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.

Click Here to View Individual Memberships

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

Click Here to View the ZAA Accreditation Standards

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 managed in professional care.

Ensure a safe environment for staff and guests.

Application Fees and Annual Dues

Application Fees

$500 non-refundable application fee

$1,000 site inspection deposit

Annual Dues

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

Small (1-5 full time employees) $1,500

Medium (6-19 full time employees) $3,500

Large (20-59 full time employees) $4,500

Macro (60+ full time employees) $6,500

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.

Fill Out the ZAA Accreditation Application

TESTIMONIALS

What ZAA-accredited facilities are saying

“I feel accreditation is very important to the professional approach of any zoological facility. A strong accreditation process performed by your peers makes a statement about your level of animal care, welfare, and well-being of the collection. As an individual facility, we constantly try to exceed the standards. As an accreditation organization, we should always be looking for ways to enhance the standards to help improve the lives of the animals in our care throughout our membership facilities.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has been accredited by ZAA for many years. It is very important for my staff and our Foundation Board to keep us connected to an ever-changing profession and approaches towards keeping animals in human care. ZAA accreditation provides us the opportunity to communicate with our colleagues and stay current in our practices.”

— Joel M. Hamilton - Executive Director, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

ZAA AMP/Conservation Committee Chair

“At Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari, our commitment to excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education, safety, and security has driven us to seek accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Our dedicated staff recognized the importance of elevating our standards to ensure that the animals in our care received the highest level of welfare, care, and management. By pursuing the ZAA accreditation, we not only demonstrate our commitment to these principles but also foster a culture of accountability among our team. This accreditation serves as a benchmark for our staff, encouraging them to continually enhance their performance and uphold the highest standards in animal care. Through this rigorous process, we aim to create an environment where both our animals and our visitors can thrive, reinforcing our role as a leader in wildlife conservation and education.”

— Judy Domaszek - Park Director/Owner, Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari

“As a dedicated member of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is proud to support and endorse the critical role that ZAA plays in advancing excellence in animal care, education, and conservation.

As the only zoo on a college campus in the United States dedicated to training the next generation of animal care professionals, our mission is uniquely aligned with ZAA’s emphasis on high standards, ethical stewardship, and professional development. ZAA accreditation has not only validated our commitment to exemplary animal welfare but has also enhanced the educational experience of our students by exposing them to best practices and rigorous standards used across the zoological field.

Through our affiliation with ZAA, we have gained access to an invaluable professional network. The annual conferences, collaborative workshops, and open lines of communication with other member institutions allow our staff and students to stay at the forefront of industry knowledge. These experiences are instrumental in shaping competent, ethical, and informed animal care professionals—many of whom go on to work at ZAA-accredited facilities across the country.

Additionally, ZAA’s voice in public policy and regulatory matters provides essential advocacy for institutions like ours. As an educational facility, we deeply appreciate ZAA’s efforts to promote science-based, practical approaches to wildlife conservation and management—ensuring that the next generation inherits a field rooted in integrity and responsibility.

Membership in ZAA continues to elevate our institution and reinforce the values we teach every day at The Teaching Zoo. We are honored to be part of such a forward-thinking, professional organization.”

— Alisa Behar - Zoo Operations Supervisor, The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College