So many comments because the public is interested and the public deserves the best care for their animals.

First:  this is a public forum.  The Commonwealth of VA created this forum for its citizens and invites the citizens and welcomes the citizens comments.  It does not say, nor is the intent, that only a vet or vet student make commends.

Second:  Please remember it is the public who pays the vet's bills.  We have many vets to choose from.  I drive an hour to take my cats to a vet that I feel meets my high standards for veterinary care.  Not all vets met my standards. They are high and they are significantly higher than this board's standards.

Third:  This is not about student vets.  Sorry to tell you, this is about the care that our pets received.  I do not care about the student's learning needs or their learning curves, if they graduate and pass their boards or about their student loans or low salary.  I care about the care that my animals receive and that is and will be my only concern.

Fourth:  The general public is a lot smarter than many of the vet students and vets think we are.  We can understand this proposal.  It is not too complicated for us to understand. We do understand the proposal and we are smart and educated and experienced and we just don't want our pets cared for by somone who lacks experience and knowledge.  So please do not insinuate that we disagree with this because we just don't understand.

Fifth:  This proposal does not mention any requirement for a written disclosure regarding who is handling our pets.  It does not mention giving the owner a copy of the written disclosure.  There is nothing in this proposal that states a client can refuse to have their pets seen by a student.  There is nothing in the proposal that requires a written disclosure as to what the student will and will not be doing.  There is nothing in the proposal that states the client has the right to opt out of all activities to be performed by students.  There is nothing in this proposal that states the client will be given a copy of the activities that the student will be performing.  There is nothing in this proposal that addresses the fundamental basic informed consent.

Sixth:  There is nothing in this proposal that allows me to know how the student is performing in school.  One of the functions of the first couple of years of professional education is that it weeds out those that aren't up to the task.  This includes MDs, RN, attorneys and other professionals.  I dould not want my cat cared for by the student who is last in his class rank.  I would want that type of informaiton before allowing a student to touch my pet.  This would allow me to make an informed decision.   I do have the ability to check on line and I do to see if my vet has been sanctioned by this board.  Sadly, I learned that the hard way.

Lastly, if I took my cats to a vet and found out that a student was participating in their care, I would find a new vet rather quickly.  There are many to choose from.

Respectfully submitted, Molly Mittens Mom

RN, Esquire (who just doesn't understand this proposal.)