ARC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ARC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under the National Incident Management System (NIMS), how many personnel should a single supervisor ideally manage during a disaster operation? → 3 to 7
2. A dog has a deeply embedded fishhook in its lip. The correct field management is to: → Cut the fishing line, leave the hook in place, and transport to a veterinarian
3. What is the purpose of a 'lost and found' matching program in shelter operations? → To reunite lost pets with their owners before they enter the shelter system
4. What is a zoonotic disease? → A disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans
5. Which of the following diseases is most commonly transmitted to animal rescue workers through animal bites or scratches? → Rabies
6. Which of the following is NOT a core component of an animal rescue organization's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)? → Marketing strategy for post-disaster fundraising
7. A rescue is asked to speak at a school about responsible pet ownership. Which topic is most appropriate for elementary-age audiences? → Safe greeting behaviors and understanding when a dog does not want to be touched
8. In shelter medicine, 'URI' most commonly refers to: → Upper Respiratory Infection
9. During evacuation, what should you do with injured animals? → Stabilize and transport with caution
10. Before loading an animal into a transport vehicle, a rescue worker should first: → Inspect the vehicle for hazards and ensure the crate is secured
11. A rescued tortoise in a shelter environment is showing signs of metabolic bone disease. What nutritional supplementation is most critical? → Calcium and UVB lighting for Vitamin D3 synthesis
12. Which document is MOST important to complete before transferring a shelter animal to a rescue partner organization? → A transfer agreement and complete medical history record
13. When training volunteers to read dog body language, which stress signal should be taught as highest priority? → Whale eye (visible sclera), stiff body posture, and low growl as pre-bite warnings
14. Which sign in a rescued animal most strongly suggests zinc toxicity from ingesting pennies or galvanized materials? → Hemolytic anemia with orange-tinged urine
15. How can public education prevent animal abandonment? → Teaching responsible pet care
16. During a wildfire animal rescue, the most dangerous time to attempt entry into a burn zone is: → During active fire front passage or when fire behavior is erratic
17. Which type of carrier is recommended for transporting injured cats during rescue operations? → Hard-sided plastic kennel with secure latches
18. After a successful field capture, why should the transport crate be covered with a light cloth or towel during transit? → To reduce visual stimulation and create a calmer, den-like environment that lowers stress
19. During a multi-animal hoarding rescue, what is the recommended order of operations? → Triage and remove critically ill animals first, then systematically clear the site
20. A cat is found with its paw caught in a trap and bleeding. After freeing the cat, what is the priority? → Control bleeding with direct pressure before anything else
21. During volunteer orientation for an animal rescue, which topic should always be covered first? → Personal safety protocols and animal bite prevention
22. A handler must medicate a bite-risk dog orally. The SAFEST first approach is to: → Use a pill pocket or high-value food to hide and deliver the medication voluntarily
23. Which federal law governs the interstate transport of rescued wildlife, requiring proper permits before crossing state lines? → Lacey Act
24. Which vaccination is considered most critical to administer to dogs immediately upon shelter intake? → DHPP (distemper-parvovirus)
25. Which statement correctly describes the 'least restrictive means' principle in animal rescue? → Use the minimum level of restraint or force necessary to safely complete the rescue
26. What is the PRIMARY purpose of mandatory reporting requirements for suspected animal cruelty under most state statutes? → To ensure trained professionals report observed abuse to enable legal intervention
27. What does an ear tip on a cat indicate in a community cat program? → The cat has been neutered/spayed and vaccinated as part of a TNR program
28. What is the purpose of a mandatory hold period for stray animals in US shelters? → To allow owners a reasonable time to reclaim their lost pets
29. A rescued dog has an unknown vaccination history following a flood. What is the standard protocol before housing it with other animals at a temporary shelter? → Quarantine the animal and administer core vaccines if no contraindications exist
30. How do you check for a pulse in a dog or cat during an emergency assessment? → Feel the femoral artery on the inside of the upper thigh