I took the time to read the public's concerns because I myself am a pet owner, and I am super attached to my cat. I understand how a lot of clients are afraid that their pet's health will be compromised, but please consider the following:

a) This petition does not state anywhere that your pets would be treated solely by a veterinary student. We have exceptional professors at our college that train us, and are next to us the whole time. The veterinarian would have to ascess the student and judge on whether a student can perform a certain technique (something as simple as placing a catheter).

b) most of us have already had experience in the past and we are in this profession because we care about animals. If we didn't, this program would have not accepted us in the first place.

c) Having travelled a LOT in my life, and knowing how other vet schools in the world work, let me tell you that a lot of vet schools out there allow veterinary students in 2nd year to perform surgeries and other techniques under strict supervision. Those veterinary students come out of vet school feeling more prepared and are able to offer better care for their patients as soon as they graduate. 

Again, please consider that currently we do not get a lot of hands on experience because of the current laws. Therefore, when we come out of vet school (have passed the boards and we are "ready" to practice) we are more likely to make mistakes than if we had received more training. This petition is for the benefit of your animals, which we truly care about. This petition was not written because students want to experiement on animals and if that were the case- as an activist myself- I would not be supporting it. 

Whatever the result of the petition, I would like to thank the public for expressing their concerns. I think it is very useful for vet students and veterinarians to know how clients feel. However, please consider all aspects of this petition and think about the benefits that this petition offers to your pets.