Client and Animal Safety Flashcards

A therapy dog shows whale eye (visible sclera) and a stiff body while a client reaches toward it. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Redirect the client and create distance between them and the dog

Whale eye and stiff body are stress signals indicating the animal may bite; immediate separation prevents injury.

Which zoonotic disease is of greatest concern when a therapy animal has an open wound that comes into contact with an immunocompromised client?

Answer: Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection

Capnocytophaga canimorsus, found in dog saliva and wounds, poses severe sepsis risk for immunocompromised individuals.

Before an AAT session in a hospital, a handler discovers the therapy animal has loose stools that morning. The BEST course of action is:

Answer: Cancel the visit and consult a veterinarian

Gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate infectious illness, and visiting with a potentially ill animal risks spreading pathogens to vulnerable clients.

A client with dementia suddenly grabs a therapy cat tightly around the neck. The handler should FIRST:

Answer: Calmly redirect the client's hands while gently removing the cat

A calm, gentle physical redirect protects both the animal and the client without causing additional distress.

What minimum health documentation should a therapy animal have updated annually according to standard AAT guidelines?

Answer: Rabies vaccination and a veterinary health certificate

Annual rabies vaccination and a current veterinary health certificate are the baseline documentation requirements for therapy animal visits.

During a session, a child client begins pulling a therapy dog's tail. The handler should:

Answer: Immediately intervene, redirect the child, and use it as a teaching moment about gentle touch

Immediate intervention protects the animal, prevents a bite, and provides a therapeutic teaching opportunity about safe animal interaction.

Which of the following environments requires the STRICTEST animal cleanliness protocols before an AAT visit?

Answer: Oncology ward

Oncology patients are severely immunocompromised, requiring the strictest hygiene protocols including recent bathing and nail trimming of the therapy animal.