UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

Commission file number 001-16783

VCA Antech, Inc.

12401 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90064-1022
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(310) 571-6500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common stock, $0.001 par value

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes þ No o.

At June 30, 2004, there were outstanding 81,898,900 shares of the Common Stock of the registrant and the aggregate market value of the shares held on that date by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price ($22.41 per share) of the Registrant’s Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market’s National Market, was $1.6 billion. For purposes of this computation, it has been assumed that the shares beneficially held by directors and officers of registrant were “held by affiliates;” this assumption is not to be deemed an admission by these persons that they are affiliates of registrant.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as the latest practicable date: common stock, par value $0.001, 82,228,186 shares as of March 11, 2005.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Registrant’s proxy statement relating to its 2005 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

VCA ANTECH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

     We are a leading animal healthcare services company. We operate the largest networks of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and freestanding, full-service animal hospitals in the United States. We also sell ultrasound and digital radiography imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.

     Our network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories 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. With the only nationwide veterinary laboratory network serving all 50 states, we provide diagnostic testing for an estimated 15,000 clients, which include standard animal hospitals, large animal practices, universities and other government organizations. Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals, as well as specialized treatments including advanced diagnostic services, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and cardiology. In addition, we provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet wellness programs including routine health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. Our network of animal hospitals, consisting of 315 at December 31, 2004, is supported by more than 960 veterinarians and had over 4.2 million patient visits in 2004. Our medical technology business sells diagnostic ultrasound imaging and digital radiography imaging equipment to veterinarians, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, and provides consultative support in the diagnosing process as well as mobile imaging services.

     We were formed in 1986 as a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices are located in Los Angeles, California.

Industry Overview

     The United States population of companion animals as of 2001 had reached approximately 214 million, including about 131 million dogs and cats. Industry data show that over $18 billion was spent on animal healthcare services in 2001, with an annual growth rate of over 10.6% from 1996 through 2001 for spending on dogs, cats and birds. The ownership of pets is widespread, with over 58% of U.S. households owning at least one pet, including companion and other animals. Pet ownership is highest among households with children under 18 and empty-nesters whose pets have become their “children.”

     Among this expanding number of pet owners is a growing awareness of pet health and wellness, including the benefits of preventive care and specialized services. As technology continues to migrate from the human healthcare sector into the practice of veterinary medicine, more sophisticated treatments, diagnostic tests and equipment are becoming available to treat companion animals. These new and increasingly complex procedures, diagnostic tests, including laboratory testing and advanced imaging such as ultrasound and digital radiography, and pharmaceuticals are gaining wider acceptance as pet owners are exposed to these previously unconsidered treatment programs through their exposure with this technology in human healthcare, and through literature and marketing programs sponsored by large pharmaceutical and pet nutrition companies. We believe this acceptance is evidenced by an industry survey revealing that 69% of pet owners view their animals as important members of the family and are willing to pay for more veterinary services to promote the good health and extend the life of their pet.

     Even as treatments available in veterinary medicine become more complex, prices for veterinary services typically remain a low percentage of a pet-owner’s income, facilitating payment at the time of service. Unlike the human healthcare industry, providers of veterinary services are not dependent on third-party payers in order to collect fees. As a consequence, providers of veterinary services do not have the problems of extended payment collection cycles or pricing pressures from third-party payers faced by human healthcare providers. Outsourced laboratory testing is a wholesale business that collects payments directly from animal hospitals, generally on terms requiring payment within 30 days of the date the charge is invoiced. Fees for animal hospital services are due at the time of service. For example, in 2004 over 95% of our animal hospital services were paid for in cash or by credit card at the time of service. In addition, over the past three fiscal years our bad debt expense has averaged only 1%

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of total revenue. Our medical technology segment generally receives payment for equipment sales and services within 30 days after the customer is invoiced.

     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 infestation of fleas, heartworm and ticks and the number of daylight hours.

     Veterinarians use laboratory tests to treat animals by diagnosing and monitoring illnesses and conditions through the detection of substances in urine, tissue, fecal and blood samples and other specimens. As is the case with the physician treating a human patient, laboratory diagnostic testing is becoming a routine diagnostic tool used by the veterinarian.

     Veterinary laboratory tests are performed primarily at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, universities or animal hospitals using on-site diagnostic equipment. For particular types of tests, on-site diagnostic equipment can provide more timely results than outside laboratories, but this in-house testing requires the animal hospital or veterinarian to purchase or lease the equipment, maintain and calibrate the equipment periodically to avoid testing errors, and employ trained personnel to operate it. Conversely, veterinary diagnostic laboratories can provide a wider range of tests than generally are available on-site at most animal hospitals and do not require any up-front investment on the part of the animal hospital or veterinarian. Also, leading veterinary diagnostic laboratories employ highly trained individuals who specialize in the detection and diagnosis of diseases and thus are a valuable resource for the veterinarian.

     Within the outsourcing market, our laboratories specialize in the veterinary market and offer a broad spectrum of standard and customized tests, convenient sample pick-up times, rapid test reporting and access to professional consulting services provided by trained specialists. Providing the customer with this level of service at competitive prices requires high throughput volumes due to the operating leverage associated with the laboratory business. As a result, larger laboratories are likely to have a competitive advantage relative to smaller laboratories.

     We believe that the outsourced laboratory testing market is one of the fastest growing segments of the animal healthcare services industry and expect continued growth as a result of:

     Animal healthcare services are provided predominately by the veterinarian practicing as a sole practitioner, or as part of a larger animal medical group or hospital. Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries, perform surgeries, provide routine medical exams and prescribe medication. Some veterinarians specialize by type of medicine, such as orthopedics, dentistry, ophthalmology or dermatology. Others focus on a particular type of animal. The principal factors in a pet owner’s decision as to which veterinarian to use include convenient location and hours, recommendation of friends, reasonable fees and quality of care.

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     The U.S. market for veterinary services is highly fragmented with more than 37,000 veterinarians practicing at over 17,000 companion animal hospitals. Although most animal hospitals are single-site, sole-practitioner facilities, we believe veterinarians are increasingly gravitating toward animal hospitals that provide state-of-the-art facilities, treatments, methods and pharmaceuticals to enhance the services they can provide their clients.

     Well-capitalized animal hospital operators have the opportunity to supplement their internal growth with selective acquisitions. We believe the extremely fragmented animal hospital industry is consolidating due to:

     Veterinarians use ultrasound and radiography imaging equipment to capture and view anatomical images to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of diseases and injuries in animals. Ultrasound equipment utilizes high frequency sound waves and echoes to display a two-dimensional image of the tissue being examined. The images may be displayed on computer monitors, manipulated by the veterinarian, stored electronically and transmitted in digital format over the Internet with additional hardware and software. Digital radiography utilizes high frequency electromagnetic waves to capture X-ray images that are then digitized and stored in digital format. The resulting digital images may be displayed on computer monitors, manipulated by the veterinarian, stored electronically and transmitted in digital format over the Internet with additional hardware and software.

     Ultrasound and digital radiography equipment, while common in the human healthcare segment, have only recently been introduced into the broad veterinary market. We believe the use of digital diagnostic imaging is becoming more routinely used as a diagnostic tool by veterinarians as a result of the following factors:

     Because of these factors, we believe that medical technology, especially diagnostic imaging equipment, is an emerging and dynamic segment within the animal healthcare industry.

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Business Strategy

     Our business strategy is to continue expanding our market leadership in animal healthcare services through our diagnostic laboratory, animal hospital and medical technology segments. Key elements to our strategy include:

Diagnostic Laboratories

     We operate the only full-service, veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states. In 2004, we performed approximately 24.8 million tests and handled roughly 8.6 million requisitions in our state-of-the-art, automated diagnostic laboratories. Our laboratory network services a diverse customer base of approximately 15,000 clients, and non-affiliated clients generated approximately 93% of our laboratory revenue in 2004.

     Our diagnostic spectrum includes over 300 different tests in the area of chemistry, pathology, endocrinology, serology, hematology and microbiology, as well as tests specific to particular diseases. We do not conduct experiments on animals.

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     Although modified to address the particular requirements of the species tested, the tests performed in our veterinary laboratories are similar to those performed in human clinical laboratories and utilize similar laboratory equipment and technologies. The growing concern for animal health, combined with the movement of veterinary medicine toward increasing specialization, should spur the migration of additional areas of human testing into the veterinary field. For example, we now provide cancer testing for household pets whereas several years ago these tests were not widely available.

     Given the recent advancements in veterinary medical technology and the increased breadth and depth of knowledge required for the practice of veterinary medicine, many veterinarians solicit the knowledge and experience of our 100 specialists to interpret test results, consult on the diagnosis of illnesses and suggest possible treatment alternatives. This resource includes veterinarians, chemists and other scientists with expertise in pathology, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology and endocrinology. This depth of experience and expertise enables our specialists to suggest additional testing or provide diagnostic advice that assists the veterinarian in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

     Together with our specialist support, we believe the quality of our service further distinguishes our laboratory services as a premiere service provider. We maintain quality assurance programs to ensure that specimens are collected and transported properly, that tests are performed accurately and that client, patient and test information is reported and billed correctly. Our quality assurance programs include quality control testing of specimens of known concentration or reactivity to ensure accuracy and precision, routine checks and preventive maintenance of laboratory testing equipment, and personnel standards ensuring that only qualified personnel perform testing. In addition, we participate in an independent outside quality assurance certification program. As a result, we believe that our accuracy rate is over 99%.

     We operate 27 diagnostic laboratories. Our laboratory network includes:

     We connect our laboratories to our customers with what we believe is the industry’s largest transportation network, which picks up an average of 25,000 to 30,000 requisitions daily through an extensive network of drivers and independent couriers. In 2004, we derived approximately 70% of our laboratory revenue from major metropolitan areas, where we offer twice-a-day pick-up service and same-day results. In addition, in these areas we generally offer to report results within three hours of pick-up. Outside of these areas, we typically provide test results to veterinarians before 8:00 a.m. the day following pick-up.

     Veterinarian customers located outside the areas covered by our transportation network are serviced using our Test Express service. Users of the Test Express service send patient specimens by Federal Express to our laboratory just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, which permits speedy and cost-efficient testing because of the proximity to Federal Express’ primary sorting facility.

     We employ over 50 full-time sales and field service representatives who market laboratory services and maintain relationships with existing customers. The sales force is commission-based and organized along geographic regions. We support our sales efforts by strengthening our industry-leading team of specialists, developing marketing literature, attending trade shows, participating in trade associations and providing educational services to veterinarians. We employ over 85 client service representatives who respond to customer inquiries, provide test results and, when appropriate, introduce the customer to other services offered by the laboratory.

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     We employ a staff of approximately 1,200 full-time-equivalent employees in our laboratory network. We employ some of our specialists and enter into consulting arrangements with others. We employ a manager at each of our laboratories and supervisors for each department within our primary hubs and secondary laboratories. We employ a small corporate staff to provide centralized administrative services to all our laboratories.

Animal Hospitals

     At December 31, 2004, we operated 315 animal hospitals in 36 states that were supported by over 960 veterinarians. Our nationwide network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals has facilities located in the following states:

     We seek to provide quality care in clean, attractive facilities that are open on average between 10 and 15 hours per day, six to seven days per week. Our typical animal hospital:

     In addition to general medical and surgical services, we offer specialized treatments for companion animals, including advanced diagnostic services, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology and cardiology. We also provide pharmaceutical products for use in the delivery of treatments by our veterinarians and pet owners. Many of our animal hospitals offer additional services, including grooming, bathing and boarding. We also sell

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specialty pet products at our hospitals, including pet food, vitamins, therapeutic shampoos and conditioners, flea collars and sprays, and other accessory products.

     As part of the growth strategy of our animal hospital business, we intend to continue our disciplined acquisition strategy by identifying high-quality practices that may have value to be unlocked through the services and scale we can provide. Our typical candidate mirrors the profile of our existing hospital base. Acquisitions will be used to both expand existing markets and enter new geographical areas. We intend primarily to use cash in our acquisitions, but we may use debt or stock to the extent we deem appropriate. By undertaking prudent acquisitions, we are able to grow our hospital business without diluting the local market for veterinary services.

     Our animal hospitals generally employ a staff of between 10 and 30 full-time-equivalent employees, depending upon the facility’s size and customer base. The staff includes administrative and technical support personnel, three to five veterinarians, a hospital manager who supervises the day-to-day activities of the facility, and a small office staff. We employ a relatively small corporate staff to provide centralized administrative services to all of our animal hospitals.

     We actively recruit qualified veterinarians and technicians and are committed to supporting continuing education for our professional staff. We operate post-graduate teaching programs for veterinarians at 10 of our facilities, which train approximately 60 veterinarians each year. We believe that these programs enhance our reputation in the veterinary profession and further our ability to continue to recruit the most talented veterinarians.

     We seek to establish an environment that supports the veterinarian in the delivery of quality medicine and fosters professional growth through increased patient flow and a diverse case mix, continuing education, state-of-the-art equipment and access to specialists. We believe our hospitals offer attractive employment opportunities to veterinarians because of this professional environment, competitive compensation programs, management opportunities, employee benefits not generally available to a sole practitioner, scheduling flexibility to accommodate personal lifestyles and the ability to relocate to different regions of the country.

     Further, we permit some of our veterinarians to participate with us in the ownership of selected animal hospitals. In these circumstances, we form a limited partnership that owns the assets of the animal hospital and the veterinarian purchases an equity share of the limited partnership. We are the general partner in the limited partnership and the veterinarian is the limited partner. The operating income of the partnership that is distributed to the veterinarian partner is based on the veterinarian partner’s percentage interest in the partnership, which is typically between 10% and 25%. In one of our limited partnerships, the veterinarian partner’s percentage interest is 45%. Typically, the salary of the veterinarian partner is based on a percentage of the revenue of the animal hospital that is generated by the veterinarian partner. At December 31, 2004, we operated 27 animal hospitals under a partnership structure.

     We have established a Medical Advisory Board to support our operations. The Medical Advisory Board’s function, under the direction of our Chief Medical Officer, is to recommend medical standards for our network of animal hospitals. The committee is comprised of leading veterinarians representing both the different geographic regions in which we operate and the medical specialties practiced by our veterinarians. Currently, four members of the Medical Advisory Board are faculty members at leading veterinary colleges in the United States. These members serve as medical consultants to us. Additionally, our regional medical directors, a group of highly experienced clinicians, are also closely involved in the development and implementation of our medical programs.

     Our marketing efforts are primarily directed toward our existing clients through customer education efforts. We inform and educate our clients about pet wellness and quality care through mailings of the Healthy Pet Magazine, a magazine focused on pet care and wellness published by Zoasis Corporation, or Zoasis. We also market through targeted demographic mailings regarding specific pet health issues and collateral health material available at each animal hospital. With these internal marketing programs, we seek to leverage our existing customer base by increasing the number and intensity of the services used during each visit. Further, reminder notices are used to

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increase awareness of the advantages of regular, comprehensive veterinary medical care, including preventive care such as vaccinations, dental screening and geriatric care.

     We also enter into referral arrangements with local pet shops and humane societies to increase our client base. In addition, we seek to obtain referrals from veterinarians by promoting our specialized diagnostic and treatment capabilities to veterinarians and veterinary practices that cannot offer their clients these services.

     Certain states prohibit business corporations from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states, we provide administrative and support services to veterinary medical groups pursuant to management agreements. The veterinary medical groups are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine. In return for our services, the veterinary medical group pays us a management fee. At December 31, 2004, we operated 100 animal hospitals in 12 states with these types of ownership restrictions.

     We provide our management services pursuant to long-term management agreements with the veterinary medical groups, ranging from 10 to 40 years, with renewal options where allowable. Pursuant to the management agreements, the veterinary medical groups are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine as defined by their respective state. We are responsible for providing the following services:

Medical Technology

     Through Sound Technologies, Inc., or STI, our medical technology segment acquired on October 1, 2004, we sell ultrasound and digital radiography imaging equipment and related computer hardware, software and services to the veterinary market. Ultrasound and radiography imaging equipment is used by veterinarians to capture and view anatomical images to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of diseases and injuries in animals. In addition, we provide computer hardware, software, training and services in support of the imaging equipment we sell. We have developed and license VetPACS, a software package that aids in the archival and communication of digital images, image manipulation, networking, case reporting and image and case transmission over the Internet. Our mobile imaging units provide mobile diagnostic ultrasound imaging services to veterinarians who do not own their own ultrasound imaging equipment.

     Our medical technology products and services include the following:

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     We do not provide financing arrangements for the products and services we sell.

     We sell ultrasound imaging equipment manufactured by General Electric pursuant to an agreement entered into in July 2001. Our product line includes a hand-held ultrasound unit and three stand-alone models. We have established referral relationships with equipment lessors that provide equipment lease financing to our customers. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement with General Electric, we have exclusive rights to sell General Electric ultrasound imaging equipment to the veterinary community in North America. The agreement term is five years with an automatic five-year extension.

     We started selling digital radiography equipment in 2004. The equipment is a network of various components that we acquire from third-party manufacturers and developers. A key component is the amorphous silicon flat-panel X-ray detector, which we acquire from Varian Medical Systems pursuant to a distribution agreement entered into in July 2003. We have established referral relationships with equipment lessors that provide equipment lease financing to our customers. Under our agreement with Varian Medical Systems, we have exclusive rights to sell Varian amorphous silicon flat-panel X-ray detectors to the veterinary community in North America. The agreement term is five years with automatic one-year extensions. The agreement is cancelable, for any reason, by either party with 90 days written notice.

     We license our proprietary software, VetPACS and TruDR. VetPACS enables the archival and communication of digital images, image manipulation, networking, case reporting and image and case transmission over the Internet. Ultrasound equipment is functional without VetPACS, however, without VetPACS, or similar software, there is no digital capability, such as electronic storage or transmission. TruDR allows for the capture of digital X-ray images and transmits those images to a computer containing VetPACS. TruDR, or similar software, is a required component for the digital radiography equipment we distribute to function. TruDR is not applicable to ultrasound equipment sales.

     We support the maintenance and further development of our software with software programmers employed by us as well as third-party consultants.

     We sell equipment, computer hardware and software that is ancillary to the ultrasound and digital radiography equipment. We purchase those items from a variety of vendors.

     We provide education classes and on-site training for our ultrasound customers and on-site training for digital radiography customers.

     We consult with veterinarians who solicit our assistance to interpret test results and consult on the diagnosis of illnesses and injuries. We also provide a mobile imaging service for veterinarians who do not have advanced imaging technology in their practice.

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     We maintain a direct sales staff of 20 sales agents who market and sell our products and services to veterinary hospitals and universities. Our sales agents receive a base salary and commissions based on sales. We market our products and services through direct mail, advertisements in trade magazines, trade shows and direct sales calls on our intended customers. We maintain 15 service engineers and customer support specialists who provide installation, warranty, repair, training and support services for our products. We generate service revenue by providing service to customers on a time-and-materials basis and through comprehensive service contracts and the sale of parts.

     The equipment, computer hardware and software, which we distribute on behalf of third-party manufacturers, are covered by warranties provided by the manufacturer that transfer to our customers upon purchase. We do not provide any additional warranty. We provide a warranty on our software, VetPACS and TruDR. We also provide warranty coordination support whereby we will assist our customers with the resolution of problems with ultrasound and digital radiography equipment that we sold to them and all related equipment, computer hardware and software.

Systems

     We maintain a nationwide management information system to support our veterinary laboratories. All of our financial, customer records and laboratory results are stored in computer databases. Laboratory technicians and specialists are able to electronically access test results from remote testing sites. Our software gathers data in a data warehouse enabling us to provide expedient faxing of diagnostic laboratory results to our clients. In 2003, we completed the development of software that facilitates the delivery of laboratory results to an Internet website, which we refer to as our on-line resulting system, for access by our clients. The migration of our clients to our on-line resulting system is an ongoing process.

     Our animal hospital operations utilize an enterprise-wide management information network. Substantially all of our animal hospitals utilize consistent patient accounting/point-of-sale software and we are able to track performance of hospitals on a per-service, per-veterinarian basis. This system allows us to track performance data on a per-client basis. We are continuing to develop the functionality of the system to provide better service to our clients and to enhance management information and efficiency. The 67 animal hospitals we acquired from NPC on June 1, 2004 have not been integrated into our enterprise-wide management information network.

Competition

     The companion animal healthcare services industry is highly competitive and subject to continual change in the manner in which services are delivered and providers are selected. We believe that the primary factors influencing a customer’s selection of an animal hospital are convenient location and hours, recommendation of friends, reasonable fees and quality of care. Our primary competitors for our animal hospitals in most markets are individual practitioners or small, regional multi-clinic practices. In addition, some national companies in the pet care industry, including the operators of super-stores, are developing multi-regional networks of animal hospitals in markets that include our animal hospitals.

     Among veterinary diagnostic laboratories, we believe that quality, price, specialist support and the time required to report results are the major competitive factors. Although there are many individual clinical laboratories that provide a broad range of diagnostic testing services in the same markets serviced by us, few outsourced laboratory companies compete on a national level. In addition to competing with dedicated veterinary laboratories, we face competition from several providers of on-site diagnostic equipment that allows veterinarians to perform their own laboratory tests.

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     The primary competitive factors in the medical imaging equipment industry are quality, technical capability, breadth of product line, distribution capabilities, price, the ability to offer vendor financing, and the ability to provide quality service and support. There are many companies that manufacture and sell ultrasound and digital radiography equipment.

Government Regulation

     Certain states have laws that prohibit business corporations from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. These laws vary from state to state and are enforced by the courts and by regulatory authorities with broad discretion. At December 31, 2004, we operated 100 hospitals in 12 states with these laws. In two of these states, we operated a mobile imaging service. Although we seek to structure our operations to comply with veterinary medicine laws of each state in which we operate, given the varying and uncertain interpretations of these laws, we may not be in compliance with restrictions on the corporate practice of veterinary medicine in all states. A determination that we are in violation of applicable restrictions on the practice of veterinary medicine in any state in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if we were unable to restructure our operations to comply with the requirements of that state.

     In addition, all of the states in which we operate impose various registration requirements. To fulfill these requirements, we have registered each of our facilities with appropriate governmental agencies and, where required, have appointed a licensed veterinarian to act on behalf of each facility. All veterinarians practicing in our clinics are required to maintain valid state licenses to practice.

     Acquisitions may be subject to pre-merger or post-merger review by governmental authorities for anti-trust and other legal compliance. Adverse regulatory action could negatively affect our operations through the assessment of fines or penalties against us or the possible requirement of divestiture of one or more of our operations.

Employees

     At December 31, 2004, we had approximately 6,250 full-time-equivalent employees, including approximately 1,025 licensed veterinarians. At that date, none of our employees were a party to a collective bargaining agreement with the exception of approximately 15 employees who we employ as courier dispatchers and facilities personnel in the State of New York. These employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement expiring on July 10, 2007, with the Teamsters Local Union 813.

Website Availability of Our Reports Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

     We maintain a website with the address www.investor.vcaantech.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file that material with, or furnish that material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     Our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located in Los Angeles, California, in approximately 50,000 square feet of leased space. As of March 11, 2005, we maintain leased and owned facilities at 343 other locations that house our animal hospitals, laboratories and medical technology group. We own 73 facilities and the remainder are leased. We believe that our real property facilities are adequate for our current needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     We are not subject to any legal proceedings other than ordinarily routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

     Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market’s National Market under the symbol “WOOF.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share for our common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market’s National Market for the periods indicated.

     At March 11, 2005, the closing price of our common stock was $20.15 and there were 134 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

     On August 25, 2004, we effected a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend payable to stockholders of record as of August 11, 2004. All share and per share information included in this document have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock dividend.

     We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our senior credit facility and the indenture governing our outstanding senior subordinated notes place limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends in respect of our common stock. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends on our common stock will be restricted by these limitations, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors, including the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which provides that dividends are only payable out of surplus or current net profits.

Transactions in Our Equity Securities

     For the period covered by this report, we have not engaged in any transactions involving the sale of our unregistered equity securities that were not disclosed in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K, and neither we, nor our affiliated purchasers have purchased any of our equity securities. We have not engaged in any sales of registered securities for which the use of proceeds is required to be disclosed.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     Our selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000 have been derived from our audited financial statements, which have been audited by KPMG LLP. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section and our consolidated financial statements and related notes. Our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 are included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

     In 2004, we began including depreciation and amortization in direct costs and selling, general and administrative expense. The prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 financial statement presentation.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements provided under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K. Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number or risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed more fully herein.

     The forward-looking information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K is as of March 11, 2005, and we undertake no duty to update this information. Shareholders and prospective investors can find information filed with the SEC after March 11, 2005 at our website at www.investor.vcaantech.com or at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. More information about potential factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

Overview

     We are a leading animal healthcare services company and operate the largest networks of veterinary diagnostic laboratories and freestanding, full-service animal hospitals in the United States. We also sell ultrasound and digital radiography imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.

     Our network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories 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. Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. We treat diseases and injuries, offer pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, routine vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care.

     At December 31, 2004, our laboratory network consisted of 27 laboratories serving all 50 states and our animal hospital network consisted of 315 animal hospitals in 36 states.

Significant Acquisitions

     On October 1, 2004, we acquired STI, which is a supplier of ultrasound and digital radiography equipment and related computer hardware, software and services to the veterinary industry. As of December 31, 2004, we had not finalized the purchase price accounting for this transaction as we are still in the process of integrating STI into our operations. As part of integrating STI into our operations, we may incur additional legal and accounting fees and employee severance costs. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, we are obligated to pay an additional $3.5 million if certain performance targets are achieved. Costs incurred in integrating STI and the payment of the $3.5 million obligation will result in additions to the total purchase price of the transaction.

     The total consideration, excluding the potential integration costs and the $3.5 million obligation described above, as of December 31, 2004 was $29.3 million, consisting of $22.4 million in cash paid to holders of STI stock; $1.1 million in assumed debt; $5.5 million in assumed liabilities; and $300,000 paid for professional and other outside services.

     On June 1, 2004, we acquired NPC, which operated 67 animal hospitals located in 11 states as of the merger date. This merger allowed us to expand our animal hospital operations in nine states, particularly California and Texas, and to expand into two new states, Oregon and Oklahoma.

     We have finalized the purchase price accounting for this transaction except for our plan to close or sell certain NPC animal hospitals that do not meet our operating model. The costs to close or sell these animal hospitals, which

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will consist primarily of lease termination costs and employee severance, will result in additions to the purchase price.

     The total consideration, excluding the cost to close or sell certain NPC animal hospitals as described above, as of December 31, 2004 was $90.6 million, consisting of $66.2 million in cash paid to holders of NPC stock and debt; $2.5 million in assumed debt; $12.4 million in assumed liabilities; $4.5 million of operating leases whose terms were in excess of market; $1.9 million paid for professional and other outside services; and $3.1 million paid as part of our plan to close certain facilities and terminate certain employees.

     In addition, we incurred costs of approximately $1.4 million primarily to operate NPC’s corporate office, which was closed in September 2004. These costs were expensed as incurred and are included in corporate selling, general and administrative expense.

Growth in Facilities

     The following table summarizes our growth in facilities for Laboratories and Animal Hospitals for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002:

     Our medical technology business operates out of a main office with field sales and support personnel throughout the country.

Common Stock Activity

     In February 2003, we completed an offering of our common stock. As a result of this offering we issued 7,600,000 shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $54.3 million. We applied the net proceeds from this offering primarily to repay the entire remaining principal amount of our 15.5% senior notes.

     On August 25, 2004, we effected a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend payable to stockholders of record as of August 11, 2004. All share and per share information included in this document have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock dividend.

Significant Accounting Policies

     We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and results of operations, requires significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of all our accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Footnote 2., Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our consolidated financial statements of this annual report on Form 10-K.

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     We recognize laboratory and animal hospital revenue only after the following criteria are met:

     Approximately 7% of laboratory revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004 was intercompany revenue that was generated by providing laboratory services to our animal hospitals. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of the business segments, all intercompany revenue is accounted for as if the transaction was with an independent third-party at current market prices. For financial reporting purposes, intercompany revenue is eliminated as part of our consolidation.

     We give discounts, such as those for prompt payment, to clients in periods subsequent to the period the related revenue was recognized, however, we report the related revenue net of those discounts. In order to net the discounts against the related revenue, we estimate the discounts based on historical experience. We do not expect that revisions to these discounts would have a material effect on our condensed, consolidated financial statements.

     Substantially all of our revenue is derived from the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment and digital radiography equipment; however, we also derive additional revenue from: (i) licensing our software; (ii) providing technical support and product updates related to the equipment we sell and our software, otherwise known as maintenance; and (iii) providing professional services related to the equipment we sell and our software, including installations, on-site training and education services. We frequently sell equipment and license our software in multiple element arrangements in which the customer may choose a combination of one or more of the following elements: (i) ultrasound imaging equipment; (ii) digital radiography equipment; (iii) software products; (iv) computer hardware; (v) maintenance; and (vi) professional services.

     While the accounting for the sale of equipment is substantially governed by the requirements of Staff Accounting Bulletin, SAB, No. 104, Revenue Recognition, as amended, and the sale of software licenses and related items is governed by Statement of Position, SOP, No. 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as amended, we exercise judgment and use estimates in connection with the determination of the amount of software license, maintenance and professional service revenue to be recognized in each accounting period.

     We sell our ultrasound imaging equipment with and without related computer hardware and software. We account for the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment on a stand-alone basis under requirements of SAB No. 104. We account for the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment with related computer hardware and software by bifurcating the transaction and accounting for the ultrasound imaging equipment under SAB No. 104 and the computer hardware and software under SOP No. 97-2. The consensus reached by Emerging Issues Task Force, EITF, No. 03-5, Applicability of AICPA Statement of Position 97-2 to Non-Software Deliverables in an Arrangement Containing More-Than-Incidental Software, requires that arrangements that include software that is more than incidental to the products or services as a whole are to be accounted for under SOP 97-2. We have concluded that our software is incidental to the ultrasound imaging equipment because that equipment is manufactured as an out-of-the-box solution and many of our customers purchase it as such. We have also concluded that the software is more than incidental to the computer hardware we sell and therefore account for that portion of the sale under SOP 97-2.

     We sell our digital radiography equipment with related computer hardware and software. The digital radiography equipment requires the computer hardware and software to function. As a result, we account for the digital radiography sales under SOP 97-2.

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     Under the residual method prescribed by SOP 97-2, revenue is recognized when vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value exists for all of the undelivered elements in the arrangement (i.e. maintenance and professional services), but does not exist for one or more of the delivered elements in the arrangement (i.e. the equipment, computer hardware or the software product). Each transaction requires careful analysis to ensure that all of the individual elements in the license transaction have been identified, along with the fair value of each element.

     We allocate revenue to each undelivered element based on its fair value, with the fair value determined by the price charged when that element is sold separately. We are recognizing the revenue on the computer hardware and software we sell with our ultrasound and digital radiography equipment over the period we are providing maintenance, ranging from one to four years. We are recognizing the revenue for the sale of the digital radiography equipment over that same period because the software and computer hardware we sell with this equipment is essential to its functionality. We recognize the revenue on the sale of ultrasound imaging equipment upon delivery.

     In determining whether or not to recognize revenue, we evaluate each of these criteria:

     Our software is ready to use by the customer upon receipt, and there is no significant customization of the underlying software code required to meet the individual needs of customers. We provide warranties for our software guaranteeing its performance for a defined period of time. Historically, the costs to satisfy these warranties have been nominal and we expect this to be the case in the future. Accordingly, we expense these costs as incurred.

     Certain states prohibit business corporations from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care. In these states, we provide administrative and support services to veterinary medical groups pursuant to management agreements. The veterinary medical groups are each solely responsible for all aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine. In return for our services, the veterinary medical groups pay us management fees. We consolidate the financial results of these veterinary medical groups.

     Our goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The total amount of our goodwill at December 31, 2004 was $499.1 million, consisting of $93.7 million for our laboratory segment, $386.2 million for our animal hospital segment and $19.2 million for our medical technology segment.

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     Annually, and upon material changes in our operating environment, we test our goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair market value of our reporting units, which equate to our laboratory, animal hospital and medical technology operating segments, to their respective net book value. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the estimated fair market value of each of our operating segments exceeded their respective net book value, resulting in a conclusion that our goodwill was fairly stated. An independent valuation expert estimated the fair market value based on standard valuation techniques.

     We account for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, we record deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, which represent taxes to be recovered or settled in the future. We adjust our deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities to reflect changes in tax rates or other statutory tax provisions. Changes in tax rates or other statutory provisions are recognized in the period the change occurs.

      We make judgments in assessing our ability to realize future benefits from our deferred tax assets. As such, we record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets for the portion we believe will not be realized. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, we used valuation allowances to offset net operating loss carryforwards and investment related expenditures where the realization of this deduction is uncertain.

      We have also recorded as other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets a liability for any differences between the probable tax bases and the as-filed tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Such liability relates to losses that to our best judgment are probable. Changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to: (1) lower our estimates or determine that payments are no longer probable resulting in a reduction of our future tax provision; or (2) increase our estimates resulting in an increase in our future tax provision. In addition, there are certain tax contingencies that represent a possible future payment but not a probable one. While we have not recognized a liability for these possible future payments, they may result in future cash payments and increase our tax provision.

Results of Operations

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

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     The following table is a summary of the components of operating income (loss) and operating margin by segment (in thousands, except percentages):

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

     Laboratory revenue increased $21.6 million in 2004 as compared to 2003, which increased $24.4 million as compared to 2002. The components of the increase in laboratory revenue are detailed below (in thousands, except percentages and average price per requisition):

     The increases in requisitions from internal growth in 2004 and 2003 are the result of a continued trend in veterinary medicine to focus on the importance of laboratory diagnostic testing in the diagnosis, early detection and treatment of diseases. This trend is driven by an increase in the number of specialists in the veterinary industry relying on diagnostic testing, the increased focus on diagnostic testing in veterinary schools and general increased awareness through ongoing marketing and continuing education programs provided by ourselves, pharmaceutical companies and other service providers in the industry. In addition, we continue to see the impact from the recent migration of diagnostic testing from the human healthcare industry and the advent of medicine in the veterinary industry that requires diagnostic assessment and monitoring.

     The increases in the average revenue per requisition in 2004 and 2003 are attributable to price increases and changes in the mix of tests performed per requisition. The prices of most tests were increased 2% to 4% in February 2004 and 3% to 5% in February 2003.

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     As the result of our laboratory acquisitions subsequent to January 1, 2003, we generated an additional $3.6 million of revenue (referred to in the above table as “acquired revenue”) in 2004 as compared to 2003. As the result of our laboratory acquisitions subsequent to January 1, 2002, we generated an additional $5.9 million of revenue (referred to in the above table as “acquired revenue”) in 2003 as compared to 2002.

     Animal hospital revenue increased $105.0 million in 2004 as compared to 2003, which increased $42.0 million as compared to 2002. The components of the increases are summarized in the following table (in thousands, except percentages and average price per order):

     Over the last few years, certain pet-related products, including medication prescriptions, traditionally sold at animal hospitals have become more widely available in retail stores and other distribution channels, and, as a result, we have fewer customers coming to our animal hospitals solely to purchase those items. In addition, there has been a decline in the number of vaccinations as some recent professional literature and research has suggested that vaccinations can be given to pets less frequently. Orders for these pet-related products and vaccinations generally generate revenue that is less than the average revenue for other orders. In addition, our business strategy has placed greater emphasis on high-quality veterinary care and wellness programs, which typically generate higher-priced orders. These trends have resulted in a decrease in the number of orders and an increase in the average revenue per order.

     Price increases also contributed to the increase in the average revenue per order, which approximated 2.5% to 5% on services at most hospitals in both February 2004 and 2003. Prices are reviewed on an annual basis for each hospital and adjustments are made based on market considerations, demographics and our costs.

     Net acquired revenue represents the revenue from those animal hospitals acquired, net of revenue from those animal hospitals sold or closed, on or after the beginning of the comparative period, which was January 1, 2003 for the 2004 comparative analysis and January 1, 2002 for the 2003 comparative analysis. Fluctuations in net acquired revenue occur due to the volume, size, and timing of acquisitions and disposals during the periods compared.

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     The components of revenue for our medical technology segment for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

     We acquired our medical technology business on October 1, 2004 and consequently do not have comparative operating results for prior periods. At December 31, 2004, we had not fully integrated our medical technology division into our operations. As we complete the integration of this business we may make changes to its operations and the terms on which we distribute the equipment, software and services that we offer. As a result of our integration plan and the seasonality of the medical technology industry, results for 2004 may not be indicative of results experienced in future periods.

     Other revenue consists of fees earned from a marketing consulting agreement with Heinz Pet Products, which expired in September 2002. We recognized revenue of $1.5 million in 2002.

     The following table summarizes our gross profit and our gross profit as a percentage of applicable revenue, or gross profit margin (in thousands, except percentages):

     Laboratory gross profit is calculated as laboratory revenue less laboratory direct costs. Laboratory direct costs are comprised of all costs of laboratory services, including but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, specialists, technicians and other laboratory-based personnel, facilities rent, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization, and supply costs.

     The increase in laboratory gross profit margin in 2004 and 2003 was primarily attributable to increases in laboratory revenue combined with operating leverage associated with our laboratory business. Our operating leverage comes from the incremental margins we realize on additional tests ordered by the same client, as well as when more comprehensive tests are ordered. We are able to benefit from these incremental margins due to the relative fixed cost nature of our laboratory business.

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     Animal hospital gross profit is calculated as animal hospital revenue less animal hospital direct costs. Animal hospital direct costs are comprised of all costs of services and products at the animal hospitals, including, but not limited to, salaries of veterinarians, technicians and all other animal hospital-based personnel, facilities rent, occupancy costs, supply costs, depreciation and amortization, certain marketing and promotional expense and costs of goods sold associated with the retail sales of pet food and pet supplies.

     Since January 1, 2004, we have had significant growth in our animal hospital division as a result of the acquisition of 85 hospitals, 67 of which were acquired in the NPC merger on June 1, 2004. Our animal hospital gross profit margin decreased slightly in 2004 as compared to 2003 primarily as a result of the impact of the relatively large number of hospitals we recently acquired. As expected, the hospitals we recently acquired, as a group, had a gross profit margin lower than those animal hospitals that we have operated for a period of time sufficient to allow us to fully achieve operating efficiencies.

     Medical technology gross profit is calculated as medical technology revenue less medical technology direct costs. Medical technology direct costs are comprised of all products and services costs, including, but not limited to, all costs of equipment, related products and services, salaries of technicians, support personnel, trainers, diagnostic specialists and other non-administrative personnel, facilites rent, occupancy costs, depreciation and amortization and supply costs.

     We acquired our medical technology division on October 1, 2004 and consequently do not have comparative operating results for prior periods. At December 31, 2004, we had not fully integrated our medical technology division into our operations. As we complete the integration of this division we may make changes to operations and the terms on which we distribute the equipment, software and services that we offer. Consequently, our gross profit margins in 2004 may not be indicative of results experienced in future periods.

     Other gross profit consists of fees earned from a marketing consulting agreement with Heinz Pet Products, which expired in September 2002. We recognized gross profit of $1.5 million in 2002.

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

     Laboratory SG&A consists primarily of salaries of sales, customer support, administrative and accounting personnel, selling, marketing and promotional expense.

     The decreases in laboratory SG&A as a percentage of laboratory revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in laboratory revenue combined with operating leverage associated with our laboratory business. The decrease in laboratory SG&A as a percentage of laboratory revenue in 2003 as compared to 2002 was also attributable to a decrease in legal costs.

     Animal hospital SG&A consists primarily of salaries of field management, certain administrative and accounting personnel, recruiting and certain marketing expense.

     The decrease in animal hospital SG&A as a percentage of animal hospital revenue in 2003 as compared to 2002 was primarily attributable to an increase in animal hospital revenue combined with operating leverage associated with our animal hospital business.

     Medical technology SG&A consists primarily of salaries of sales, customer support, administrative and accounting personnel, selling, marketing and promotional expense, and research and development costs.

     We acquired our medical technology division on October 1, 2004 and consequently do not have comparative operating results for prior periods. At December 31, 2004, we had not fully integrated our medical technology division into our operations. As we complete the integration of this division we may make changes to operations and the terms on which we distribute the equipment, software and services that we offer. Consequently, results for 2004 (including selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of revenue) for the medical technology division may not be indicative of results experienced in future periods.

     Corporate SG&A consists of administrative expense at our headquarters, including the salaries of corporate officers, administrative and accounting personnel, rent, accounting, finance, legal and other professional expense and occupancy costs as well as corporate depreciation.

     In 2002, we recorded a litigation settlement of $2.0 million. In 2004, we resolved the outstanding claim with our insurance company related to this settlement and received partial reimbursement of $1.9 million for the litigation settlement charge and related legal fees. Also in 2004, we incurred integration costs of $1.4 million in connection with the NPC merger. The following table reconciles corporate SG&A as reported to corporate SG&A excluding

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the litigation settlement, partial reimbursement and integration costs related to the NPC merger (in thousands, except percentages):

     Corporate SG&A, excluding the impact of certain items, as a percentage of total revenue for 2004 as compared to 2003 increased primarily as a result of costs incurred for internal controls compliance activities pertaining to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

     In 2003, we determined that the value of one of our parcels of real estate was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $392,000.

     In 2004 and 2003, we sold certain assets for a loss of $59,000 and $198,000, respectively. In 2002, we sold certain assets for a gain of $100,000.

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

     The changes in interest expense were primarily attributable to our debt refinancing transactions, which we discuss below in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section, and changes in LIBOR.

     In connection with multiple debt refinancing transactions and voluntary debt repayments, we incurred debt retirement costs of $880,000, $9.1 million and $12.8 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These transactions are discussed below in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

     Other (income) expense relates to non-cash gains or losses pertaining to the changes in the time value of our interest rate swap agreements and our interest rate collar agreement.

     Minority interest in income of subsidiaries represents our partners’ proportionate shares of net income generated by those subsidiaries that we do not wholly own.

     Our effective tax rate was 40.4%, 41.2% and 44.4% for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2004 is slightly lower than our statutory rate primarily due to: (i) a tax credit recorded in the fourth quarter as a result of reducing our effective state income tax rate and (ii) a litigation settlement reimbursement in the amount of $1.1 million, which we discuss above in the Corporate SG&A section, which had no related tax expense. The effective tax rate for 2003 approximates the statutory rate. The effective tax rate for 2002 reflects the non-deductibility of the amortization of a portion of intangible assets, a litigation settlement charge and certain other items.

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Inflation

     Historically, our operations have not been materially affected by inflation. We cannot assure that our operations will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Related Party Transactions

     We incurred marketing expense for vaccine reminders and other direct mail services provided by Zoasis, an Internet based business that is majority owned by Robert Antin, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Art Antin, our Chief Operating Officer, owns a 10% interest in Zoasis and a separate officer sold his entire 1% interest in Zoasis prior to December 31, 2004 for less than $15,000. The expense incurred was $946,000, $993,000 and $850,000 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The pricing of these services is comparable to prices paid by us to independent third parties for similar services.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):

     Net cash provided by operating activities increased $10.2 million in 2004 primarily due to improved operating performance and acquisitions. These factors were partially offset by an increase in taxes paid of $13.2 million and a use of working capital of $4.0 million. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $9.0 million in 2003 primarily due to improved operating performance, acquisitions, a decrease in interest paid of $5.1 million, and the termination of a management services agreement with Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. in 2001, which, including payments for management services received, approximated $10.3 million paid in 2001. The factors causing an increase in 2003 were partially offset by an increase in taxes paid of $12.4 million and a use of working capital of $2.5 million.

     On a prospective basis, we anticipate cash flow from operating activities to continue growing in line with increases in operating income resulting from improved operating performance and acquisitions. However, we also anticipate that operating cash flow may be negatively impacted by an increase in cash paid for interest as a result of interest rates rising. Interest rates have been at historical lows and are projected to increase over the next several years. Significant increases in interest rates may materially impact our operating cash flows because of the variable rate nature of our senior credit facility.

     Net cash used in investing activities primarily consisted of cash used for the acquisition of animal hospitals, including the NPC merger, and laboratories and expenditures for property, plant and equipment. In addition, we acquired STI on October 1, 2004. The NPC merger and STI are discussed above in the Significant Acquisitions section.

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     Depending upon the attractiveness of the candidates and the strategic fit with our existing operations, we intend to acquire approximately 20 to 25 independent animal hospitals per year with aggregate annual revenues of approximately $25.0 million to $30.0 million. In addition, we also evaluate the acquisition of animal hospital chains, laboratories or related businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. For example, in 2004 we acquired 85 animal hospitals, 67 of which were part of a chain operated by NPC, which we acquired in June of 2004. We intend to primarily use cash in our acquisitions but, depending on the timing and amount of our acquisitions, we may use stock or debt. In 2005, we also intend to spend approximately $25.0 million for property and equipment.

     In December 2004, we amended and restated our senior credit facility to replace the existing senior term E notes in the principal amount of $223.9 million with an interest rate margin of 2.25% with new senior term F notes in the same principal amount with an interest rate margin of 1.75%. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     In June 2004, we amended and restated our senior credit facility to replace the existing senior term D notes in the principal amount of $145.3 million with an interest rate margin of 2.50% with new senior term E notes in the principal amount of $225.0 million with an interest rate margin of 2.25%. The additional borrowings were used to fund the NPC merger, which we discuss above in the Significant Acquisitions section. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     In August 2003, we refinanced our senior credit facility to replace the existing senior term C notes in the principal amount of $166.4 million with an interest rate margin of 3.00% with $20.0 million of cash on-hand and new senior term D notes in the principal amount of $146.4 million with an interest rate margin of 2.50%. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     In February 2003, we sold 7.6 million shares of our common stock. Approximately $42.7 million of the $54.3 million in net proceeds received were used to redeem the entire principal amount of our 15.5% senior notes due 2010 at a redemption price of 110% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     In October 2002, we redeemed $15.0 million, the entire principal amount, of our 13.5% senior subordinated notes due 2010 at a redemption price of 110% and $30.0 million in principal amount of our 15.5% senior notes due 2010 at a redemption price of 110% with cash on-hand and $25.0 million in additional borrowings under our senior term C notes. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     In August 2002, we refinanced our senior credit facility to replace the existing senior term A and senior term B notes in the principal amount of $143.1 million with a weighted average interest rate margin of 3.63% with new senior term C notes in the same principal amount with an interest rate margin of 3.00%. In connection with this transaction, we paid certain financing costs.

     Borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility are the result of normal working capital shifts created by the seasonality of our business and the timing of acquisition activity. At the end of 2002 we borrowed $7.5 million, and in early 2003 we repaid the full amount. At December 31, 2004, we had no borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

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     The following table sets forth the scheduled principal, interest and other contractual cash obligations due by us for each of the years indicated (in thousands):