Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	35,245	$	28,839
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	86,984		86,355
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	560		690
Nonvested shares	511		200
Diluted	88,055		87,245
Basic earnings per share	$	0.41	$	0.33
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.40	$	0.33