Zoological Association of America

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Accreditation

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 the accredited status.

ACCREDITATION APPLICATION

Download the ZAA Accreditation Application

ZAA STANDARDS

The ZAA Accreditation Standards, Related Policies, and Husbandry Guidelines is a comprehensive document to provide guidance in best practices to ZAA accredited facilities.

APPLICATION/INSPECTION COSTS AND ANNUAL DUES

Application Fees
$300 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

Requirements

Institutions must engage in one or more of the following to join ZAA:

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 programs using exotic and/or wild animals.
Propagates exotic/or wild animals for conservation purposes or supplying zoological facilities.

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

Accredited facilities must have a professional fellow-level member. Please apply for professional fellow prior to submitting your accredited facility application.

Benefits

Benefits of Accreditation

Legislative updates affecting the industry
Access to view and list on the animal listings
An invitation to the ZAA Annual Conference
The opportunity to exchange ideas with other members
Access to quarterly ZAA Newsletter & Journal
The opportunity to submit articles for the Journal
Access to the Members Only site, which includes the newsletter archives for the ZAA and the International Society of Zooculturists
Access to the ZAA's Veterinary Advisory Group
Participation in the Animal Management Programs (AMP)

OBJECTIVES

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 humane care.
Ensure that safety of humans, both staff and visitors, from injury and disease.

ACCREDITATION PROCESS

STEP 1: APPLICATION

Submit the completed the ZAA Accreditation Application and required attachments to info@zaa.org.
Submit the Application fees.
Contact the ZAA office for questions.

STEP 2: SITE INSPECTION

Facilities are graded in many categories, including the following: (click)

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 minimum guidelines in the ZAA Animal Care and Habitat Standards

Inspection details (click)

Inspections are performed by the accreditation inspection team of two of 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.

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.

*ZAA is currently in the process of updating accrediting standards. Please check back for new requirements and changes to the accreditation process.

The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) is a non-profit membership-based accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. The ZAA upholds the highest levels of professional standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics.