Which of the following is the definition for per diem rate?

Which of the following is the definition for per diem rate?

• A. The cost charged to maintain all the animals in a facility for one day
• B. The cost charged to maintain all the animals of one species for one day
• C. The cost charged to a researcher per day
• D. The cost charged to maintain one animal or one cage of animals per day

Answer: (D)

The daily cost to care for animals in a facility is represented by the per diem rate. This rate is what the institution charges to maintain one animal or one cage of animals for a single day, covering the ongoing expenses needed to keep them housed and cared for. It includes routine husbandry, feeding, bedding, utilities, and basic veterinary oversight, as well as the labor of animal care staff. If a cage contains more than one animal, the per diem may apply per cage or per animal depending on the facility’s policy, which is why it’s described as the cost for one animal or one cage per day. The other options either describe the total cost for all animals in the facility, a per-species charge, or a charge billed to a researcher, none of which match the standard daily per-animal or per-cage rate.

The daily cost to care for animals in a facility is represented by the per diem rate. This rate is what the institution charges to maintain one animal or one cage of animals for a single day, covering the ongoing expenses needed to keep them housed and cared for. It includes routine husbandry, feeding, bedding, utilities, and basic veterinary oversight, as well as the labor of animal care staff. If a cage contains more than one animal, the per diem may apply per cage or per animal depending on the facility’s policy, which is why it’s described as the cost for one animal or one cage per day. The other options either describe the total cost for all animals in the facility, a per-species charge, or a charge billed to a researcher, none of which match the standard daily per-animal or per-cage rate.