I strongly support the petition to allow unlicensed trained veterinary assistants to place indwelling intravenous catheters in patients under supervision by a veterinarian or licenced animal health technician.  There is a shortage of licensed veterinary technicians in our area (Northern Virginia), and there are many capable veterinary assistants well trained in Veterinary practices accross teh state.  The expertise of these veterinary assistants are usually excellent and in now way is teh welfare of the animal at all compromised by having their catheters placed by these highly trained individuals.