Therapy Animal Selection Flashcards
7 cards from real AAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Therapy Animal Selection flashcards as text
Which population characteristic should most influence the species selected for an AAT program in a memory care facility?
Answer: Clients' history with animals and potential fear or allergy responses
Client histories, allergies, and prior animal relationships directly affect therapeutic benefit and safety in memory care populations.
A guinea pig is used in AAT sessions with children with autism. What handling protocol is essential?
Answer: Ensure the guinea pig is handled only while seated to prevent drop injuries
Seated handling prevents accidental drops and reduces injury risk for both the animal and the child during unpredictable movements.
Which factor is LEAST relevant when selecting a therapy horse for an equine-assisted therapy program?
Answer: The horse's breed registration papers
Breed registration has no bearing on temperament suitability; behavioral history and adaptability are the critical selection criteria.
What does 'species-specific needs assessment' mean in the context of therapy animal selection?
Answer: Evaluating whether the therapy environment can meet the animal's biological and behavioral requirements
Each species has unique environmental, social, and behavioral needs that must be met to maintain welfare during therapy work.
A therapy dog repeatedly seeks to end interactions by turning away and yawning during sessions. This MOST likely indicates:
Answer: The dog is displaying calming signals indicating stress
Yawning, turning away, and lip licking are recognized canine stress signals that indicate the animal needs relief from the interaction.
Which statement about mixed-breed dogs in AAT programs is accurate?
Answer: Mixed-breed dogs can be certified provided they meet temperament and health standards
Certification eligibility is based on temperament, health, and handler skill — not breed or pedigree.
In AAT, a 'welfare break' for the therapy animal refers to:
Answer: Scheduled rest periods where the animal is removed from the therapeutic environment
Welfare breaks are planned periods that allow the animal to decompress, reducing cumulative stress and preventing burnout.