Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common characteristic of Class A dealers?

1. Purchasing from various sources

2. Breeding their own stock

3. Importing exotic species

4. Reselling wild-caught animals

The correct answer is: Breeding their own stock

A common characteristic of Class A dealers is that they breed their own stock. Class A dealers are specifically licensed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to sell animals bred by them. This indicates that they have a consistent and controlled breeding program, which is important for ensuring the health and genetic quality of the animals they sell. Breeding their own stock allows these dealers to maintain specific standards and practices that align with regulatory requirements, which promotes the welfare of the animals. In addition, this self-sufficiency reduces reliance on external sources for animal acquisition, which can present risks associated with the health and legality of imported or wild-caught animals. Such practices align with ethical breeding and are fundamental to maintaining a responsible and reputable operation within the parameters set by federal regulations.