I'm a pet owner who has spent many hours in veterinary practices, both general practice and specialized medicine. While helping my pets through several serious illnesses and surgeries, I have learned that there is tremendous variation in the quality of care among practices and among staff. Unfortunately, it is difficult for the general public to distinguish between good and poor medicine. I oppose this regulation as I feel it would lower the standard of care and continue to increase the variability among caregivers. Rather than continuing to put more responsibility in the hands of unlicensed staff, this industry needs more oversight, higher standards, and higher pay for skilled and licensed practitioners. 

There are licenses for manicurists, massage therapists, human health care workers, and many others. Why do we consider our pets any less important? We must continue to insist that our pet caregivers are trained, skilled, licensed and supervised. In fact, I believe that veterinary assistants should also receive training and certifications. Anyone who's responsible for my pet's life or death in a clinic should have a standard of skill that is ensured by the state.