If the Vet students need more "practice" why not make the change to the regulation to allow them to work on shelter/ animal control and Humane Society animals - ONLY  - if not 4th year students.  BUT not MY Pet.

 

Unowned pets also need health care and any "free" vet care would benefit the shelters budgets and the future vets would gain the valuable experience they say they need.

 

There are MANY feral cats that need "fixing" - there WAS a program here in Roanoke that met monthly to neutered/spayed them - But when the sponsering vet at "Angles of Assasi" moved out of town the program was discontinued. Future Vets would probably get a LOT of experience !!  (and Not to be heartless - But -  if something went wrong - a Pet Owner isn't affected by their "practicing)

 

Additionally, I have to agree with the individual that pets don't understand that the Vet  is only trying to help them. Many animals are stressed by Vet visits. My people loving dog becomes reactive and requires muzzeling. She DOESN"T need any more poking or proding than necessary.  I see no need to add the extra stress of being examined by a student, who may not possess the appropriate skills to do the examination which Scout considers intrusive and stressful.

 

I also agree that - " I certainly do not want a student to be practicing drawing blood on my pets.  My pets do not understand why they are being stuck with a needle and I do not want them being stuck 2 or 3 times, so someone gets to practice. " The last time Scout needed blood drawn they had to sedate her - That was VERY scary for me and her.  

 I ONLY want a Qualified/Certified Vet to work on her.