Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What class of dealer obtains animals from random sources, conditions them, and sells them to research facilities?

1. Class A dealer

2. Class C dealer

3. Class B dealer

4. Class D dealer

The correct answer is: Class B dealer

The class of dealer that obtains animals from random sources, conditions them, and then sells them to research facilities is known as a Class B dealer. Class B dealers are licensed to acquire animals from various uncontrolled or random sources, such as shelters or private individuals, often referring to them as "random source" animals. They play a distinct role within the animal supply system, ensuring that the animals are conditioned and made suitable for research purposes before they are sold. This conditioning process may involve health assessments, quarantine, and sometimes behavioral assessments to ensure that the animals are fit for research environments. In contrast, Class A dealers breed animals primarily for research purposes and sell these specifically bred animals directly to research facilities. Class C dealers typically act as brokers or middlemen who may deal with both Class A and Class B animals, but do not source animals themselves; they facilitate the sale process. There is no recognized Class D dealer in this context. Hence, the role and source of animals provided by Class B dealers differentiate them within the hierarchy of animal dealers for research.