VCA Antech, Inc.Los Angeles, CA, United States (NASDAQ (GS): WOOF)

Vet Shortages may Impact Food Supply - Veterinary service shortages may adversely impact public health due to fewer vets treating farm animals used in the food supply. Vets are becoming scarce in rural areas: an estimated 500 US counties with large populations of food animals have no vets living in the county, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). More often, vets are choosing to live in metropolitan areas where they earn more, thereby creating a shortage of vets treating farm animals or working as government inspectors. The shortage is being worsened by an unchanging number of vet school graduates year-over-year and baby boomer retirements.

Rising Consumer Prices Boost Sales - Vet services are raising consumer prices to recoup rising operational and product costs. The prices consumers pay for pet services increased 5.9 percent in March 2008 from a year earlier, positively affecting vet dollar sales. Vet service sales are expected to grow in 2008 compared to 2007, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Vet care is projected to rise 7.9 percent to $10.9 billion; supplies/OTC medicine, 5.1 percent to $10.3 billion; and pet services, such as grooming and boarding, 6.7 percent to $3.2 billion.

Technology Helps Vets - Vets say that they're more productive due to computing and communications technology, according to a survey from AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association. Of vets, 88 percent report that the Internet increases their ability to access the latest science and research, 64 percent report improved efficiency, 61 percent that it helps them provide better animal care, and 32 percent say that it makes their practice more profitable.