• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.