Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a responsibility of a Class A dealer?

1. To provide animals from random sources

2. To breed animals for sale

3. To distribute restricted medications

4. To manage research grants

The correct answer is: To breed animals for sale

A Class A dealer is primarily responsible for breeding animals for sale. This designation indicates that the dealer maintains their own breeding colony and is able to supply animals that have been bred in their facilities. This is essential for laboratories and research institutions that require a consistent and controlled source of laboratory animals, as it ensures the origin and health status of the animals used in research. In contrast, providing animals from random sources is characteristic of a Class B dealer, who acquires animals from various backgrounds, including stray and surplus pets. Distributing restricted medications is typically managed by licensed veterinarians or pharmacies rather than a Class A dealer, while managing research grants falls under the purview of administrative or financial personnel rather than animal dealers. Thus, the responsibility of breeding animals directly aligns with the function of a Class A dealer.