AAT - Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Therapy Animal Selection Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is a critical health requirement for an animal to be considered for a therapy animal program?

Accepted Answer

Must be at least one year old at the time of evaluation.

Answer

Being fed a raw protein diet to ensure optimal nutrition.

Answer

Must be a specific 'hypoallergenic' breed to prevent allergic reactions.

Answer

Having completed advanced, specialized training for specific medical scenarios.

Question 2

During a temperament assessment for a potential therapy dog, the evaluator unexpectedly drops a metal bowl on the floor. Which response from the dog would be most desirable?

Accepted Answer

The dog startles, but then quickly recovers and looks to the handler for guidance.

Answer

The dog barks aggressively at the bowl until it is removed.

Answer

The dog completely ignores the noise and continues to solicit petting from the evaluator.

Answer

The dog runs behind its handler and refuses to come out.

Question 3

A handler is considering their friendly, 5-year-old cat for an AAT program. The cat has lived with the handler for four months. According to Pet Partners' guidelines, what is the primary reason this cat may not yet be eligible?

Accepted Answer

The cat has not lived in the owner's home for the minimum required duration.

Answer

The cat is too old to begin therapy work.

Answer

Cats are generally not suitable for AAT programs.

Answer

The cat has not passed the Canine Good Citizen test.

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios would likely disqualify a dog from being a therapy animal candidate, even if the dog has a very friendly disposition?

Accepted Answer

The dog occasionally jumps up on people to greet them.

Answer

The dog has a mild fear of thunderstorms.

Answer

The dog knows several advanced tricks but is not always responsive.

Answer

The dog is a mixed breed from a local shelter.

Question 5

When assessing a potential therapy animal, what is the 'goodness-of-fit' concept primarily concerned with?

Accepted Answer

Matching the animal's personality, interests, and abilities to the specific demands of the therapy work.

Answer

The animal's physical size matching the facility's available space.

Answer

The animal's breed being popular and well-liked by the public.

Answer

Ensuring the animal has the most advanced obedience training available.

Question 6

A core component of any therapy animal's temperament evaluation involves assessing the animal's reaction to what?

Accepted Answer

Interacting with unfamiliar people who may handle them clumsily.

Answer

Being left alone in a strange room for an extended period.

Answer

Performing a sequence of complex obedience commands.

Answer

The presence of food treats on the floor.