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Accreditation

ZAA Accreditation is a rigorous process that includes an extensive application and site inspection. The institution must undergo the complete process every five years to maintain their accredited status.


ZAA ACCREDITATION STANDARDS

The ZAA Accreditation Standards (2023) is a comprehensive document that provides guidance on best practices for ZAA-accredited facilities in the areas of animal welfare, care & management, veterinary care, conservation, physical facilities, safety/security, and more. 

APPLICATION FEES AND ANNUAL DUES

Application Fees
$300 non-refundable application fee
$500 site inspection deposit

Annual Dues
Based on the number of full time (32+ hours) year round employees

  • Small (1-5 full time employees) $1,250
  • Medium (6-19 full time employees) $2,500
  • Large (20-59 full time employees) $3,500
  • Macro (60+ full time employees) $5,500

ACCREDITATION CATEGORIES

Accredited Facility: A traditional zoo, aquarium, or educational facility that exhibits exotic and/or wild animals to the public and has an educational and conservation message. The facility may be open to the public with regular hours or by appointment. Public visitation may be by facility staff guided or self-guided tours. Educational outreach facilities that have programs using exotic and/or wild animals.

Associated-Accredited Facility: Propagates exotic/or wild animals for conservation purposes or supplying zoological facilities. Not open to the public. Participates in and/or supports conservation advocacy.

ZAA facility accreditation is not available to exotic and/or wild animal pet owners.

Accredited Facilities and Associated-Accredited Facilities must have a Professional Fellow member on their permanent staff. Ensure that one of your staff members has applied and been approved for a Professional Fellow membership prior to submitting your accreditation application.

Two sponsor letters are required. At least one letter must be from a ZAA-accredited facility. The second letter may be from a current ZAA Professional Fellow member.

ACCREDITATION APPLICATION

Fill Out the ZAA Accreditation Application


OBJECTIVES OF ACCREDITATION

Set and follow professional standards for husbandry, animal care practices, and animal welfare and well-being.

Maintain accurate animal and medical records.

Enhance the survival of species by the use of appropriate methods.

Maintain an appropriate, safe, and quality existence for animals kept in human care.

Ensure the safety of humans, both staff and visitors, from injury and disease.



ACCREDITATION PROCESS

STEP 1:  APPLICATION

1) Submit your completed ZAA Accreditation Application and required attachments to accreditation@zooassociation.org.

2) Submit your Application Fees.


Contact the ZAA office at info@zooassociation.org  for questions.

STEP 2:  SITE INSPECTION

Inspection Details:
  • Inspections are performed by the accreditation inspection team of two or more individuals.
  • The site inspections will be conducted at the expense of the applicant.
  • The inspectors are chosen by the accreditation committee chair. The applicant has the right of refusal for any inspector.

Facilities are graded in many categories, including the following:
  • Physical Facility
  • Husbandry, Animal Care Practices, Animal Welfare and Well-Being
  • Record Keeping and Health Care Records
  • Knowledge of Animals by Personnel
  • Animal Diet and Nutrition
  • Facility Security
  • Veterinary Care
  • Licensing and Permits
  • Safety Plans and Risk Management
  • Adherence to the ZAA Accreditation Standards

STEP 3:  COMMITTEE REVIEW

The accreditation committee will review the application and site inspection.

The applicant may be:
a) tabled and given a timeframe to correct deficiencies,
b) denied, or
c) recommended as an Accredited Facility member.

Once approved, the applicant will be submitted to the board of directors for approval with a pro simple majority vote. Annual dues will be billed at this time.

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