Which aspect is NOT a part of preparing an animal for surgery?

Administering pain medication is an important part of the overall care and comfort of the animal, but it is not considered a preparatory step specifically for surgery. The focus during the preparation phase is primarily on factors that ensure the animal is in the best possible condition to undergo the procedure safely.

Ensuring that the animal has received its vaccinations is important because it minimizes the risk of infection, which can complicate surgery. Bathing the animal to remove dirt helps maintain a sterile environment, reducing the potential for post-operative infections. Confirming that the surgical site is clean is critical to prevent contamination during the surgical procedure.

In contrast, while pain management is a key component of post-operative care, it is typically addressed after the animal has been prepared for surgery and anesthetized, not during the preparatory phase itself. This distinction clarifies why administering pain medication does not fit into the category of surgical preparation.