As a small, independently-owned small animal hospital in a busy surburban location where LVT demand between four large referral centers is very high, we can't find or afford LVTs in our practice. As much as I'd love to have an LVT on staff at all times, we can't afford the salaries and still be able to afford health insurance for our staff and as close to a living salary for our assistants and receptionists as possible. A well-trained, very experienced assistant can place an IV catheter as well as some LVTs, so quality of care is not at risk in the least. LVTs are certainly more knowledgeable about many aspects of veterinary medicine, however an assistant can easily help the hospital run more smoothly and allow the doctor 10-20 minutes of time to be doing something else. The something else may be bringing more money into the practice by seeing another appointment or by relaxing before a stressful morning and before a stressful surgery.