As the author of the original petition, I think it may be helpful if I provide some context.  The petition is posted in abbreviated form on this website, and so its purpose and rationale may not be completely clear to those who read it. 

I have personally rescued animals for over 20 years, and volunteered with multiple animal advocacy organizations for most of this time.  I have spent well into the six figures on veterinary care alone - most of this in Virginia.  I have also spent hundreds of hours accompanying animals to dozens of veterinary care facilities in Virginia and other states.

A Licensed Veterinary Technician is generally the first person to have contact with an animal when that animal comes into a veterinary practice.  Some animals behave well in a veterinary setting - but many, experiencing fear or pain, do not. I know from firsthand experience that some LVTs are brilliant at managing the behavior of anxious animals, while others have no idea what to do.  Some of the LVTs who have no idea what to do may have taken the required behavior course and done well on the test.  Some may have been trained outside Virginia and not received such training.  In any event, at this point, all that matters is the LVT's ability to use applied behavioral knowledge to manage the situation.  If the LVT does this well, he or she does not get hurt, and the animal can be successfully treated.  If the LVT does this poorly, he or she may be bitten, scratched, or otherwise injured by the animal.  The practice may then refuse to treat the animal.  In the best case, the animal guardian may find another nearby vet to provide comparable treatment.  If specialty care is needed, the animal guardian may be forced to travel to a veterinarian in another state.  In the worst case, the animal may die before another qualified veterinary practice can be located.

A requirement for Licensed Veterinary Technicians to receive training through a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist is good for all Virginia LVTs because it can help to keep you employed, and help keep you safe while you are on the job.  It is good for the animals we all love because it can help to ensure that they will receive life-saving treatment when they need it.