The veterinary professionals who have spent time and money to be educated on veterinary medicine on a technical or doctoral level should be the only ones allowed to place intravenous catheters. You must have an appropriate understanding of venous access and care. Too many mistakes can happen that can also be prevented if only we keep our standards high. This is veterinary Medicine, and the animals should be treated by trained and educated veterinary professionals. Allowing this not only puts patients at risk and creates a liability, but it also takes away from those who have studied and worked hard to become licensed. Intravenous access requires monitoring, proper placement to ensure the medications are actually in the vein and aren't causing necrosis, and care to make sure clots do not form, and air and bacteria aren't introduced. Too many times have I seen catheters placed by unprofessional workers that are through the fur (no clipping or cleaning) and even left with an extension but no cap (Just the extension tied with the end wide open). We are medical professionals. We aim for excellence. Our licenses should mean something and should be valued. We need to keep our standards high and strive for better.