Vca 10-Q 5 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Aug. 01, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	VCA INC
Entity Central Index Key	817,366
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		80,865,923

Condensed, Consolidated Balance

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 109,684	$ 98,888
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $22,715 and $21,775 at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	83,157	76,634
Inventory	61,829	51,523
Prepaid expenses and other	36,221	30,521
Prepaid income taxes	1,153	24,598
Total current assets	292,044	282,164
Property and equipment, net	564,034	507,753
Goodwill	1,963,377	1,517,650
Other intangible assets, net	257,648	97,377
Notes receivable	2,173	2,194
Other	99,851	93,994
Total assets	3,179,127	2,501,132
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	25,980	33,623
Accounts payable	53,177	52,337
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	80,817	75,519
Other accrued liabilities	81,907	70,828
Total current liabilities	241,881	232,307
Long-term debt, net	1,279,453	832,718
Deferred income taxes, net	130,209	131,478
Other liabilities	39,236	36,084
Total liabilities	1,690,779	1,232,587
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,053	11,511
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 80,863 and 80,764 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	81	81
Additional paid-in capital	28,696	19,708
Retained earnings	1,385,484	1,275,207
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(37,827)	(50,034)
Total VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,376,434	1,244,962
Noncontrolling interests	99,861	12,072
Total equity	1,476,295	1,257,034
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,179,127	$ 2,501,132

Condensed, Consolidated Balanc3

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 22,715	$ 21,775
Liabilities and Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000,000	11,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	80,863,000	80,764,000

Condensed, Consolidated Stateme

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue		$ 653,489	$ 548,785	$ 1,216,928	$ 1,048,238
Direct costs		489,541	407,938	916,200	793,529
Gross profit		163,948	140,847	300,728	254,709
Selling, general and administrative expense		48,190	44,485	98,318	88,883
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets		(271)	(819)	292	(484)
Operating income (loss)		116,029	97,181	202,118	166,310
Interest expense, net		7,867	5,104	14,962	9,941
Debt retirement costs		1,600	0	1,600	0
Other (income) expense		(600)	(37)	(864)	29
Income before provision for income taxes		107,162	92,114	186,420	156,340
Provision for income taxes		40,736	36,191	72,272	60,864
Net income	[1]	66,426	55,923	114,148	95,476
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		2,376	1,624	3,871	2,876
Net income attributable to VCA Inc.		$ 64,050	$ 54,299	$ 110,277	$ 92,600
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.79	$ 0.66	$ 1.36	$ 1.13
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.78	$ 0.65	$ 1.35	$ 1.11
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)		80,835	81,956	80,806	82,150
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in shares)		81,729	83,084	81,630	83,227
[1]	Includes approximately $2.1 million and $1.6 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Condensed, Consolidated Statem5

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	[1]	$ 66,426	$ 55,923	$ 114,148	$ 95,476
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		32	4,411	12,630	(11,269)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		32	4,411	12,630	(11,269)
Total comprehensive income		66,458	60,334	126,778	84,207
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	2,446	1,761	4,294	2,541
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Inc.		$ 64,012	$ 58,573	$ 122,484	$ 81,666
[1]	Includes approximately $2.1 million and $1.6 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Condensed, Consolidated Statem6

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 2.1	$ 1.6

Condensed, Consolidated Statem7

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		82,937
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,211,621	$ 83	$ 155,802	$ 1,064,158	$ (19,397)	$ 10,975
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (excludes $877 and $749 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $1, 300 and $827 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	93,850			92,600		1,250
Other comprehensive income (excludes $136 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $168 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests)	(11,133)				(10,934)	(199)
Formation of noncontrolling interests	(14)					(14)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(1,118)					(1,118)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(690)		(217)			(473)
Share-based compensation	8,269		8,269
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		376
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	679		679
Stock repurchases, shares		(1,865)
Stock repurchases	(96,674)	$ (2)	(96,672)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,729		4,729
Ending Balances, shares at Jun. 30, 2015		81,448
Ending Balances at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 1,209,519	$ 81	72,590	1,156,758	(30,331)	10,421
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	80,764	80,764
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,257,034	$ 81	19,708	1,275,207	(50,034)	12,072
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (excludes $877 and $749 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $1, 300 and $827 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	112,021			110,277		1,744
Other comprehensive income (excludes $136 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $168 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests)	12,462				12,207	255
Formation of noncontrolling interests	88,949					88,949
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(1,166)					(1,166)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,730)		(1,822)			(1,908)
Share-based compensation	9,104		9,104
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares		117
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	1,122		1,122
Stock repurchases, shares		(18)
Stock repurchases	(843)		(843)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	1,421		1,421
Other	$ (79)		6			(85)
Ending Balances, shares at Jun. 30, 2016	80,863	80,863
Ending Balances at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 1,476,295	$ 81	$ 28,696	$ 1,385,484	$ (37,827)	$ 99,861

Condensed, Consolidated Statem8

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 1,300	$ 877
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	827	749
Other comprehensive loss related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 168	$ 136

Condensed, Consolidated Statem9

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	[1]	$ 114,148	$ 95,476
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		46,978	40,163
Amortization of debt issue costs		865	870
Provision for uncollectible accounts		2,891	3,379
Debt retirement costs		1,600	0
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets		292	(484)
Share-based compensation		9,104	8,269
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(1,421)	(4,729)
Other		6,665	(658)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		(7,065)	(24,217)
Inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets		(15,607)	(8,942)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		5,889	(4,196)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities		2,817	8,300
Income taxes		23,557	16,525
Net cash provided by operating activities		190,713	129,756
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(540,878)	(66,529)
Property and equipment additions		(58,814)	(34,521)
Proceeds from sale or disposal of assets		282	6,164
Other		(4,924)	205
Net cash used in investing activities		(604,334)	(94,681)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long-term obligations		(1,256,250)	(7,924)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations		1,255,000	0
Proceeds from revolving credit facility		435,000	61,000
Payment of financing costs		(3,829)	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests		(2,554)	(2,447)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(3,730)	(1,493)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans		1,122	679
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		1,421	4,729
Stock repurchases		(843)	(96,674)
Other		(1,233)	(80)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		424,104	(42,210)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		313	78
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		10,796	(7,057)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		98,888	81,383
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		109,684	74,326
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid		12,272	8,907
Income taxes paid		$ 47,326	$ 44,253
[1]	Includes approximately $2.1 million and $1.6 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Our company, VCA 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 Camp Bow Wow Franchising, Inc. (f/k/a D.O.G. Enterprises, LLC ("Camp Bow Wow"). Our operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments: Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Medical Technology and Camp Bow Wow operating segments are combined in our All Other category. See Note 8 , Lines of Business within these notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements. Our Animal Hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our Animal Hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At June 30, 2016 , we operated or managed 767 animal hospitals throughout 43 states and five 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 June 30, 2016 , we operated 60 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 Camp Bow Wow business franchises a premier provider of pet services including dog day care, overnight boarding, grooming and other ancillary services at specially designed pet care facilities, principally under the trademark Camp Bow Wow ® . As of June 30, 2016 , there were 129 Camp Bow Wow franchise locations operating in 34 states and one Canadian province. On December 31, 2015, our company sold substantially all of the assets of Vetstreet Inc. ("Vetstreet") to a subsidiary of Henry Schein, Inc.. Concurrent with the sale of Vetstreet, we purchased a 19.9% interest in the continuing Vetstreet business. Prior to the sale of Vetstreet, its results of operations were included in our "All Other" category. On May 1, 2016 , we acquired an 80% ownership interest in Companion Animal Practices, North America ("CAPNA"). CAPNA, founded in 2010 , is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and operates a network of 56 free standing animal hospitals in 18 states. CAPNA's results of operations are included in our Animal Hospital segment. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Our accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements as permitted under applicable rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2016 . For further information, refer to our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 2. Basis of Presentation, continued 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.

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived A

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Goodwill The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands): Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 1,402,106 $ 101,269 $ 144,332 $ 1,647,707 Accumulated impairment losses — — (130,057 ) (130,057 ) Subtotal 1,402,106 101,269 14,275 1,517,650 Goodwill acquired 434,323 — 512 434,835 Foreign translation adjustment 9,034 32 — 9,066 Other (1) 1,826 — — 1,826 Balance as of June 30, 2016 Goodwill 1,847,289 101,301 144,844 2,093,434 Accumulated impairment losses — — (130,057 ) (130,057 ) Subtotal $ 1,847,289 $ 101,301 $ 14,787 $ 1,963,377 ____________________________ (1) "Other" consists primarily of measurement period adjustments. Other Intangible Assets Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Non-contractual customer relationships $ 265,385 $ (61,093 ) $ 204,292 $ 116,082 $ (48,821 ) $ 67,261 Covenants not-to-compete 20,785 (6,083 ) 14,702 12,435 (4,779 ) 7,656 Favorable lease assets 9,461 (5,644 ) 3,817 9,441 (5,440 ) 4,001 Technology 1,377 (697 ) 680 1,377 (589 ) 788 Trademarks 25,866 (5,328 ) 20,538 10,551 (4,086 ) 6,465 Franchise rights 11,730 (2,151 ) 9,579 11,730 (1,564 ) 10,166 Total $ 334,604 $ (80,996 ) $ 253,608 $ 161,616 $ (65,279 ) $ 96,337 3. Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets, continued The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Aggregate amortization expense $ 9,798 $ 5,858 $ 16,026 $ 11,384 The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2016 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of June 30, 2016 , is as follows (in thousands): Finite-lived intangible assets: Remainder of 2016 $ 21,950 2017 39,150 2018 35,719 2019 32,723 2020 27,868 Thereafter 96,198 Total $ 253,608 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 4,040 Total intangible assets $ 257,648

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively: Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Animal Hospitals: Acquisitions 93 23 Acquisitions, merged (3 ) (2 ) Sold, closed or merged (5 ) (7 ) Net increase 85 14 Laboratories: Acquisitions — 1 Acquisitions, merged — (1 ) Net increase — — 4. Acquisitions, continued Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions The purchase price allocations for some of the 2016 animal hospital acquisitions included in the table below are preliminary; however, adjustments, if any, are not expected to be material. The measurement periods for purchase price allocations do not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals and labs acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, (in thousands): Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Consideration: Cash $ 188,329 $ 66,229 Cash acquired (970 ) — Cash, net of cash acquired $ 187,359 $ 66,229 Assumed debt 2,601 6,250 Holdbacks 4,148 2,522 Earn-outs 4,002 — Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 198,110 $ 75,001 Allocation of the Purchase Price: Tangible assets $ 21,521 $ 5,064 Identifiable intangible assets (1) 24,325 24,144 Goodwill (2) 153,012 46,440 Other liabilities assumed (437 ) (647 ) Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 198,421 $ 75,001 Noncontrolling interest (311 ) — Total $ 198,110 $ 75,001 ____________________________ (1) Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademarks and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted-average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately five years. The weighted-average amortization period for customer relationships, trademarks and covenants is approximately five years, seven years and five years, respectively. (2) We expect that $146.9 million and $35.5 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes. Included in the table above is Antech Diagnostics, Inc.'s March 31, 2015 acquisition of Abaxis Veterinary Reference Laboratory ("AVRL") for total consideration of $21.0 million . 4. Acquisitions, continued CAPNA Acquisition On May 1, 2016 , we acquired an 80% ownership interest in CAPNA for a preliminary purchase price of $351.1 million. CAPNA, founded in 2010 , is located in Las Vegas, Nevada and at the time of its acquisition, operated a network of 56 free standing animal hospitals in 18 states. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands): Consideration: Cash $ 353,554 Cash acquired (3,405 ) Cash, net of cash acquired $ 350,149 Holdbacks 1,000 Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 351,149 Allocation of the Purchase Price: Tangible assets $ 13,548 Identifiable intangible assets (1) 147,500 Goodwill (2) 281,311 Other liabilities assumed (2,572 ) Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 439,787 Noncontrolling interest (88,638 ) Total $ 351,149 ____________________________ (1) Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships, trademarks and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted-average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately nine years. The amortization periods for customer relationships, trademarks and covenants is ten years, five years and five years, respectively. (2) As of June 30, 2016, we expect that $225.0 million of goodwill recorded for this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes. The purchase price allocation for CAPNA is preliminary and is pending the valuation of certain items including, but not limited to, tangible and intangible assets, capital leases, operating leases, deferred income taxes and the noncontrolling interest. The final valuation of the net assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest is expected to be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the date of acquisition. Pro Forma Information The following pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 presents (i) the actual results of operations of our 2016 acquisitions and (ii) the combined results of operations for our company and our 2016 acquisitions as if those acquisitions had been completed on April 1, 2015 and January 1, 2015 , the first day of the comparable prior reporting periods, respectively. The pro forma financial information considers principally (i) our company’s financial results, (ii) the historical financial results of our acquisitions, and (iii) select pro forma adjustments to the historical financial results of our acquisitions. Such pro forma adjustments represent principally estimates of (i) the impact of the hypothetical 4. Acquisitions, continued amortization of acquired intangible assets, (ii) the recognition of fair value adjustments relating to tangible assets, (iii) adjustments reflecting the new capital structure, including additional financing or repayments of debt as part of the acquisitions and (iv) the tax effects of the acquisitions and related adjustments as if those acquisitions had been completed on April 1, 2015 and January 1, 2015 . The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations would have been had we completed the acquisition at the beginning of the comparable prior reporting periods. In addition, the pro forma financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of our company: Revenue Net Income (In thousands): Results of acquired businesses included in our three months ended June 30, 2016 actuals $ 57,148 $ 3,864 2016 supplemental pro forma from April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (1) $ 670,796 $ 64,324 2015 supplemental pro forma from April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 (1) $ 624,277 $ 57,579 Results of acquired businesses included in our six months ended June 30, 2016 actuals $ 68,776 $ 4,749 2016 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (2) $ 1,293,470 $ 112,222 2015 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 (2) $ 1,205,712 $ 97,319 ____________________________ (1) 2016 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to exclude $0.2 million of acquisition-related costs incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2016 . 2015 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to include these charges. (2) 2016 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to exclude $1.2 million of acquisition-related costs incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2016 . 2015 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to include these charges.

Other Accrued Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Accrued Liabilities	Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Deferred revenue $ 16,645 $ 14,647 Holdbacks and earn-outs 13,674 9,959 Accrued other insurance 5,950 5,013 Deferred rent 5,371 4,791 Accrued health insurance 5,014 4,952 Miscellaneous accrued taxes (1) 5,001 3,317 Accrued workers' compensation 4,019 3,212 Accrued accounting and legal fees 3,415 2,697 Customer deposits 1,966 2,971 Accrued lease payments 1,988 1,536 Other 18,864 17,733 $ 81,907 $ 70,828 ____________________________ (1) Includes property, sales and use taxes.

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	Long-Term Obligations New Senior Credit Facility On June 29, 2016 we entered into a new senior credit facility with various lenders for approximately $1.7 billion of senior secured credit facilities with Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent, swingline lender and Letter of Credit issuer, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, Suntrust Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as co-syndication agents (the "New Senior Credit Facility). The New Senior Credit Facility replaced our previous senior credit facility which provided for $600 million of term notes and an $800 million revolving credit facility. The New Senior Credit Facility provides for $880 million of senior secured term notes and an $800 million senior secured revolving facility, which may be used to borrow, on a same-day notice under a swing line, the lesser of $25 million and the aggregate unused amount of the revolving credit facility then in effect. In addition to refinancing all outstanding amounts under our previous senior credit facility, borrowings under our New Senior Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purchases, including permitted share repurchases. At June 30, 2016 , we had $375 million in outstanding borrowings under the new senior secured revolving facility, which funds were used together with the proceeds from the $880 million of new senior secured term notes to refinance amounts outstanding under our previous senior credit facility. In connection with the New Senior Credit Facility, we incurred $3.8 million in financing costs, of which approximately $3.2 million were capitalized as deferred financing costs. The remaining $0.6 million of financing costs were expensed as debt retirement costs, along with an additional $1.0 million of previously capitalized deferred financing costs associated with lenders under our previous senior credit facility who are not lenders under our New Senior Credit Facility. During the current fiscal year, ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 were adopted. In accordance with ASU 2015-03, the table below presents debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the face amount of the corresponding notes in the current period and retrospectively in the prior fiscal year end. 6. Long-Term Obligations, continued Long-term obligations consisted of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Senior term notes Principal amount $ 880,000 $ 585,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (2,937 ) (2,408 ) Senior term notes less unamortized debt issuance costs, secured by assets, variable interest rate (2.22% and 1.92% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) (1) $ 877,063 $ 582,592 Revolving credit Principal amount $ 375,000 $ 232,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (4,549 ) (3,725 ) Revolving line of credit less unamortized debt issuance costs, secured by assets, variable interest rate (2.24% and 1.92% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) (1) $ 370,451 $ 228,275 Secured seller note Notes payable matures in 2016, secured by assets and stock of certain subsidiaries, with interest rate of 10.0% 230 230 Total debt obligations 1,247,744 811,097 Capital lease obligations and other debt 57,689 55,244 1,305,433 866,341 Less — current portion (25,980 ) (33,623 ) $ 1,279,453 $ 832,718 ____________________________ (1) Notes payable and the revolving line of credit at June 30, 2016 mature in 2021 under the New Senior Credit Facility. Notes payable and the revolving line of credit at December 31, 2015 were due to mature in 2019 under the previous senior credit facility dated August 27, 2014. Interest Rate. In general, borrowings under the New Senior Credit Facility (including swing line borrowings) bear interest, at our option, on either: • the base rate (as defined below) plus the applicable margin of 0.75% (Pricing Tier 2, see table below) per annum; or • the Eurodollar rate (as defined below), plus a margin of 1.75% (Pricing Tier 2, see table below) per annum Each of the aforementioned margins remain applicable until the date of delivery of the compliance certificate and the financial statements, for the period ended September 30, 2016 , at which time the applicable margin will be determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the following table: 6. Long-Term Obligations, continued Pricing Tier Consolidated Leverage Ratio Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans Commitment Fee 1 ≥ 3.50:1.00 2.00 % 1.00 % 0.40 % 2 < 3.50:1.00 and ≥ 2.75:1.00 1.75 % 0.75 % 0.35 % 3 < 2.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00 1.50 % 0.50 % 0.30 % 4 < 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00 1.25 % 0.25 % 0.25 % 5 < 1.00:1.00 1.00 % — % 0.25 % The base rate for the senior term notes is a rate per annum equal to the highest of the (a) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) Bank of America, N.A.'s ("Bank of America") prime rate in effect on such day, and (c) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.0%. The Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), or a comparable or successor rate which is approved by Bank of America. Maturity and Principal Payments. The senior term notes mature on June 29, 2021 . Principal payments on the senior term notes of $5.5 million are due each calendar quarter from September 30, 2016 to and including June 30, 2017 , $11.0 million are due each calendar quarter from September 30, 2017 to and including June 30, 2019 , $16.5 million are due each calendar quarter from September 30, 2019 to and including June 30, 2020 and $22.0 million are due each calendar quarter thereafter with a final payment of the outstanding principal balance due upon maturity. The revolving credit facility has a per annum commitment fee determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio in effect from time to time and is applied to the unused portion of the commitment. The revolving credit facility matures on June 29, 2021 . Principal payments on the revolving credit facility are made at our discretion with the entire unpaid amount due at maturity. At June 30, 2016 , we had borrowings of $375.0 million under our revolving credit facility. The following table sets forth the scheduled principal payments for our senior credit facility (in thousands): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Senior term notes $ 11,000 $ 33,000 $ 44,000 $ 55,000 $ 77,000 $ 660,000 Revolving loans — — — — — 375,000 $ 11,000 $ 33,000 $ 44,000 $ 55,000 $ 77,000 $ 1,035,000 Guarantees and Security. We and each of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries guarantee the outstanding indebtedness under the New Senior Credit Facility. Any borrowings, along with the guarantees of the domestic subsidiaries, are further secured by a pledge of substantially all of our consolidated assets, including 65% of the voting equity and 100% of the non-voting equity interest in each of our foreign subsidiaries. Debt Covenants. The New Senior Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants pertaining to interest coverage and leverage ratios. In addition, the New Senior Credit Facility has restrictions pertaining to the payment of cash dividends on all classes of stock. At June 30, 2016 , we had a interest coverage ratio of 19.09 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no less than 3.00 to 1.00, and a leverage ratio of 2.68 to 1.00, which was in compliance with the required ratio of no more than 4.00 to 1.00.

Calculation of Earnings per Sha

Calculation of Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 Inc. by the weighted- 7. Calculation of Earnings per Share, continued 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 Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to VCA Inc. $ 64,050 $ 54,299 $ 110,277 $ 92,600 Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic 80,835 81,956 80,806 82,150 Effect of dilutive potential common shares: Stock options 295 334 294 337 Non-vested shares and units 599 794 530 740 Diluted 81,729 83,084 81,630 83,227 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.79 $ 0.66 $ 1.36 $ 1.13 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.78 $ 0.65 $ 1.35 $ 1.11 For the three months ended June 30, 2016 , there were 21,122 potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect. There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2015 . For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, potential common shares of 24,047 and 38,120 , 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Lines of Business	Lines of Business Our Animal Hospital and Laboratory business segments are each considered reportable segments in accordance with the FASB's guidance related to Segment Reporting. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in the “All Other” category in the following tables are our Medical Technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market, and our Camp Bow Wow business, which primarily franchises a premier provider of pet services including dog day care, overnight boarding, grooming and other ancillary services at specially designed pet care facilities. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments. The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2015 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. 8. Lines of Business, continued The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands): Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Corporate Eliminations Total Three Months Ended External revenue $ 540,376 $ 93,265 $ 18,656 $ — $ 1,192 $ 653,489 Intercompany revenue — 18,795 4,741 — (23,536 ) — Total revenue 540,376 112,060 23,397 — (22,344 ) 653,489 Direct costs 445,697 51,513 14,480 — (22,149 ) 489,541 Gross profit 94,679 60,547 8,917 — (195 ) 163,948 Selling, general and administrative expense 14,277 9,702 6,022 18,189 — 48,190 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 80,402 50,845 2,895 (18,189 ) (195 ) 115,758 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (132 ) (35 ) 3 (107 ) — (271 ) Operating income (loss) $ 80,534 $ 50,880 $ 2,892 $ (18,082 ) $ (195 ) $ 116,029 Depreciation and amortization $ 21,875 $ 2,839 $ 904 $ 668 $ (597 ) $ 25,689 Property and equipment additions $ 25,486 $ 4,750 $ 1,485 $ 2,336 $ (1,049 ) $ 33,008 Three Months Ended External revenue $ 435,376 $ 89,707 $ 22,818 $ — $ 884 $ 548,785 Intercompany revenue — 16,515 5,851 — (22,366 ) — Total revenue 435,376 106,222 28,669 — (21,482 ) 548,785 Direct costs 361,991 49,519 17,280 — (20,852 ) 407,938 Gross profit 73,385 56,703 11,389 — (630 ) 140,847 Selling, general and administrative expense 10,453 9,487 7,741 16,804 — 44,485 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 62,932 47,216 3,648 (16,804 ) (630 ) 96,362 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (914 ) 35 11 49 — (819 ) Operating income (loss) $ 63,846 $ 47,181 $ 3,637 $ (16,853 ) $ (630 ) $ 97,181 Depreciation and amortization $ 16,440 $ 2,705 $ 1,176 $ 575 $ (530 ) $ 20,366 Property and equipment additions $ 13,995 $ 2,862 $ 500 $ 1,512 $ (874 ) $ 17,995 8. Lines of Business, continued Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Corporate Eliminations Total Six Months Ended External revenue $ 998,999 $ 182,505 $ 33,110 $ — $ 2,314 $ 1,216,928 Intercompany revenue — 36,282 9,700 — (45,982 ) — Total revenue 998,999 218,787 42,810 — (43,668 ) 1,216,928 Direct costs 830,903 101,524 26,983 — (43,210 ) 916,200 Gross profit 168,096 117,263 15,827 — (458 ) 300,728 Selling, general and administrative expense 26,362 19,998 11,321 40,637 — 98,318 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 141,734 97,265 4,506 (40,637 ) (458 ) 202,410 Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets 443 (35 ) 3 (119 ) — 292 Operating income (loss) $ 141,291 $ 97,300 $ 4,503 $ (40,518 ) $ (458 ) $ 202,118 Depreciation and amortization $ 39,448 $ 5,620 $ 1,787 $ 1,306 $ (1,183 ) $ 46,978 Property and equipment additions $ 44,030 $ 9,402 $ 2,092 $ 5,187 $ (1,897 ) $ 58,814 Six Months Ended External revenue $ 828,402 $ 168,516 $ 49,351 $ — $ 1,969 $ 1,048,238 Intercompany revenue — 31,678 13,545 — (45,223 ) — Total revenue 828,402 200,194 62,896 — (43,254 ) 1,048,238 Direct costs 699,533 95,509 40,083 — (41,596 ) 793,529 Gross profit 128,869 104,685 22,813 — (1,658 ) 254,709 Selling, general and administrative expense 21,674 18,352 16,428 32,429 — 88,883 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 107,195 86,333 6,385 (32,429 ) (1,658 ) 165,826 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (620 ) 41 20 75 — (484 ) Operating income (loss) $ 107,815 $ 86,292 $ 6,365 $ (32,504 ) $ (1,658 ) $ 166,310 Depreciation and amortization $ 32,512 $ 5,209 $ 2,328 $ 1,167 $ (1,053 ) $ 40,163 Property and equipment additions $ 26,077 $ 6,078 $ 1,300 $ 2,576 $ (1,510 ) $ 34,521 At June 30, 2016 Total assets $ 2,888,883 $ 326,719 $ 68,336 $ 1,338,562 $ (1,443,373 ) $ 3,179,127 At December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 2,186,959 $ 306,296 $ 73,491 $ 471,112 $ (536,726 ) $ 2,501,132

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows: a. Earn-Out Payments We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon fulfillment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods have expired. If the specified financial criteria are satisfied, we will be obligated to pay an additional $ 8.5 million . In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, contingent consideration, such as earn-outs, are recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. A liability is initially recorded based upon its acquisition date fair value. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable for each reporting period. The fair value is determined using a contractually stated formula using either a multiple of revenue or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). The formulas used to determine the estimated fair value are Level 3 inputs. The changes in fair value were immaterial to our condensed, consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. We recorded $6.5 million and $ 3.5 million in earn-out liabilities as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets. b. Legal Proceedings On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and 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. On May 7, 2014, we obtained partial summary judgment, dismissing four of eight claims of the complaint, including the claims for failure to pay regular and overtime wages. A PAGA claim remains however it is unlikely to remain viable given the Court’s ruling that meal and rest break claims are individualized. We intend to continue to vigorously defend against the remaining claim in this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole. On July 16, 2014, two additional former veterinary assistants filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled La Kimba Bradsbery and Cheri Brakensiek vs. Vicar Operating, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants, kennel assistants, and client service representatives employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay regular and overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, improperly failed to pay reporting time pay, improperly failed to reimburse for certain business-related expenses, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs. In September 2014, the court issued an order staying the La Kimba Bradsbery lawsuit, which stay remains in place. If the stay is lifted, we intend to vigorously defend against the Bradsbery action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole. On July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit sought 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 periods. The lawsuit sought damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including 9. Commitments and Contingencies, continued attorneys' fees and costs. The parties agreed to settle the action, on a class-wide basis, for an amount not to exceed $1,250,000 . Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, has agreed to pay half of the claim. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2016 , we have accrued the remaining fifty percent. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing or acceptance of fault by any of the defendants named in the complaint. Antech Diagnostics and Logistics Delivery Solutions agreed to the settlement to eliminate the uncertainties, risk, distraction and expense associated with protracted litigation. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on November 30, 2015 and issued an order granting final approval of the settlement on March 25, 2016. On April 11, 2016, the Court entered the Judgment approving the settlement and the judgment went into effect on June 1, 2016. The final settlement amount was $903,338.92 half of which was paid by DSA pursuant to our agreement. Payments to class members were made in early July 2016 and this matter is now closed. On May 12, 2014, an individual client who purchased goods and services from one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, titled Tony M. Graham vs. VCA Antech, Inc. and VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of the plaintiff and other individuals who purchased similar goods and services from our animal hospitals and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly charged such individuals for “biohazard waste management” in connection with the services performed. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified amounts, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs. VCA successfully had the venue transferred to the Southern District of California. The parties have engaged in extensive discovery. Plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification on February 12, 2016. The Defendants’ Opposition to the class certification is due in May 2016. As of late July 2016, VCA has filed a reply to Defendants’ Opposition to class certification as well as a Summary Judgment Motion and Reply to Defendants’ Opposition to the Summary Judgment Motion. A hearing on class certification and summary judgment is scheduled for mid-August. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this action. At this time, we are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position taken as a whole. In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets. a. Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value, and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income. The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): Income Statement Impact Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 9,405 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 749 Redemption value change (78 ) 671 Purchase of noncontrolling interests (803 ) Distribution to noncontrolling interests (728 ) Currency translation adjustment (136 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 8,409 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,588 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 827 Redemption value change 16 843 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (761 ) Currency translation adjustment 168 Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,838 10. Noncontrolling Interests, continued b. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the noncontrolling interest partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the noncontrolling interest partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated statements of income. The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands): Income Statement Impact Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 11,077 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 681 Redemption value change 196 877 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (771 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 11,183 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 11,511 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 820 Redemption value change 480 1,300 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (758 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 12,053

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-12, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ” to improve the guidance on Topic 606 in assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU are the same as ASU 2014-09. Since the effective date of ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 by one year, ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-10 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted only as of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update).” This ASU rescinds the SEC paragraphs contained on Topics 605 and 815 pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF meeting. This ASU is effective upon the adoption of both ASU 2014-09 and 2014-16. ASU 2014-16 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not applicable to us. Please refer to the discussion below on ASU 2016-10 for the effective date of ASU 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ” to clarify some issues on Topic 606 that arose on the identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU are the same as ASU 2014-09. Since the effective date of ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 by one year, ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-10 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted only as of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “ Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, ” as part of the Board’s Simplification Initiative. The areas for simplification in this Update involves several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). ” The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 , "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of Update 2014-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-07, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.” The amendments in this Update eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments in this Update require that an entity that 11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier adoption is permitted. No additional disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842) Section A-Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section B-Conforming Amendments Related to Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section C-Background Information and Basis for Conclusions.” The amendments in this Update affect any entity that enters into a lease with some specified scope exemptions and supersedes Topic 840, Leases. The main difference between previous GAAP and Topic 842 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial position. A lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. When measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, a lessee (and a lessor) should include payments to be made in optional periods only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” An entity should present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. For public business entities, this Update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	The accounting policies of our segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2015 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.
Noncontrolling Interests	We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-12, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ” to improve the guidance on Topic 606 in assessing collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU are the same as ASU 2014-09. Since the effective date of ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 by one year, ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-10 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted only as of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting (SEC Update).” This ASU rescinds the SEC paragraphs contained on Topics 605 and 815 pursuant to the SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF meeting. This ASU is effective upon the adoption of both ASU 2014-09 and 2014-16. ASU 2014-16 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not applicable to us. Please refer to the discussion below on ASU 2016-10 for the effective date of ASU 2014-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ” to clarify some issues on Topic 606 that arose on the identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The effective date and transition requirements of this ASU are the same as ASU 2014-09. Since the effective date of ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 by one year, ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-10 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted only as of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, “ Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, ” as part of the Board’s Simplification Initiative. The areas for simplification in this Update involves several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). ” The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 , "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)," which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of Update 2014-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-07, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.” The amendments in this Update eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments in this Update require that an entity that 11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier adoption is permitted. No additional disclosures are required at transition. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842) Section A-Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section B-Conforming Amendments Related to Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification®; Section C-Background Information and Basis for Conclusions.” The amendments in this Update affect any entity that enters into a lease with some specified scope exemptions and supersedes Topic 840, Leases. The main difference between previous GAAP and Topic 842 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP which did not require lease assets and lease liabilities to be recognized for most leases. The lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases should be recognized in the statement of financial position. A lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. When measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, a lessee (and a lessor) should include payments to be made in optional periods only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” An entity should present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. For public business entities, this Update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect this adoption to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interests	Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value, and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the noncontrolling interest partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the noncontrolling interest partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived22

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (in thousands): Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 1,402,106 $ 101,269 $ 144,332 $ 1,647,707 Accumulated impairment losses — — (130,057 ) (130,057 ) Subtotal 1,402,106 101,269 14,275 1,517,650 Goodwill acquired 434,323 — 512 434,835 Foreign translation adjustment 9,034 32 — 9,066 Other (1) 1,826 — — 1,826 Balance as of June 30, 2016 Goodwill 1,847,289 101,301 144,844 2,093,434 Accumulated impairment losses — — (130,057 ) (130,057 ) Subtotal $ 1,847,289 $ 101,301 $ 14,787 $ 1,963,377 ____________________________ (1) "Other" consists primarily of measurement period adjustments.
Summary of Other Intangible Assets	Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): As of June 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Non-contractual customer relationships $ 265,385 $ (61,093 ) $ 204,292 $ 116,082 $ (48,821 ) $ 67,261 Covenants not-to-compete 20,785 (6,083 ) 14,702 12,435 (4,779 ) 7,656 Favorable lease assets 9,461 (5,644 ) 3,817 9,441 (5,440 ) 4,001 Technology 1,377 (697 ) 680 1,377 (589 ) 788 Trademarks 25,866 (5,328 ) 20,538 10,551 (4,086 ) 6,465 Franchise rights 11,730 (2,151 ) 9,579 11,730 (1,564 ) 10,166 Total $ 334,604 $ (80,996 ) $ 253,608 $ 161,616 $ (65,279 ) $ 96,337
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Aggregate amortization expense $ 9,798 $ 5,858 $ 16,026 $ 11,384 The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2016 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of June 30, 2016 , is as follows (in thousands): Finite-lived intangible assets: Remainder of 2016 $ 21,950 2017 39,150 2018 35,719 2019 32,723 2020 27,868 Thereafter 96,198 Total $ 253,608 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 4,040 Total intangible assets $ 257,648
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Indefinite Intangible Assets	The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2016 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of June 30, 2016 , is as follows (in thousands): Finite-lived intangible assets: Remainder of 2016 $ 21,950 2017 39,150 2018 35,719 2019 32,723 2020 27,868 Thereafter 96,198 Total $ 253,608 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 4,040 Total intangible assets $ 257,648

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively: Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Animal Hospitals: Acquisitions 93 23 Acquisitions, merged (3 ) (2 ) Sold, closed or merged (5 ) (7 ) Net increase 85 14 Laboratories: Acquisitions — 1 Acquisitions, merged — (1 ) Net increase — —
Schedule of Pro Forma Information	In addition, the pro forma financial information does not attempt to project the future results of operations of our company: Revenue Net Income (In thousands): Results of acquired businesses included in our three months ended June 30, 2016 actuals $ 57,148 $ 3,864 2016 supplemental pro forma from April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (1) $ 670,796 $ 64,324 2015 supplemental pro forma from April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 (1) $ 624,277 $ 57,579 Results of acquired businesses included in our six months ended June 30, 2016 actuals $ 68,776 $ 4,749 2016 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 (2) $ 1,293,470 $ 112,222 2015 supplemental pro forma from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 (2) $ 1,205,712 $ 97,319 ____________________________ (1) 2016 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to exclude $0.2 million of acquisition-related costs incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2016 . 2015 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to include these charges. (2) 2016 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to exclude $1.2 million of acquisition-related costs incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2016 . 2015 supplemental pro forma net income attributable to VCA was adjusted to include these charges.
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals and labs acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, (in thousands): Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Consideration: Cash $ 188,329 $ 66,229 Cash acquired (970 ) — Cash, net of cash acquired $ 187,359 $ 66,229 Assumed debt 2,601 6,250 Holdbacks 4,148 2,522 Earn-outs 4,002 — Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 198,110 $ 75,001 Allocation of the Purchase Price: Tangible assets $ 21,521 $ 5,064 Identifiable intangible assets (1) 24,325 24,144 Goodwill (2) 153,012 46,440 Other liabilities assumed (437 ) (647 ) Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 198,421 $ 75,001 Noncontrolling interest (311 ) — Total $ 198,110 $ 75,001 ____________________________ (1) Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships, trademarks and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted-average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately five years. The weighted-average amortization period for customer relationships, trademarks and covenants is approximately five years, seven years and five years, respectively. (2) We expect that $146.9 million and $35.5 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
Companion Animal Practices, North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands): Consideration: Cash $ 353,554 Cash acquired (3,405 ) Cash, net of cash acquired $ 350,149 Holdbacks 1,000 Fair value of total consideration transferred $ 351,149 Allocation of the Purchase Price: Tangible assets $ 13,548 Identifiable intangible assets (1) 147,500 Goodwill (2) 281,311 Other liabilities assumed (2,572 ) Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 439,787 Noncontrolling interest (88,638 ) Total $ 351,149 ____________________________ (1) Identifiable intangible assets primarily include customer relationships, trademarks and covenants-not-to-compete. The weighted-average amortization period for the total identifiable intangible assets is approximately nine years. The amortization periods for customer relationships, trademarks and covenants is ten years, five years and five years, respectively. (2) As of June 30, 2016, we expect that $225.0 million of goodwill recorded for this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Accrued Liabilities	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Deferred revenue $ 16,645 $ 14,647 Holdbacks and earn-outs 13,674 9,959 Accrued other insurance 5,950 5,013 Deferred rent 5,371 4,791 Accrued health insurance 5,014 4,952 Miscellaneous accrued taxes (1) 5,001 3,317 Accrued workers' compensation 4,019 3,212 Accrued accounting and legal fees 3,415 2,697 Customer deposits 1,966 2,971 Accrued lease payments 1,988 1,536 Other 18,864 17,733 $ 81,907 $ 70,828 ____________________________ (1) Includes property, sales and use taxes.

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	Long-term obligations consisted of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Senior term notes Principal amount $ 880,000 $ 585,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (2,937 ) (2,408 ) Senior term notes less unamortized debt issuance costs, secured by assets, variable interest rate (2.22% and 1.92% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) (1) $ 877,063 $ 582,592 Revolving credit Principal amount $ 375,000 $ 232,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (4,549 ) (3,725 ) Revolving line of credit less unamortized debt issuance costs, secured by assets, variable interest rate (2.24% and 1.92% at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively) (1) $ 370,451 $ 228,275 Secured seller note Notes payable matures in 2016, secured by assets and stock of certain subsidiaries, with interest rate of 10.0% 230 230 Total debt obligations 1,247,744 811,097 Capital lease obligations and other debt 57,689 55,244 1,305,433 866,341 Less — current portion (25,980 ) (33,623 ) $ 1,279,453 $ 832,718 ____________________________ (1) Notes payable and the revolving line of credit at June 30, 2016 mature in 2021 under the New Senior Credit Facility. Notes payable and the revolving line of credit at December 31, 2015 were due to mature in 2019 under the previous senior credit facility dated August 27, 2014.
Schedule of Percentage Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans and Commitment Fee	Each of the aforementioned margins remain applicable until the date of delivery of the compliance certificate and the financial statements, for the period ended September 30, 2016 , at which time the applicable margin will be determined by reference to the leverage ratio in effect from time to time as set forth in the following table: 6. Long-Term Obligations, continued Pricing Tier Consolidated Leverage Ratio Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans Commitment Fee 1 ≥ 3.50:1.00 2.00 % 1.00 % 0.40 % 2 < 3.50:1.00 and ≥ 2.75:1.00 1.75 % 0.75 % 0.35 % 3 < 2.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.75:1.00 1.50 % 0.50 % 0.30 % 4 < 1.75:1.00 and ≥ 1.00:1.00 1.25 % 0.25 % 0.25 % 5 < 1.00:1.00 1.00 % — % 0.25 %
Schedule of Principal Payments for Senior Term Notes	The following table sets forth the scheduled principal payments for our senior credit facility (in thousands): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Senior term notes $ 11,000 $ 33,000 $ 44,000 $ 55,000 $ 77,000 $ 660,000 Revolving loans — — — — — 375,000 $ 11,000 $ 33,000 $ 44,000 $ 55,000 $ 77,000 $ 1,035,000

Calculation of Earnings per S26

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income attributable to VCA Inc. $ 64,050 $ 54,299 $ 110,277 $ 92,600 Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic 80,835 81,956 80,806 82,150 Effect of dilutive potential common shares: Stock options 295 334 294 337 Non-vested shares and units 599 794 530 740 Diluted 81,729 83,084 81,630 83,227 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.79 $ 0.66 $ 1.36 $ 1.13 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.78 $ 0.65 $ 1.35 $ 1.11

Lines of Business (Tables)

Lines of Business (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Lines of Business	The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands): Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Corporate Eliminations Total Three Months Ended External revenue $ 540,376 $ 93,265 $ 18,656 $ — $ 1,192 $ 653,489 Intercompany revenue — 18,795 4,741 — (23,536 ) — Total revenue 540,376 112,060 23,397 — (22,344 ) 653,489 Direct costs 445,697 51,513 14,480 — (22,149 ) 489,541 Gross profit 94,679 60,547 8,917 — (195 ) 163,948 Selling, general and administrative expense 14,277 9,702 6,022 18,189 — 48,190 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 80,402 50,845 2,895 (18,189 ) (195 ) 115,758 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (132 ) (35 ) 3 (107 ) — (271 ) Operating income (loss) $ 80,534 $ 50,880 $ 2,892 $ (18,082 ) $ (195 ) $ 116,029 Depreciation and amortization $ 21,875 $ 2,839 $ 904 $ 668 $ (597 ) $ 25,689 Property and equipment additions $ 25,486 $ 4,750 $ 1,485 $ 2,336 $ (1,049 ) $ 33,008 Three Months Ended External revenue $ 435,376 $ 89,707 $ 22,818 $ — $ 884 $ 548,785 Intercompany revenue — 16,515 5,851 — (22,366 ) — Total revenue 435,376 106,222 28,669 — (21,482 ) 548,785 Direct costs 361,991 49,519 17,280 — (20,852 ) 407,938 Gross profit 73,385 56,703 11,389 — (630 ) 140,847 Selling, general and administrative expense 10,453 9,487 7,741 16,804 — 44,485 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 62,932 47,216 3,648 (16,804 ) (630 ) 96,362 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (914 ) 35 11 49 — (819 ) Operating income (loss) $ 63,846 $ 47,181 $ 3,637 $ (16,853 ) $ (630 ) $ 97,181 Depreciation and amortization $ 16,440 $ 2,705 $ 1,176 $ 575 $ (530 ) $ 20,366 Property and equipment additions $ 13,995 $ 2,862 $ 500 $ 1,512 $ (874 ) $ 17,995 8. Lines of Business, continued Animal Hospital Laboratory All Other Corporate Eliminations Total Six Months Ended External revenue $ 998,999 $ 182,505 $ 33,110 $ — $ 2,314 $ 1,216,928 Intercompany revenue — 36,282 9,700 — (45,982 ) — Total revenue 998,999 218,787 42,810 — (43,668 ) 1,216,928 Direct costs 830,903 101,524 26,983 — (43,210 ) 916,200 Gross profit 168,096 117,263 15,827 — (458 ) 300,728 Selling, general and administrative expense 26,362 19,998 11,321 40,637 — 98,318 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 141,734 97,265 4,506 (40,637 ) (458 ) 202,410 Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets 443 (35 ) 3 (119 ) — 292 Operating income (loss) $ 141,291 $ 97,300 $ 4,503 $ (40,518 ) $ (458 ) $ 202,118 Depreciation and amortization $ 39,448 $ 5,620 $ 1,787 $ 1,306 $ (1,183 ) $ 46,978 Property and equipment additions $ 44,030 $ 9,402 $ 2,092 $ 5,187 $ (1,897 ) $ 58,814 Six Months Ended External revenue $ 828,402 $ 168,516 $ 49,351 $ — $ 1,969 $ 1,048,238 Intercompany revenue — 31,678 13,545 — (45,223 ) — Total revenue 828,402 200,194 62,896 — (43,254 ) 1,048,238 Direct costs 699,533 95,509 40,083 — (41,596 ) 793,529 Gross profit 128,869 104,685 22,813 — (1,658 ) 254,709 Selling, general and administrative expense 21,674 18,352 16,428 32,429 — 88,883 Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets 107,195 86,333 6,385 (32,429 ) (1,658 ) 165,826 Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets (620 ) 41 20 75 — (484 ) Operating income (loss) $ 107,815 $ 86,292 $ 6,365 $ (32,504 ) $ (1,658 ) $ 166,310 Depreciation and amortization $ 32,512 $ 5,209 $ 2,328 $ 1,167 $ (1,053 ) $ 40,163 Property and equipment additions $ 26,077 $ 6,078 $ 1,300 $ 2,576 $ (1,510 ) $ 34,521 At June 30, 2016 Total assets $ 2,888,883 $ 326,719 $ 68,336 $ 1,338,562 $ (1,443,373 ) $ 3,179,127 At December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 2,186,959 $ 306,296 $ 73,491 $ 471,112 $ (536,726 ) $ 2,501,132

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands): Income Statement Impact Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 9,405 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 749 Redemption value change (78 ) 671 Purchase of noncontrolling interests (803 ) Distribution to noncontrolling interests (728 ) Currency translation adjustment (136 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 8,409 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 8,588 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 827 Redemption value change 16 843 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (761 ) Currency translation adjustment 168 Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 8,838
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands): Income Statement Impact Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 11,077 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 681 Redemption value change 196 877 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (771 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 11,183 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 11,511 Noncontrolling interest expense $ 820 Redemption value change 480 1,300 Distribution to noncontrolling interests (758 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 12,053

Nature of Operations (Details)

Nature of Operations (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016day_care_locationprovinceprovincesLaboratoryHospitalsegmentStatereportable_segment	May 01, 2016HospitalState	Dec. 31, 2015
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	4
Number of reportable segments | reportable_segment	2
Number of hospitals operated | Hospital	767
Number of states in which hospitals are operated	43
Number of Canadian Provinces | provinces	5
Number of states in which the company operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network	50
Number of laboratories operated | Laboratory	60
Companion Animal Practices, North America
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of hospitals operated | Hospital		56
Number of states in which hospitals are operated		18
Percentage of ownership interest		80.00%
Vetstreet
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage of cumulative ownership			19.90%
Camp Bow Wow
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of dog boarding and day care service locations operated | day_care_location	129
Number of states in which the entity operates	34
Number of Canadian Provinces in which entity operates | province	1

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived30

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,647,707
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(130,057)
Subtotal, beginning balance	1,517,650
Goodwill acquired	434,835
Foreign translation adjustment	9,066
Other	1,826
Goodwill, ending balance	2,093,434
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(130,057)
Subtotal, ending balance	1,963,377
Animal Hospital
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,402,106
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Subtotal, beginning balance	1,402,106
Goodwill acquired	434,323
Foreign translation adjustment	9,034
Other	1,826
Goodwill, ending balance	1,847,289
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Subtotal, ending balance	1,847,289
Laboratory
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	101,269
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Subtotal, beginning balance	101,269
Goodwill acquired	0
Foreign translation adjustment	32
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	101,301
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Subtotal, ending balance	101,301
All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	144,332
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(130,057)
Subtotal, beginning balance	14,275
Goodwill acquired	512
Foreign translation adjustment	0
Other	0
Goodwill, ending balance	144,844
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(130,057)
Subtotal, ending balance	$ 14,787

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived31

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 334,604	$ 161,616
Accumulated Amortization	(80,996)	(65,279)
Total	253,608	96,337
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,866	10,551
Accumulated Amortization	(5,328)	(4,086)
Total	20,538	6,465
Non-contractual customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	265,385	116,082
Accumulated Amortization	(61,093)	(48,821)
Total	204,292	67,261
Covenants not-to-compete
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	20,785	12,435
Accumulated Amortization	(6,083)	(4,779)
Total	14,702	7,656
Favorable lease assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	9,461	9,441
Accumulated Amortization	(5,644)	(5,440)
Total	3,817	4,001
Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,377	1,377
Accumulated Amortization	(697)	(589)
Total	680	788
Franchise rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	11,730	11,730
Accumulated Amortization	(2,151)	(1,564)
Total	$ 9,579	$ 10,166

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived32

Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets - Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate amortization expense	$ 9,798	$ 5,858	$ 16,026	$ 11,384
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Remainder of 2016	21,950		21,950
2,017	39,150		39,150
2,018	35,719		35,719
2,019	32,723		32,723
2,020	27,868		27,868
Thereafter	96,198		96,198
Total	253,608		253,608		$ 96,337
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	4,040		4,040
Total intangible assets	$ 257,648		$ 257,648		$ 97,377

Acquisitions - Acquisition and

Acquisitions - Acquisition and Disposal Activity (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016LaboratoryHospital	Jun. 30, 2015LaboratoryHospital
Animal Hospital
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions	93	23
Acquisitions, merged	(3)	(2)
Sold, closed or merged	(5)	(7)
Net increase	85	14
Laboratories Acquisitions
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]
Acquisitions | Laboratory	0	1
Acquisitions, merged | Laboratory	0	(1)
Net increase | Laboratory	0	0

Acquisitions - Animal Hospital

Acquisitions - Animal Hospital and Laboratory Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash acquired	$ 540,878	$ 66,529
Earn-outs	6,500		$ 3,500
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Goodwill	1,963,377		$ 1,517,650
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions
Consideration:
Cash	188,329	66,229
Cash acquired	(970)	0
Cash, net of cash acquired	187,359	66,229
Assumed debt	2,601	6,250
Holdbacks	4,148	2,522
Earn-outs	4,002	0
Fair value of total consideration transferred	198,110	75,001
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	21,521	5,064
Identifiable intangible assets	24,325	24,144
Goodwill	153,012	46,440
Other liabilities assumed	(437)	(647)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	198,421	75,001
Noncontrolling interest	(311)	0
Total	$ 198,110	75,001
Weighted average amortization period	5 years
Goodwill recorded for acquisitions, fully deductible for income tax purposes	$ 146,900	$ 35,500
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions | Customer Relationships
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	5 years
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions | Trademarks
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	7 years
Animal Hospitals And Laboratory Acquisitions | Covenants
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	5 years

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Abaxis Veterinary Reference Laboratory
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 21

Acquisitions - Companion Animal

Acquisitions - Companion Animal Practices, North America Acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2016USD ($)HospitalState	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)HospitalState	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of hospitals operated | Hospital		767
Number of states in which hospitals are operated | State		43
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash acquired		$ 540,878	$ 66,529
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Goodwill		1,963,377		$ 1,517,650
Companion Animal Practices, North America
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest	80.00%
Number of hospitals operated | Hospital	56
Number of states in which hospitals are operated | State	18
Consideration:
Cash	$ 353,554
Cash acquired	(3,405)
Cash, net of cash acquired	350,149
Holdbacks	1,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred	351,149
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Tangible assets	13,548
Identifiable intangible assets	147,500
Goodwill	281,311
Other liabilities assumed	(2,572)
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	439,787
Noncontrolling interest	(88,638)
Total	$ 351,149
Weighted average amortization period	9 years
Goodwill recorded for acquisitions, fully deductible for income tax purposes		$ 225,000
Companion Animal Practices, North America | Customer Relationships
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	10 years
Companion Animal Practices, North America | Trademarks
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	5 years
Companion Animal Practices, North America | Covenants
Allocation of the Purchase Price:
Weighted average amortization period	5 years

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Financ

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Pro Forma
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	$ 200		$ 1,200
Acquisitions, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Actual Revenue	57,148		68,776
Actual Net Income	3,864		4,749
Pro Forma Revenue	670,796	$ 624,277	1,293,470	$ 1,205,712
Pro Forma Net Income	$ 64,324	$ 57,579	$ 112,222	$ 97,319

Other Accrued Liabilities (Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$ 16,645	$ 14,647
Holdbacks and earn-outs	13,674	9,959
Accrued other insurance	5,950	5,013
Deferred rent	5,371	4,791
Accrued health insurance	5,014	4,952
Miscellaneous accrued taxes	5,001	3,317
Accrued workers' compensation	4,019	3,212
Accrued accounting and legal fees	3,415	2,697
Customer deposits	1,966	2,971
Accrued lease payments	1,988	1,536
Other	18,864	17,733
Other accrued liabilities	$ 81,907	$ 70,828

Long-Term Obligations - Narrati

Long-Term Obligations - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 1,247,744,000						$ 811,097,000
Financing costs incurred		$ 3,829,000	$ 0
Voting equity guarantee on indebtedness, percentage		65.00%
Non-voting equity guarantee on indebtedness, percentage		100.00%
Senior term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 877,063,000						582,592,000
Principal amount		880,000,000						585,000,000
Financing costs		$ 2,937,000						$ 2,408,000
Senior term notes | Federal funds rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		0.50%
Senior term notes | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.00%
Senior term notes | Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payment (quarterly)				$ 22,000,000	$ 16,500,000	$ 5,500,000	$ 11,000,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Base rate | Tier Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin		0.75%
New Senior Credit Facility | Eurodollar rate | Tier Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin		1.75%
New Senior Credit Facility | Secured debt | Bridge Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio		19.09
Required interest coverage ratio (no less than)		3
Leverage ratio		2.68
Required leverage ratio (no more than)		4
New Senior Credit Facility | Line of credit | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	1,700,000,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financing costs incurred	3,800,000
Financing costs	3,200,000
Deferred financing costs recognized as part of net income	600,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Senior term notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount	880,000,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Revolving credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 375,000,000
New Senior Credit Facility | Revolving credit | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	800,000,000
Credit Agreement | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capitalized deferred financing costs expensed	1,000,000
Credit Agreement | Senior term notes | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	600,000,000
Credit Agreement | Revolving credit | Secured debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 800,000,000

Long-Term Obligations - Summary

Long-Term Obligations - Summary of Long-Term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 1,247,744	$ 811,097
Capital lease obligations and other debt	57,689	55,244
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including current maturities	1,305,433	866,341
Less — current portion	(25,980)	(33,623)
Current potion of long-term debt	1,279,453	832,718
Revolving credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	375,000	232,000
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,549)	(3,725)
Debt obligations less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 370,451	$ 228,275
Effective interest rate (percentage)	2.24%	1.92%
Senior term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 880,000	$ 585,000
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	(2,937)	(2,408)
Debt obligations less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 877,063	$ 582,592
Effective interest rate (percentage)	2.22%	1.92%
Secured seller note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 230	$ 230
Stated interest rate (percentage)	10.00%	10.00%

Long-Term Obligations - Schedul

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Percentage Margin For Eurodollar Rate Loans And Commitment Fee (Details) - New Senior Credit Facility	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Tier One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.40%
Tier One | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	3.5
Tier One | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	2.00%
Tier One | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	1.00%
Tier Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.35%
Tier Two | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	3.5
Tier Two | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	2.75
Tier Two | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	1.75%
Tier Two | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	0.75%
Tier Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.30%
Tier Three | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	2.75
Tier Three | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1.75
Tier Three | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	1.50%
Tier Three | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	0.50%
Tier Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.25%
Tier Four | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1.75
Tier Four | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1
Tier Four | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	1.25%
Tier Four | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	0.25%
Tier Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.25%
Tier Five | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1
Tier Five | Eurodollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	1.00%
Tier Five | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans/Letter of Credit Fees And Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans	0.00%

Long-Term Obligations - Sched42

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 11,000
2,017	33,000
2,018	44,000
2,019	55,000
2,020	77,000
Thereafter	1,035,000
Revolving loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	375,000
Senior term notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	11,000
2,017	33,000
2,018	44,000
2,019	55,000
2,020	77,000
Thereafter	$ 660,000

Calculation of Earnings per S43

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to VCA Inc.	$ 64,050	$ 54,299	$ 110,277	$ 92,600
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	80,835,000	81,956,000	80,806,000	82,150,000
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options (in shares)	295,000	334,000	294,000	337,000
Non-vested shares and units (in shares)	599,000	794,000	530,000	740,000
Diluted (in shares)	81,729,000	83,084,000	81,630,000	83,227,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.66	$ 1.36	$ 1.13
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.78	$ 0.65	$ 1.35	$ 1.11
Calculation of Earnings per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	21,122,000	0	24,047,000	38,120,000

Lines of Business (Details)

Lines of Business (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Lines of Business
External revenue	$ 653,489	$ 548,785	$ 1,216,928	$ 1,048,238
Intercompany revenue	0	0	0	0
Total revenue	653,489	548,785	1,216,928	1,048,238
Direct costs	489,541	407,938	916,200	793,529
Gross profit	163,948	140,847	300,728	254,709
Selling, general and administrative expense	48,190	44,485	98,318	88,883
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	115,758	96,362	202,410	165,826
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(271)	(819)	292	(484)
Operating income (loss)	116,029	97,181	202,118	166,310
Depreciation and amortization	25,689	20,366	46,978	40,163
Property and equipment additions	33,008	17,995	58,814	34,521
Total assets	3,179,127		3,179,127		$ 2,501,132
Operating Segments | Animal Hospital
Lines of Business
External revenue	540,376	435,376	998,999	828,402
Intercompany revenue	0	0	0	0
Total revenue	540,376	435,376	998,999	828,402
Direct costs	445,697	361,991	830,903	699,533
Gross profit	94,679	73,385	168,096	128,869
Selling, general and administrative expense	14,277	10,453	26,362	21,674
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	80,402	62,932	141,734	107,195
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(132)	(914)	443	(620)
Operating income (loss)	80,534	63,846	141,291	107,815
Depreciation and amortization	21,875	16,440	39,448	32,512
Property and equipment additions	25,486	13,995	44,030	26,077
Total assets	2,888,883		2,888,883		2,186,959
Operating Segments | Laboratory
Lines of Business
External revenue	93,265	89,707	182,505	168,516
Intercompany revenue	18,795	16,515	36,282	31,678
Total revenue	112,060	106,222	218,787	200,194
Direct costs	51,513	49,519	101,524	95,509
Gross profit	60,547	56,703	117,263	104,685
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,702	9,487	19,998	18,352
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	50,845	47,216	97,265	86,333
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(35)	35	(35)	41
Operating income (loss)	50,880	47,181	97,300	86,292
Depreciation and amortization	2,839	2,705	5,620	5,209
Property and equipment additions	4,750	2,862	9,402	6,078
Total assets	326,719		326,719		306,296
Operating Segments | All Other
Lines of Business
External revenue	18,656	22,818	33,110	49,351
Intercompany revenue	4,741	5,851	9,700	13,545
Total revenue	23,397	28,669	42,810	62,896
Direct costs	14,480	17,280	26,983	40,083
Gross profit	8,917	11,389	15,827	22,813
Selling, general and administrative expense	6,022	7,741	11,321	16,428
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	2,895	3,648	4,506	6,385
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	3	11	3	20
Operating income (loss)	2,892	3,637	4,503	6,365
Depreciation and amortization	904	1,176	1,787	2,328
Property and equipment additions	1,485	500	2,092	1,300
Total assets	68,336		68,336		73,491
Corporate, Non-Segment
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	18,189	16,804	40,637	32,429
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	(18,189)	(16,804)	(40,637)	(32,429)
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(107)	49	(119)	75
Operating income (loss)	(18,082)	(16,853)	(40,518)	(32,504)
Depreciation and amortization	668	575	1,306	1,167
Property and equipment additions	2,336	1,512	5,187	2,576
Total assets	1,338,562		1,338,562		471,112
Eliminations
Lines of Business
External revenue	1,192	884	2,314	1,969
Intercompany revenue	(23,536)	(22,366)	(45,982)	(45,223)
Total revenue	(22,344)	(21,482)	(43,668)	(43,254)
Direct costs	(22,149)	(20,852)	(43,210)	(41,596)
Gross profit	(195)	(630)	(458)	(1,658)
Selling, general and administrative expense	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	(195)	(630)	(458)	(1,658)
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(195)	(630)	(458)	(1,658)
Depreciation and amortization	(597)	(530)	(1,183)	(1,053)
Property and equipment additions	(1,049)	$ (874)	(1,897)	$ (1,510)
Total assets	$ (1,443,373)		$ (1,443,373)		$ (536,726)

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Apr. 11, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 16, 2014plaintiff	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 12, 2013USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential earn-out payment			$ 8,500,000
Earn-outs			$ 6,500,000	$ 3,500,000
Kimba Bradsbery and Cheri Brakensiek vs. Vicar Operating, Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs | plaintiff		2
Carlos Lopez versus Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement agreement, maximum amount					$ 1,250,000
Accrued amount of settlement, percentage			50.00%
Final settlement amount	$ 903,338.92

Noncontrolling Interests - Narr

Noncontrolling Interests - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest in partnership	50.10%

Noncontrolling Interests - Summ

Noncontrolling Interests - Summary of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, beginning balance	$ 11,511
Redemption value change	1,300	$ 877
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,730)	(690)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(1,166)	(1,118)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, ending balance	12,053
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interest expense, Income Statement Impact	827	749
Redemption value change, Income Statement Impact	16	(78)
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, beginning balance	8,588	9,405
Redemption value change	843	671
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(803)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(761)	(728)
Currency translation adjustment	168	(136)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, ending balance	8,838	8,409
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interest expense, Income Statement Impact	820	681
Redemption value change, Income Statement Impact	480	196
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, beginning balance	11,511	11,077
Redemption value change	1,300	877
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(758)	(771)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, ending balance	$ 12,053	$ 11,183