AAT Therapy Animal Selection 2

Question 1

Which temperament trait is most critical when evaluating a dog for animal-assisted therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance of unpredictable handling by strangers

Answer

High energy and playfulness

Answer

Strong prey drive

Answer

Independence from the handler

Question 2

A rabbit is being considered for AAT in a pediatric oncology ward. What is the PRIMARY concern specific to rabbits in this setting?

Accepted Answer

Rabbits are fragile and may be injured by overzealous handling

Answer

Rabbits are too large for hospital environments

Answer

Rabbits can transmit zoonotic diseases more readily than dogs

Answer

Rabbits require daily grooming that disrupts therapy sessions

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes a therapy animal's required response to sudden loud noises?

Accepted Answer

The animal should remain calm or recover quickly without displaying sustained fear

Answer

The animal should bark or vocalize to alert the handler

Answer

The animal should move toward the source of the noise

Answer

The animal may flee briefly but must return within 30 seconds

Question 4

During a therapy animal evaluation, the assessor drops a metal food bowl loudly near the dog. What passing response looks like?

Accepted Answer

Dog startles, then investigates calmly within seconds

Answer

Dog freezes and stares for 5 minutes

Answer

Dog growls and moves behind handler

Answer

Dog immediately sits and refuses to move

Question 5

Which certification body is most widely recognized for evaluating therapy dogs in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society)

Answer

American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen only

Answer

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Answer

National Dog Trainers Federation

Question 6

A therapy cat freezes, dilates pupils, and tucks its tail during a session. The handler should:

Accepted Answer

End the session and remove the cat from the environment

Answer

Allow the client to offer treats to calm the cat

Answer

Continue the session since cats often display neutral body language

Answer

Ask the client to speak more softly and try again

Question 7

What is the recommended minimum age for most dogs before beginning formal therapy animal work?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

6 months

Answer

1 year

Answer

3 years