JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

Where can you check for a pulse on an animal?

1. Over the heart

2. Pedal or Tarsal arteries

3. Femoral artery

4. Under the tongue

The correct answer is: Femoral artery

The femoral artery is one of the most accessible and reliable locations to check for a pulse in an animal. It runs along the inside of the thigh, making it easy to palpate in many species, especially in larger animals. Checking for a pulse at this site gives a good indication of the animal's heart rate and cardiovascular status. In contrast, while other sites like the pedal or tarsal arteries can be used for pulse detection, they are often less consistent in smaller animals or when the animal is in distress. The heart area is typically not where pulse checks are performed since it's difficult to accurately assess the heartbeat without specialized equipment. Similarly, checking under the tongue as a pulse site is not standard practice, as it is more relevant for humans and does not provide an accurate measure in most animals. Hence, the femoral artery stands out as the most effective site for veterinarians and animal control officers to assess an animal's pulse.