Quote Originally Posted by Crowfingers View Post
No need to apologize Most people are responsible, I love my clients that know the work it takes in caring for any animal, whether it's a cat, a snake, or a rat. And you are also right that money does not equal care - unfortunately in VA our animal control officers are under payed and under-staffed, so it is hard to even charge people when they don't care for their pets (no matter what kind) and so they are the ones that get the spot light when something goes wrong. Honestly it's the few that don't care that often stick out most in our minds.

I don't even mind clients that do the wrong thing for the right reasons, those I can teach and help them learn how to better their pets' lives, often they are also the ones that are the most willing to do whatever is necessary to right whatever the wrong was.

It's the ones that don't care and obviously see animals as means for status or objects that really get my goat - but luckily they are few and far between
It's really nice to find someone who is respectful in debating these issues. Usually people have such polar opposite views that they are ready to rip each other's throats out. You sound like someone I would take my pets to see. I think licenses would be a good idea for some animals for sure. Are you a rehabber? I'm planning to get a rehab permit in a few years since I love working with wild animals, birds in particular.