As a previous CVT in Maryland, I strongly support this petition for Virginia. By increasing assistant responsibilities through on the job training, the animal will be better supported during routine and especially during emergency situations. Additionally, this will increase the partnership between doctors, LVTs and the trained assistants. I do not feel that this takes away from the education and experience of current LVTs or DVMs- it allows them to practice medicine as trained and have the desperately needed support during critical situations.