• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College

Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers

Feefo logo
Live chat
Live chat
800-795-3294
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program Alumni
    • Service Dog Trainer Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Service Dog Trainer
MENUMENU
  • Programs
    • Dog Obedience Instructor
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Certification
      • Success Stories
      • Students Saving Lives
      • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Veterinary Assistant
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
    • Grooming Instruction Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
      • Find A Pet Groomer
    • On Campus Dog Trainer Program
      • Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California
      • Enroll Using Your Military Benefits
    • Continuing Education
      • Short Term Programs
    • Cat Management and Training
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Find A Cat Trainer
    • Aquarium Maintenance (online)
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Salary Information
      • What Is an Aquarist?
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Service Dog Trainer Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Career
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Education & Experience Requirements
  • Military Benefits
  • GI Bill® Benefits
  • Locations
  • Jobs
    • Find a Job
    • Post a Job
    • Animal Career Resources
  • About ABC
        • About Animal Behavior College
        • Our Expert Faculty
        • Press, News & Info
        • Press Releases
        • BPPE Disclosures
        • Animal Behavior College FAQ
        • Contact Us
        • Why ABC?
        • Students Saving Lives
        • Licensure, Ratings & Approvals
        • Sponsors & Associates
        • Gift Certificates
  • Blog
  • Affiliates
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program Alumni
    • Service Dog Trainer Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Service Dog Trainer Program

Zookeeper Requirements

  • Become a Dog Trainer
  • Dog Trainer Onsite Class
  • Service Dog Trainer
  • Become a Vet Assistant
  • Become a Dog Groomer
  • Become a Cat Trainer
  • Become an Aquarist
  • Train Online for a Zookeeper Job
Home » Train Online for a Zookeeper Job » Zookeeper Requirements

Zookeeper Requirements

Zoo Jobs Require a Special Skillset

Zookeeper requirements can vary, but as a general rule, head zookeepers need to have a four-year degree in biology or zoology. Learning how to become a zookeeper assistant is a great alternative. It’s faster and more affordable than getting a college degree, and it still allows you to work closely with the whole spectrum of exotic animals, performing many of the same zoo jobs as head or senior zookeepers.

Learning how to become a zookeeper assistant allows you to work closely with the whole spectrum of exotic animals, performing many of the same zoo jobs as head or senior zookeepers. Zookeeper assistants work closely with the whole spectrum of exotic animals, performing many of the same tasks as zookeepers, but without the time and financial investment of needing a zookeeper degree.

Entry level zookeep jobs may be easier to approach by first having experience as a zookeeper assistant. Good zookeeper assistants possess a number of personal qualities. The job involves more than just hanging out with animals. Because they often lead tour groups, answer questions, and give animal presentations, zookeeper assistants must be able to communicate well with people. In addition, they have to be able to follow directions closely and work well under supervision.

Physically, the job requires the flexibility and dexterity to work with animals that are quicker and stronger than people. Zookeeper assistants are on their feet all day in conditions that are often less than clean. They endure extreme temperatures, noise, and exposure to all sorts of allergens, fumes, and odors, as well as strong chemicals. That being said, though, the privilege of working so closely with a world of different animals, having the ability to positively impact their lives and helping conservation efforts for many potentially endangered species makes it all worthwhile.

Can I Get hired for any Zoo Jobs Without Experience?

Occasionally, someone with no experience or pertinent zookeeper education lucks into a job at a zoo, but because it is such a desirable profession, zoo employers generally hire people with degrees, credentials, or previous experience in an animal facility. Some people get their foot in the door by volunteering or by getting a part time job in a vet clinic or animal hospital, but there is a lot of competition out there! Eagerness and a sincere love of animals is important, but it isn’t always enough on its own. The more you know, the stronger and more in depth your knowledge of zookeeping safety, routines and husbandry is, the more desirable you may be as a candidate.

How Do I Make Myself Stand Out?

Completing a zookeeper assistant course will show prospective employers that you are serious about the profession and that you have a good base of knowledge. ABC offers a zookeeper assistant program that will prepare you for a career working in a zoo and will make employers take notice of you. Earning your certification could help you stand out as a job candidate who is serious about working in the profession.

ABC’s program covers the nuts and bolts of how to become a zookeeper assistant. Among other topics, coursework includes:

  • Exotic animal housing and exhibits
  • Animal health
  • Zoo conservation and breeding programs
  • Exotic animal behavior, enrichment, and training
  • Daily zookeeping routines and husbandry
  • Zookeeping safety
  • Zoo visitor education and relations

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive professional certification as an Animal Behavior College Certified Zookeeper Assistant (ABCZA).

Does ABC Offer Any Alumni Support?

ABC is invested in the success of our graduates. We provide a private job postings site, and we can help you build your resume and hone strong interview skills. Also, as an ABC graduate, you will have lifetime access to our curriculum should you need to refresh your memory or update your knowledge. Lifetime access to your zookeeper assistant curriculum may prove to be invaluable, especially if after becoming a certified zookeeper assistant you decide to continue your learning to someday pursue a degree for a formal zookeeper career. You will also have the opportunity to join our ABC Alumni group. This group consists of over 33,645 graduates from all of our animal related programs. At times it can be a very small and interconnected world and having connections to thousands of animal career professionals might be very helpful for networking and making lifelong professional connections.

Sounds Great! When Can I Get Started?

As a distance learning program, ABC offers open enrollment, so you never have to wait to begin classes! You can complete your certification in as little as eight months. To take the first step toward a great career working with exotic animals, large and small, call us at 800-795-3294 and set up an interview with an admissions counselor.

Primary Sidebar

Zookeeper Assistant Quick Links

  • Zookeeper Assistant Overview
  • Zookeeper Requirements
  • How to Work at a Zoo With Animals
  • Tuition
  • Curriculum
  • Alumni Benefits
  • Zookeeper Assistant Careers
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Main
    • Locations
    • Affiliates
    • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Find A Pet Groomer
    • Find a Cat Trainer
    • Post a Job
    • Evolution of ABC
  • Dog Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Dog Groomer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Cat Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Service Dog Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Education & Experience Requirements

Footer

Apex Career School - A subsidiary of Animal Behavior College


Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?
Visit our subsidiary school!

bbb logo

Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs.

STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Click here to view Animal Behavior College’s Annual Reports
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Animal Behavior College, 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA 91355-3910 Contact Us
© 2000 - 2023 Animal Behavior College. Questions? email@animalbehaviorcollege.com
loading

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location