Which record is needed to calculate per diems?

Which record is needed to calculate per diems?

• A. Cage cards
• B. Animal census records
• C. Environmental enrichment logs
• D. All of the above

Answer: (B)

Per diems are tied directly to how many animals are in care each day, so the essential data is the animal census. The census records provide the actual counts of animals over time, allowing you to determine the average daily population and compute the daily cost per animal by species or room as needed. Cage cards identify individuals but don’t give you the overall population numbers needed for accurate per diems. Environmental enrichment logs track enrichment activities and related expenses, which are not the primary driver of per diem calculations. Therefore, the animal census records are the key record for calculating per diems.

Per diems are tied directly to how many animals are in care each day, so the essential data is the animal census. The census records provide the actual counts of animals over time, allowing you to determine the average daily population and compute the daily cost per animal by species or room as needed. Cage cards identify individuals but don’t give you the overall population numbers needed for accurate per diems. Environmental enrichment logs track enrichment activities and related expenses, which are not the primary driver of per diem calculations. Therefore, the animal census records are the key record for calculating per diems.