VCA Animal Hospitals Raise Funds to Support American Veterinary Medical Foundation; Unique Partnership with Local Coca-Cola Bottlers Benefits Animal Welfare.

Business Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2002

Buying a soda at VCA Animal Hospitals (VCA) does more than quench your thirst -- it helps save the lives of thousands of animals annually by raising funds to support the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), whose mission is to improve the health and welfare of animals of all species. VCA, the leading animal health care provider in the nation, has again joined forces with local Coca-Cola bottlers in this unique charitable partnership, which raised $15,000 this year.

Coca-Cola bottlers have placed vending machines at participating VCA Animal Hospitals, with soft drink proceeds directly benefiting the work of AVMF on behalf of all animals. Formed in 1963 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the AVMF sponsors relief programs for animals injured in disasters, underwrites research that improves the lives of animals and people, helps veterinarians and veterinary students with education expenses, and educates the public about animal welfare issues.

"This unique partnership between Coca-Cola Bottlers and VCA underscores our on-going commitment to the welfare of all animals. We are pleased to have exceeded last year's goal to help the AVMF continue its mission of caring for animals in need," said Dr. Steve Fisher, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for VCA. "Supporting a worthwhile program like this is very rewarding for all of us. Our employees and clients appreciate how convenient it is to buy a Coca-Cola beverage, such as a carbonated soft drink, Dasani water or Minute Maid juice, and also make a difference in the lives of animals," he added.

"We are especially pleased to have VCA as our partner in this effort," said Mark Spiwak, National Account Executive for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southern California, who helped create the program with VCA. "Local Coca-Cola Bottlers are committed to making a positive difference in every local community in which they operate," Mr. Spiwak continued. "It's always a privilege to work with organizations such as VCA and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, as they are both supportive and extremely committed to improving the lives of our beloved pets," he added.

The vending machines at participating VCA Animal Hospitals are identified by banners noting that the proceeds are supporting animal welfare. Most of these machines are located in public areas of the hospital, such as in lobbies or outside the building, making them easily accessible for staff members and clients.

VCA Animal Hospitals has a long history of community commitment for both animal-related and other worthy causes, including providing corporate support on a national level for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to seriously ill children.

VCA Antech, Inc., (Nasdaq:WOOF), operates the largest network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals across the country and employs more than 800 veterinarians at 215+ animal hospitals. VCA also operates the largest network of veterinary-exclusive clinical laboratories in the nation, performing over 60,000 daily diagnostic tests. Antech Diagnostics is dedicated to providing clients with the finest in laboratory medicine, offering daily service to over 18,000 animal hospitals, zoos, biotechnology firms, governmental agencies, and specialty practices throughout the United States.