I am for this because I have met assistants who were more adept at placing IV catheters than both DVMs and (newer)LVTs. If they have the training, they should be allowed to perform this skill. In an emergent situation, if there is only an assistant available and they are able to safely and successfully place an IV catheter, they should be allowed to do so instead of sacrificing patient care. Plus, DVMs are going to let capable assistants do this anyway.