ZAA - Facility Accreditation

Zoological Association of America

An Organization of
Zoos and Zooculturists

Conservation
Propagation
Preservation

Facility Accreditation

Facilities are graded in many categories, including the following: physical facility, husbandry and animal care practices, record keeping and health care records, knowledge of animal personnel, animal diet and nutrition, facility security, veterinary care, licensing and permits, and safety plans.

Accredited facilities have access to the Available and Wanted Animal List on the ZAA website.

Objectives

(A) Professional standards for husbandry and animal care practices.
(B) Maintain accurate animal and medical records
(C) Enhance the survival of species by the use of appropriate methods.
(D) Maintain an appropriate, safe, and quality existence for animals kept in a captive environment.
(E) Safety of humans, both staff and visitors, from injury and disease.

Accreditation Process

All information obtained or involved in the accreditation process shall be maintained in a confidential manner by ZAA. Other than the ZAA Board of Directors, Accreditation Committee, and Membership Committee members, the information will not be disseminated to anyone without the written approval of the animal facility applicant.

In order for an animal facility to ultimately become an Accredited Member of ZAA, the facility must first join ZAA, pay the required dues, and then send a written request to ZAA stating that the facility wants to apply for accreditation. Link to ZAA Accreditation Application (PDF)

Upon receipt of an accreditation process request, the facility will be sent paperwork to fill out regarding required documentation and information and an information packet. Once all of the required information and documentation has been received and verified, then an inspection may be arranged.


Inspection Process

A two member Inspection Team is required for all inspections. The team is composed of two ZAA representatives. An option for the applicant facility is, upon request, to substitute an exotic animal experienced Veterinarian that is local to your facility. However, the Veterinarian cannot be a full time paid staff member of the facility.

Any expenses incurred by the Inspection Team will be borne by the applicant. These are the expenses that occur during the time needed for the entire inspection to take place. These expenses may include, but are not limited to, airfare, hotel stay, Veterinarian costs, etc. The length of time needed for the inspection is determined by the size of the animal facility, the number of animals, the number of enclosures, and other areas of interest at the facility.

ZAA will take into consideration such expenses when appointing the Inspection Team and attempt to keep expenses to a minimum.

Criteria

The criteria that is used to judge the facility is contained in the “ZAA Guidelines”. These guidelines are provided to the applicant as part of the packet of information sent upon initial request for the accreditation process. ZAA uses the Florida State Standards as the ZAA Standards.

Inspection Team Duties

Upon appointment, the Inspection Team will consult with the applicant to set up an appropriate date and time for the inspection. The Inspection Team members will use an Accreditation Inspection Form to evaluate the applicant facility. Each team member will evaluate separately, using separate forms. Each inspector may add any information concerning the Applicant or their Inspection Evaluation that they deem of importance.

Post Inspection

Each Inspection Team member will submit their individual findings and recommendations in a report to the Accreditation Committee Chairman for consideration from the committee. The Accreditation Committee may, at its discretion, allow the Applicant time to correct/improve deficiencies.

Following Accreditation Committee approval, the final report is given to the ZAA Chairman. The Chairman will then present the report to the Board of Directors for approval. The Board of Directors, by majority vote, will then approve, deny, or table for later consideration, the Applicant\'s request for accreditation. Upon a favorable majority vote of the Board of Directors, the Applicant shall be deemed an Accredited Member of ZAA. A certificate verifying the facility accreditation by the ZAA will be sent.

Evaluations of Accredited member facilities shall occur every 5 years or as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

For further accreditation information, please contact ZAA using the links on the contact page.