Why is it essential to assess an animal's health before applying restraint?

Assessing an animal's health before applying restraint is crucial because it allows caregivers to identify any existing medical conditions that might affect the handling process or exacerbate stress. Understanding an animal's health status helps in predicting how the animal might react to being restrained. For example, an animal in pain or suffering from an illness may react unpredictably or aggressively when restrained, which could lead to injury for both the handler and the animal.

Recognizing these health issues not only informs the safest and most appropriate restraint methods but also ensures that the animal's welfare is prioritized during handling. This approach ultimately minimizes stress and potential harm, fostering a better relationship between the animal and handler, which is essential in any handling or restraint scenario.