Rather than avoiding clinics that have students, I would highly recommend SEEKING OUT these hospitals for family pet care! Well-run hospitals attract students who want to learn from good doctors with good equipment and ethics. Doctors who routinely work with students are up-to-date on procedures and protocols because they are always teaching. The proposed change to allow veterinary students at any point in the veterinary curriculum to perform routine procedures under the direct supervision of a veterinarian is a positive one. In my experience, owners have always been asked first before a doctor and student perform a procedure together. The doctor knows which procedures are appropriate learning opportunities for first, second, third, and fourth year students. Talk to your veterinarian if you are uncomfortable with anyone assisting with your pet.