	(436	)		$	(43,406	)		$	(3,389	)		$	176,489

Depreciation and amortization	$	40,536			$	7,618		$	7,456			$	2,374			$	(1,102	)		$	56,882

Property and equipment additions	$	40,132			$	4,691		$	4,430			$	8,111			$	(2,107	)		$	55,257




At September 30, 2013
Total assets	$	1,849,587			$	252,179		$	99,435			$	63,803			$	(29,669	)		$	2,235,335

At December 31, 2012
Total assets	$	1,648,578			$	244,551		$	98,159			$	127,963			$	(27,671	)		$	2,091,580

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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 consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



		Income			Mandatorily Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	3,111

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,359

	Redemption value change	117			1,476

	Formation of noncontrolling interests				8,161

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,009		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(56		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	11,683


	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	11,047

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,475

	Redemption value change	134			1,609

	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(658		)
	Dissolution of noncontrolling interests				(357		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,437		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(145		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	10,059

Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	'

		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).


	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 multiple of revenue, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The formulas used to determine the redemption value use level 3 inputs and include an EBITDA multiple or a two-year revenue average calculation and a valuation multiple. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in the condensed, consolidated statements of income.

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



		Income			Mandatorily Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	3,111

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,359

	Redemption value change	117			1,476

	Formation of noncontrolling interests				8,161

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,009		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(56		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	11,683


	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	11,047

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	1,475

	Redemption value change	134			1,609

	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(658		)
	Dissolution of noncontrolling interests				(357		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(1,437		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(145		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	10,059




	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.
	12. Noncontrolling Interests, continued

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



		Income			Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	6,964

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	666

	Redemption value change	36			702

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(691		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	6,975


Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991

Noncontrolling interest expense	$	900

Redemption value change	252			1,152

Formation of noncontrolling interests				3,600

Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(712		)
Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	11,031

redeemable noncontrolling interest [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):



		Income			Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2011				$	6,964

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	666

	Redemption value change	36			702

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(691		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2012				$	6,975


	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991

	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	900

	Redemption value change	252			1,152

	Formation of noncontrolling interests				3,600

	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(712		)
	Balance as of September 30, 2013				$	11,031

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
	Laboratory	Provinces
	Provinces
	State
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Number of hospitals operated	606	'
Number of states in which hospitals are operated	41	'
Number Of Canadian Provinces	4	3
Number of states in which the company operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network	50	'
Number of laboratories operated	56	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$5,471,000	'	$5,471,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense	5,588,000	6,612,000	16,153,000	16,830,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	148,914,000	150,427,000	148,914,000	150,427,000	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000
Goodwill, Gross	1,441,763,000	'	1,441,763,000	'	1,412,042,000
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	'	'	1,291,231,000	'	'
Goodwill acquired	'	'	32,557,000	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	-2,858,000	'	'
Other	'	'	22,000	'	'
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,320,952,000	'	1,320,952,000	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-58,775,000	-55,604,000	-58,775,000	-55,604,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	90,139,000	94,823,000	90,139,000	94,823,000	94,823,000
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	20,613,000	'	20,613,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	18,557,000	'	18,557,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	15,520,000	'	15,520,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	9,096,000	'	9,096,000	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five	20,882,000	'	20,882,000	'	'
Animal Hospital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	'	0	'	0
Goodwill, Gross	1,206,640,000	'	1,206,640,000	'	1,177,348,000
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	'	'	1,177,348,000	'	'
Goodwill acquired	'	'	32,549,000	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-2,836,000	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	-421,000	'	'
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,206,640,000	'	1,206,640,000	'	'
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	'	'	'	'	17,022,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	17,465,000	'	17,465,000	'	17,022,000
Laboratory [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	'	0	'	0
Goodwill, Gross	96,847,000	'	96,847,000	'	96,861,000
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	'	'	96,861,000	'	'
Goodwill acquired	'	'	8,000	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	-22,000	'	'
Other	'	'	0	'	'
Goodwill, Ending Balance	96,847,000	'	96,847,000	'	'
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Gross	138,276,000	'	138,276,000	'	137,833,000
Goodwill acquired	'	'	0	'	'
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	'	'	0	'	'
Other	'	'	443,000	'	'
Customer Lists [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	50,000	50,000	50,000	50,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-39,000	-26,000	-39,000	-26,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	11,000	24,000	11,000	24,000	'
Contract [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	956,000	956,000	956,000	956,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-633,000	-570,000	-633,000	-570,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	323,000	386,000	323,000	386,000	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	12,096,000	12,494,000	12,096,000	12,494,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-3,865,000	-3,001,000	-3,865,000	-3,001,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	8,231,000	9,493,000	8,231,000	9,493,000	'
Lease Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,465,000	7,228,000	7,465,000	7,228,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-4,252,000	-3,866,000	-4,252,000	-3,866,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	3,213,000	3,362,000	3,213,000	3,362,000	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	9,873,000	12,707,000	9,873,000	12,707,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-5,458,000	-7,357,000	-5,458,000	-7,357,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	4,415,000	5,350,000	4,415,000	5,350,000	'
Developed Technology Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	4,901,000	6,588,000	4,901,000	6,588,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-2,891,000	-4,179,000	-2,891,000	-4,179,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,010,000	2,409,000	2,010,000	2,409,000	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	113,573,000	110,404,000	113,573,000	110,404,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-41,637,000	-36,605,000	-41,637,000	-36,605,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$71,936,000	$73,799,000	$71,936,000	$73,799,000	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	$32,557,000	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	148,914,000	150,427,000	148,914,000	150,427,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-58,775,000	-55,604,000	-58,775,000	-55,604,000	'
Total	90,139,000	94,823,000	90,139,000	94,823,000	94,823,000
Aggregate amortization expense	5,588,000	6,612,000	16,153,000	16,830,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2012	5,471,000	'	5,471,000	'	'
2013	20,613,000	'	20,613,000	'	'
2014	18,557,000	'	18,557,000	'	'
2015	15,520,000	'	15,520,000	'	'
2016	9,096,000	'	9,096,000	'	'
Thereafter	20,882,000	'	20,882,000	'	'
Total	90,139,000	94,823,000	90,139,000	94,823,000	94,823,000
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000	'	-120,811,000
Noncontractual customer relationships [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	113,573,000	110,404,000	113,573,000	110,404,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-41,637,000	-36,605,000	-41,637,000	-36,605,000	'
Total	71,936,000	73,799,000	71,936,000	73,799,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	71,936,000	73,799,000	71,936,000	73,799,000	'
Covenants not-to-compete [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,873,000	12,707,000	9,873,000	12,707,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-5,458,000	-7,357,000	-5,458,000	-7,357,000	'
Total	4,415,000	5,350,000	4,415,000	5,350,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	4,415,000	5,350,000	4,415,000	5,350,000	'
Favorable lease asset [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	7,465,000	7,228,000	7,465,000	7,228,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-4,252,000	-3,866,000	-4,252,000	-3,866,000	'
Total	3,213,000	3,362,000	3,213,000	3,362,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	3,213,000	3,362,000	3,213,000	3,362,000	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	12,096,000	12,494,000	12,096,000	12,494,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-3,865,000	-3,001,000	-3,865,000	-3,001,000	'
Total	8,231,000	9,493,000	8,231,000	9,493,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	8,231,000	9,493,000	8,231,000	9,493,000	'
Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	956,000	956,000	956,000	956,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-633,000	-570,000	-633,000	-570,000	'
Total	323,000	386,000	323,000	386,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	323,000	386,000	323,000	386,000	'
Technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,901,000	6,588,000	4,901,000	6,588,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-2,891,000	-4,179,000	-2,891,000	-4,179,000	'
Total	2,010,000	2,409,000	2,010,000	2,409,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	2,010,000	2,409,000	2,010,000	2,409,000	'
Client lists [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	50,000	50,000	50,000	50,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-39,000	-26,000	-39,000	-26,000	'
Total	11,000	24,000	11,000	24,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total	11,000	24,000	11,000	24,000	'
Laboratory [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	8,000	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses	0	'	0	'	0
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	0	'	'
Animal Hospital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	32,549,000	'	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated impairment losses	0	'	0	'	0
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$12,900,000	$40,000,000	$12,900,000	$40,000,000	'

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Detai

Acquisitions Acquisition (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

Provinces

AVC Acquisition [Member]

Animal Hospital [Member]

Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions [Member]

AVC [Member]

ThinkPetsAcquisition [Member]

Think Pets Inc [Member]

Laboratories Acquisitions [Member]

Laboratory [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Technology And Trademarks [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Provinces

USD ($)

Hospital

USD ($)

CAD

Hospital

USD ($)

Laboratory

Hospital

Laboratory

AVC [Member]

Think Pets Inc [Member]

AVC [Member]

Think Pets Inc [Member]

AVC [Member]

Hospital

Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life

'6 years

'8 years

'5 years

'9 years

'4 years

'10 years

'2 years

'3 years

Number of Businesses Acquired

Number Of Canadian Provinces

Number Of Laboratories Created

Change In Number Of Laboratories Owned During The Period

Annualized Revenue At Acquisition CAD

95,000,000

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount

362,000

12,900,000

40,000,000

821,000

Payments To Acquire Real Estate For Use By Owner

1,200,000

1,208,000

1,602,000

Preliminary Purchase Price CAD

81,000,000

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

39,640,000

108,031,000

39,640,000

108,031,000

48,819,000

39,640,000

51,744,000

7,468,000

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned

10,500,000

Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid For Hold Backs

892,000

1,475,000

1,050,000

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, at Fair Value

-1,120,000

-934,000

-1,120,000

-934,000

1,120,000

934,000

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

74,734,000

44,012,000

54,153,000

19,018,000

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Tangible Assets

11,694,000

13,494,000

1,995,000

2,093,000

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets

25,170,000

12,774,000

9,184,000

7,221,000

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount

79,707,000

32,557,000

42,974,000

12,155,000

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed

-21,826,000

-9,407,000

-2,451,000

business acquisition purchase price allocation total

94,745,000

49,418,000

54,153,000

Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination

-8,161,000

5,406,000

-8,161,000

-5,406,000

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value

-11,850,000

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net

74,734,000

44,012,000

54,153,000

19,018,000

Business Acquisitions Cash Paid To Debtholders

25,915,000

2,360,000

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

100.00%

Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Preliminary Purchase Price

81,000,000

21,000,000

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares

473,389

business acquisition cash including acquired cash

10,500,000

Number Of Acquired Hospitals Relocated To Existing Hospitals

-2

-4

Number Of Properties Sold Closed Or Merged

-15

-4

Change In Number Of Animal Hospitals Owned During The Period

-3

US Annualized Revenue At Acquisition

$95,000,000

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other accrued liabilities	'	'
Deferred revenue	$10,340	$10,811
Accrued health insurance	5,897	6,409
accruedotherinsurance	4,236	3,799
Deferred rent	4,294	3,604
Accrued consulting fees	2,943	3,114
Accrued Rent, Current	2,992	888
Workers' Compensation Liability, Current	5,980	3,570
Holdbacks and earnouts	4,042	3,599
Taxes Payable, Current	4,090	3,485
Customer deposits	2,872	3,140
Other	16,128	14,712
Other accrued liabilities	$63,814	$57,131

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$1,320,952,000	$1,291,231,000
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt	'	'
Variable-rate long-term debt, Carrying Value	568,750,000	592,422,000
Variable-rate long-term debt, Fair Value	568,750,000	592,422,000
Vetstreet [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	8,800,000
Long-Lived Assets	'	$28,700,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of stock option activity	'	'	'	'
Stock Options, Beginning balance	'	'	2,181,000	'
Stock option granted	'	'	0	'
Stock Options, Exercised	-912,000	'	'	'
Stock option, Canceled	-24,000	'	'	'
Stock Options, Ending balance	1,209,000	'	1,209,000	'
Stock Options, Exercisable	472,000	'	472,000	'
Stock Options, Vested and Expected to vest	1,191,000	'	1,191,000	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	'	'	$17.20	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$16.82	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	36,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	$30.70	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$16.21	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$17.11	'	$17.11	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$16.69	'	$16.69	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and Expected to vest	$17.12	'	$17.12	'
Summary of nonvested stock activity	'	'	'	'
Shares, Beginning balance	'	'	1,451,000	'
Shares, Granted	'	'	12,052	'
Shares, Vested	'	'	-362,000	'
Shares, Ending balance	1,101,000	'	1,101,000	'
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Beginning balance	'	'	$19.90	'
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Granted	'	'	$24.89	'
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Vested	'	'	$20.25	'
Grant Date Weighted-Average Fair Value Per Share, Ending balance	$19.84	'	$19.84	'
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$12,100,000	'	$12,100,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'2 years 110 days	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,800,000	2,100,000	6,700,000	9,100,000
Summary of nonvested stock activity	'	'	'	'
Shares, Granted	'	'	12,000	'
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	4,100,000	'	4,100,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'2 years 146 days	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$436,000	$362,000	$1,500,000	$1,100,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 1)	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details 1)	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	12,052

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock option granted	'	'	0	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$7,500,000	'	$9,700,000	'
Actual tax benefit realized on options exercised	3,000,000	'	3,800,000	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	12,052	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	'	'	'3 years	'
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'	'	'2 years 146 days	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	4,100,000	'	4,100,000	'
Compensation cost charged against income	436,000	362,000	1,500,000	1,100,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	171,000	142,000	599,000	433,000
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'	'	'2 years 110 days	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	12,100,000	'	12,100,000	'
Compensation cost charged against income	1,800,000	2,100,000	6,700,000	9,100,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	700,000	805,000	2,600,000	3,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	12,000	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'	'	'3 years 259 days	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	10,700,000	'	10,700,000	'
Compensation cost charged against income	696,000	279,000	2,100,000	279,000
Income tax benefit recognized during the period	$273,000	$109,000	$806,000	$109,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	292,478	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	'	'	'4 years	'

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh2

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$40,647	$34,037	$112,794	$103,602
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	88,834,000	87,773,000	88,583,000	87,554,000
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:	'	'	'	'
Stock options	310,000	461,000	318,000	523,000
Nonvested shares	701,000	420,000	758,000	512,000
Diluted	89,845,000	88,654,000	89,659,000	88,589,000
Basic earnings per share	$0.46	$0.39	$1.27	$1.18
Diluted earnings per share	$0.45	$0.38	$1.26	$1.17
Calculation of Earnings per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	0	1,220,547	23,538	1,100,645

Lines_of_Business_Details

Lines of Business (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	$464,055	$433,613	$1,367,916	$1,281,450	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Total revenue	464,055	433,613	1,367,916	1,281,450	'
Direct costs	353,378	334,432	1,046,022	988,283	'
Gross profit	110,677	99,181	321,894	293,167	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	38,747	37,608	117,616	115,656	'
operating income before significant charges	71,930	61,573	204,278	177,511	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-109	387	1,187	1,022	'
Operating income (loss)	72,039	61,186	203,091	176,489	'
Depreciation and amortization	20,044	19,519	57,783	56,882	'
Property and equipment additions	19,587	18,092	52,682	55,257	'
Total assets	2,235,335	'	2,235,335	'	2,091,580
Animal Hospital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	368,868	342,840	1,074,688	1,001,247	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Total revenue	368,868	342,840	1,074,688	1,001,247	'
Direct costs	308,029	288,588	908,537	852,059	'
Gross profit	60,839	54,252	166,151	149,188	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,678	7,745	25,723	22,797	'
operating income before significant charges	52,161	46,507	140,428	126,391	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-110	-77	1,459	316	'
Operating income (loss)	52,271	46,584	138,969	126,075	'
Depreciation and amortization	15,037	13,953	43,108	40,536	'
Property and equipment additions	15,915	14,069	41,682	40,132	'
Total assets	1,849,587	'	1,849,587	'	1,648,578
Laboratory [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	72,877	68,139	223,466	212,562	'
Intercompany revenue	13,583	13,147	41,559	40,074	'
Total revenue	86,460	81,286	265,025	252,636	'
Direct costs	45,650	44,109	136,524	132,612	'
Gross profit	40,810	37,177	128,501	120,024	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	7,921	7,285	23,891	22,393	'
operating income before significant charges	32,889	29,892	104,610	97,631	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	11	0	5	-14	'
Operating income (loss)	32,878	29,892	104,605	97,645	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,554	2,544	7,651	7,618	'
Property and equipment additions	1,905	1,342	5,641	4,691	'
Total assets	252,179	'	252,179	'	244,551
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	21,482	21,970	67,339	65,926	'
Intercompany revenue	5,980	6,130	16,118	15,917	'
Total revenue	27,462	28,100	83,457	81,843	'
Direct costs	17,456	19,217	54,394	54,499	'
Gross profit	10,006	8,883	29,063	27,344	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	7,618	8,764	24,573	27,076	'
operating income before significant charges	2,388	119	4,490	268	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	0	464	3	704	'
Operating income (loss)	2,388	-345	4,487	-436	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,087	2,611	5,989	7,456	'
Property and equipment additions	872	1,660	3,244	4,430	'
Total assets	99,435	'	99,435	'	98,159
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Total revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Direct costs	0	0	0	0	'
Gross profit	0	0	0	0	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	14,530	13,814	43,429	43,390	'
operating income before significant charges	-14,530	-13,814	-43,429	-43,390	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	-10	0	-280	16	'
Operating income (loss)	-14,520	-13,814	-43,149	-43,406	'
Depreciation and amortization	816	806	2,370	2,374	'
Property and equipment additions	1,795	2,120	3,741	8,111	'
Total assets	63,803	'	63,803	'	127,963
Intercompany Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'	'	'
External revenue	828	664	2,423	1,715	'
Intercompany revenue	-19,563	-19,277	-57,677	-55,991	'
Total revenue	-18,735	-18,613	-55,254	-54,276	'
Direct costs	-17,757	-17,482	-53,433	-50,887	'
Gross profit	-978	-1,131	-1,821	-3,389	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	0	0	0	0	'
operating income before significant charges	-978	-1,131	-1,821	-3,389	'
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets	0	0	0	0	'
Operating income (loss)	-978	-1,131	-1,821	-3,389	'
Depreciation and amortization	-450	-395	-1,335	-1,102	'
Property and equipment additions	-900	-1,099	-1,626	-2,107	'
Total assets	($29,669)	'	($29,669)	'	($27,671)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Additional payment for specified financial criteria	$0	$1.50

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	38.80%	38.70%	'	37.60%
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain	$0	$0	$0	($5,719)

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Attributable Net Income Loss	'	'	$900	$666	'	'	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redemption Value Change	'	'	252	36	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	1,152	702	1,152	702	'	'	'	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, Beginning balance	'	'	11,047	3,111	10,059	'	11,683	'
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	1,475	1,359	1,475	1,359	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value	'	'	134	117	'	'	'	'
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests income statement impact	'	'	1,609	1,476	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest	'	'	-357	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	'	'	-658	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination	'	8,161	-5,406	8,161	'	'	'	'
Formation of noncontrolling interests	'	'	3,600	'	'	'	'	'
Minority Interest Decrease From Distributions To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Holders	'	'	712	691	'	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-1,437	-1,009	'	'	'	'
noncontrolling interest currency translation	'	'	-145	-56	'	'	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, Ending balance	$11,031	$6,975	$11,031	$6,975	'	$6,991	'	$6,964

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai1

Noncontrolling Interests (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interests (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest in partnership	50.10%	'	'	'
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests included in other liabilities	$10,059	$11,047	$11,683	$3,111

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid	$39,640	$108,031