I know many GREAT assistants and I myself started as an assistant. But after going to school to be an LVT as well as my previous training before that, I would NEVER want someone that is not properly trained in aseptic technique to be placing an intravenous catheter in my own pet, therefore I would not consider this for other pet parents. Many assistants are properly trained and do understand this importance, but there is no way of knowing who does and does not, which makes this procedure risky to the pet and the entire practice. Additionally, if we are allowing assistants to perform this task we are further devaluing our licensed technicians that worked VERY hard, paid a lot of money for their education, and are still not getting paid adequately for their abilities. Therefore, allowing assistants to perform more LVT tasks would discourage the industry from hiring LVTs and keep the wages low.