Sanitation & Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real CPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sanitation & Infection Control flashcards as text
A pet stylist notices a dog is excessively scratching and has small moving specks in its coat. After grooming, which area requires PRIORITY decontamination?
Answer: The kennel/crate, grooming table, any fabric surfaces, and all tools that contacted the pet
Parasites can drop off and survive in crates, on tables, and in fabric, so all contact areas must be decontaminated to prevent infestation of subsequent pets.
Which hand-washing technique is recommended for groomers between handling different pets?
Answer: Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds including under nails, rinse, and dry with a clean towel
The CDC-recommended 20-second soap scrub removes the greatest amount of pathogens, especially under nails where contamination accumulates.
If a grooming salon uses a shared bathing tub, what is the minimum sanitation step required between dogs?
Answer: Clean all organic debris, then apply a disinfectant for the full contact time before the next use
Organic matter must be removed first, then a full disinfection cycle with correct contact time must be completed before the tub is safe for the next pet.
What does the term 'biofilm' mean in the context of grooming salon sanitation?
Answer: A layer of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix that adheres to surfaces and resists disinfection
Biofilms are communities of bacteria protected by a self-produced matrix that makes them significantly harder to eliminate with standard disinfectants.
Why is it important for a grooming salon to maintain a written sanitation log?
Answer: It provides documentation of cleaning protocols, supports accountability, and can demonstrate compliance if a disease outbreak is investigated
A sanitation log creates an auditable trail of disinfection activities, which is essential for accountability and for tracing the source if a disease outbreak occurs.
Which of the following is the MOST effective way to prevent the spread of kennel cough (Bordetella) in a grooming salon?
Answer: Require current Bordetella vaccination records, isolate symptomatic pets, and disinfect all air-exposed surfaces
Vaccination requirements, isolation of symptomatic animals, and thorough disinfection of surfaces that may have received respiratory droplets together minimize kennel cough spread.
When should a groomer wash their hands with soap and water rather than relying solely on alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
Answer: When hands are visibly soiled or after handling a pet with a suspected norovirus or Clostridium difficile infection
Alcohol sanitizers are ineffective against non-enveloped viruses like norovirus and spore-forming bacteria like C. difficile; soap and water are required in these cases.