Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following animals used in laboratory animal research would be covered by the Animal Welfare Act?

1. Dogs and cats

2. Guinea pigs and rabbits

3. Primates only

4. Fish and amphibians

The correct answer is: Guinea pigs and rabbits

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides federal regulations for the care and treatment of certain animals used in research, exhibition, and by dealers. It encompasses a variety of species, focusing primarily on those animals that are commonly kept as pets or those that have been shown to have the ability to experience pain and distress. Guinea pigs and rabbits are covered by the AWA because they are classified as “warm-blooded animals” and are often kept as pets. This classification means that they are subject to the humane treatment standards set forth by the AWA, which include provisions for proper housing, feeding, and veterinary care, all aimed at ensuring the welfare of these animals used in research settings. While dogs and cats are also explicitly covered by the AWA, the focus in this question is on guinea pigs and rabbits, which are frequently used in laboratory settings and are similarly protected under the same regulations. In contrast, primates are a subset under broader protections, and while they are covered, the answer sought here is focused on the classification of animals that specifically includes the smaller mammals mentioned. Fish and amphibians, however, are generally not covered by the AWA, which highlights their exclusion from the regulation's scope. Thus, the choice indicating guinea pigs