It is my understanding that the number of Licensed Veterinary Technicians in the state of Virginia is less than 1/4 the number of Veterinarians in the State. Even as someone that does not work in the industry, it simply does not appear like there are enough support staff to uphold this regulation if only licensed individuals are allowed to place IV catheters. As a pet owner, I feel comfortable with an unlicensed, but trained veterinary assistant placing an IV catheter in my pet, particularly if they are to be under the direct supervision of a Veterinarian. When you visit a human ER department, Med Techs, who are trained and under the supervision of a doctor and/or nurse, but are not licensed nurses, most often are the people who come in to place your IV catheter. Why should veterinary medicine be held to a different standard?