Photo by: ©Paul A. Selvaggio/Pittsburgh Zoo

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.

Accreditation Overview

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, so ensure that one of your staff members has applied and been approved for a Professional Fellow membership prior to submitting your accreditation application. Click here to learn more about the Professional Fellow benefits and requirements.

Key Benefits to Becoming an Accredited Facility

  • Inclusion in an elite group that is leading the way in standards with the highest focus in animal welfare

  • Continuously improving facility guidelines ensure high standards in animal care

  • Quarterly virtual town hall access to Executive Director

  • Annual in-person town hall access to Executive Director and Board

  • Representation at international industry meetings

  • Opportunity to provide input that helps shape organizational strategies

  • Access to government affairs experts

  • Government representation of ZAA credentials at the state level

  • Annual invitation to join Executive Director and Board Members in a ZAA DC fly-in

  • World-wide animal profession collaborations

  • Free and unlimited posting to ZAA Job Board

  • Free and unlimited posting to ZAA Animal Exchange Listing

  • Eligible to vote for Board of Directors

  • Eligible to vote on ZAA bylaws and other organizational matters

Accreditation Standards

The ZAA Accreditation Standards provide guidance in best practices to ZAA accredited facilities. This comprehensive document includes standards for:

  • Animal welfare, care & management

  • Veterinary care

  • Conservation

  • Scientific advancement, education, & interpretations

  • Physical facilities

  • Safety/security

  • Governing authority

  • Support organizations

  • Finance

  • Staff

  • Guest services

  • Master & strategic planning

  • And more

Application Process

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.

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

Click Here to view ZAA's Accreditation Dues Payment Policy.

Accreditation Process

Step 1: Application

1) Submit your completed
ZAA Accreditation Application to the Accreditation Coordinator at
[email protected].

2) The Accreditation Coordinator will create a Basecamp Folder for you to upload your supporting documents

3) Submit your Application Fees.

Contact the Accreditation Coordinator at
[email protected] 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.

Accredited Facilities