This proposal shakes me to the core.  These students have not yet had sufficient classroom "training" to know what they're doing. Hands-on practice should not occur until students are in their last year of training and not before. Would YOU like an unqualified physician practicing on your children?

It appears that there are no limits on what a first, second, or third year vet student can do. It’s totally up to the supervising veterinarian. Specifically, I see no requirement that pet owners be notified or, more importantly, consent. Who is liable if something goes wrong?  Furthermore, it does not appear that the vet school has any responsibility for ensuring that this practical experience is in fact educational, as opposed to simply comprising free labor. If we’re realistic, we recognize that practicing veterinarians cover the entire spectrum of clinical competence, from barely adequate to superb, and their ethics cover the same range. We also know that not every highly qualified professional can, or is even interested in, teaching effectively.

If you accept this proposed change, you will be creating an “anything goes” situation that can adversely affect the health and safety of Virginia pets and farm animals. Please DO NOT allow this to happen!