AAT Client and Animal Safety 3

Question 1

An AAT practitioner notices a client with a dog phobia has been assigned to an animal-assisted session without prior disclosure. The ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Halt the session, notify the treatment team, and obtain informed consent before any future animal contact

Answer

Informed consent is mandatory; proceeding without it when a known phobia exists is both unethical and potentially harmful.

Question 2

A therapy horse becomes agitated when a new client approaches with an umbrella. The safest response is to:

Accepted Answer

Ask the client to put away the umbrella and allow the horse to calm before any approach

Answer

Removing the trigger and allowing the animal to return to a calm baseline prevents injury from an unpredictable flight or startle response.

Question 3

Hand hygiene after an AAT session is recommended primarily to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Transmission of zoonotic pathogens from animal to client or vice versa

Answer

Hand hygiene breaks the zoonotic transmission chain by removing pathogens that can be transferred through animal contact.

Question 4

Which behavioral sign in a therapy dog signals that the animal has reached its stress threshold and needs a break?

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly looking away, yawning, and refusing treats

Answer

Displacement behaviors like yawning, repeated gaze aversion, and food refusal indicate the animal is overwhelmed and needs rest.

Question 5

A client discloses a shellfish allergy just before an AAT session involving aquatic animals. The practitioner should:

Accepted Answer

Consult medical staff and avoid aquatic animal contact until cleared

Answer

Cross-reactive allergens and skin contact risks require medical clearance before exposing clients with known allergies to aquatic species.

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

(AAT) Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Practice Test

AAT Client and Animal Safety 3