When VCA Antech says health care has gone to the dogs, it means it. VCA operates the nation's largest chain of animal hospitals -- about 530 in some 40 states. Its hospitals offer basic wellness checkups, dental care, neutering and spaying, vaccinations, and specialty surgeries. With about 50 diagnostic laboratories nationwide, VCA also interacts with the animal kingdom by testing blood, tissue, and urine samples for more than 16,000 animal hospitals and practices, universities, and government agencies. Founded in 1986 as Veterinary Centers of America, the company has grown over the years through acquisitions of other animal hospitals and veterinary product suppliers.