This petition would allow veterinary students to supplement their education by practicing common medical procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The more exposure we as students have to medical procedures commonly done in practice, the more able we will be after graduation and as DVM's in practice.

In a veterinary practice, a veterinarian will only allow an employee to do a procedure if the vet is comfortable with the employee's skill set. How are we as students supposed to develop these skills if we are not regularly given the opportunity to practice them?

This petition is NOT asking the public to allow first year students to perform surgeries on pets. It is simply asking that students be able to practice procedures we have already learned in veterinary school. As a student, I would prefer an ample amount of time to practice these procedures so I can comfortably complete the procedures on my own. As a pet owner, I would prefer that students have more time learning clinical skills before they become licensed veterinarians.