As a rising second year veterinary student, I acknowledge my perspective is biased. However, previous to entering vet school I worked at a medical school and took (and continue to take) my pets to clinics where students are working. I have always believed that students practicing under careful supervision is by far the best way for ALL students to learn - medical, veterinary, dental, physical therapy, etc. Changing the current legislation to allow vet students to interact with patients before fourth year would be a huge improvement in training our future veterinarians. As the current law stands, even a third-year student who can competantly perform surgery in class cannot take the temperature or pulse of a client's pet. I absolutely agree that informed client consent is necessary when students are working with patients; this has always been the case AND will continue to be. Likewise careful supervision by attending veterinarians is key; I know this is already the case for practicing fourth-years and will continue to be moving forward. By giving students a chance to aclimate to a clinical environment earlier in their training, we can improve the effciency of the more advanced training they recieve in their 4th year. Even if it's just taking temperature, pulse, respiration rates and a history by a second year, this kind of hands-on clinical experience is unique and invaluable. For individuals concerned about students in the clinic, think about it this way: with supervised students assisting, you've got MORE highly educated and motivated individuals caring for your pet to the best of their abilities. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one! Everyone in vet school is there because they love animals and want to help care for them - please help us develop those skills to be the very best they can be in safe, supportive learning environment!