I am in support of allowing non-licensed individuals placing catheters for many reasons, but there is one specific reason I feel is the most important.  I want every individual working in a veterinary hospital to be as trained and skilled as possible.  While I fully understand the position of LVTs, and agree with some of their arguments, my main interests lie in the ability of veterinary staff to adequately care for my animals in all circumstances.  It would be ideal if every veterinary staff member had the time and resources to become licensed, however, every situation is not ideal and animals should be afforded appropriate medical care by trained individuals regardless of licensure status.  There are financial arguments, staffing arguments, training arguments....many arguments on both sides.  I am advocating for the best care for all animals and that should be the focus of any decision.  Does having a license make one automatically prepared and better at placing catheters than non-licensed individuals?  I would argue that a DVM business owner who properly invests time and training in their staff can equip them to do many things needed to care for their patients.  The fact that the responsibility for all actions associated with the veterinary hospital staff will ultimately fall on the shoulders of the DVM owner, one would hope that only individuals who have received appropriate, hands on training from their employer, would tackle more advanced medical care procedures.         As a means to find an appropriate balance between both sides, maybe a compromise could be reached.  I would propose than an appropriate give/take in this situation may be to allow the placing of catheters by those who are not licensed but are currently enrolled in an approved LVT program.  If they are in the process of obtaining licensure, they will soon be allowed to do this anyway, and they are showing a commitment to become licensed, which should satisfy the points being made by LVTs.  Another option would be to simply create an online course to be completed by non-licensed individuals, along with a sign off from their supervising veterinarian that they have completed training to place catheters.  Something along the lines of these two scenarios should demonstrate a higher level of professionalism by interested staff.