I would like to comment on the proposed regulations on owner consent for student practice at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Virginia Tech. As a resident of Virginia, it is important to me that a student be supervised by a qualified veteranarian at all times and that the vet should be in the hospital, which functions not only as a training facility, but a specialty referral center. Secondly, in the case that a student is in charge of his pet's care, a potential patient should be informed and consent provided before students are permitted to diagnose and treat any animals.

Thank you.