VCA Antech, Inc. (WOOF)

I am a veterinarian, I own VCA stock, but do not work for VCA. I have read many accounts, blogs, etc on the topic of veterinary stocks being recession proof. All of the authors discuss how fluffy's care will never be sacrificed due to money.

This is not true. I see this play out on a daily basis. Many people do not bring their pets in for the yearly check up and vaccinations when money is tight. They do not purchase heartworm preventative when money is tight. People will more likely, "wait and see what happens" to fluffy when he is limping, or is vomiting. Unfortunately some wait way too long before their pet is truly sick.

One factor I have never seen written about is the owners option of euthanasia in the veterinary profession. When people have money to spend they will treat fluffy's new case of diabetes, or hospitalize when he is hit by a car. If money is tight euthanasia becomes a very real option. It is relatively inexpensive to euthanize a pet and very expensive to treat them.

Ask your veterinarian and I bet he/she will tell you the same thing. This year has been horrible. I dont care what any of the "experts" say. Medical care for fluffy is paid with discretionary income.

I am long on all of the veterinary industry stocks. I too believe that it is a growth industry. However these stocks will not turn around until the economy turns around or at least people feel like the economy is turning around.