Every quality veterinary practice should have one or more LVTs, unless the veterinarians want/need to do everything themselves. Not only do the LVTs place IV catheters, but they also provide many other services including provision of trained anesthesia services, trained nursing care, licensed use of controlled substances, and excellent client communications. While there are too few LVTs in Virginia, and many small/rural practices have a hard time finding these folks, the reality is that many small town/rural LVTs choose to work in the larger cities and suburbs (and commute very long distances!) because wages are higher in the cities, and the LVTs are allowed to function and practice at the level to which they were trained. Pay the LVTs what they are worth, and use them to the full extent of their capabilities!