Where should you lay the animal when performing CPR?

• A. Lay on their right side
• B. Lay on their left side
• C. Lay on their back
• D. Lay on their stomach

Answer: (A)

During CPR for cats and dogs, you deliver chest compressions with the animal in lateral recumbency—that is, on its side—so you can apply direct, downward pressure to the sternum and keep airway management practical. The right-side position is commonly taught because it best exposes the chest for effective compressions and allows you to maintain a steady, comfortable stance for continuous, reliable depth and rate. Lying on the back or on the left side or stomach makes it harder to access the chest and manage the airway, which can reduce the effectiveness of compressions.