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Zoo School - Frequently Asked Questions

​Tuition and Fees
  • The One Year Program cost is $2800 (USD) for Tuition and Materials fees (total).​
  • ​Fees can be divided into 4 payments with prior arrangement.
Sorry, but we are not able to offer financial aid.
Housing
  • There is no housing provided for students. 
  • Apartments are located within 10 miles of the campus. 
  • Occasionally other students are looking to share housing, but this changes from class to class.
​Attendance and Grading
  • Students are required to be on campus for a minimum of 30 hours per week. 
  • This is scheduled on a consistent basis with the students in on-site training the same days each week. 
  • The average day starts at 7:30 am and generally runs until ~5:00 pm. 
  • Students may be required to work at least one weekend day and/or holidays.
Transportation
  • Students are required to provide their own transportation. 
  • Currently the bus line does not come out as far as the campus. 
  • Occasionally students will carpool depending on their school schedule.
Admission and Enrollment
  • We are a state licensed vocational school. 
  • Enrollment is fairly easy, but does require some paperwork.
​Application Procedures
Downloadable Application
Zoo Tech Program Catalog
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Classes and Workshops
  • The majority of the students training will be intern based.
  • Classes and workshops will be scheduled on a weekly basis. 
  • Dates and times of the class schedule is based on current student enrollment, skill level(s) and attendance.
Best Time to Apply
  • Depending on the time of year the classes could fill up quickly. 
  • We recommend you send in your application as soon as you can. 
  • Enrollment is based on completion of required paperwork and personal interview. 
  • Should the class become full, the earliest applicants will be given priority.
Is there a Cut Off Date for applications?
  • In order for us to properly process your paperwork and interview, we ask that you have enrolled at least 2 week prior to the start of class. 
  • We understand that special circumstances may arise, so if you are concerned about being late, contact us and we may be able to work with you.
Can my training be used in areas other than zookeeping?
  • Many of our graduates have gone on to, or continued with, college. 
  • With the animal care experience they have received, the biology or zoology classes make sense or can be related to their experience. 
  • Graduates have also gone on to be veterinarians or certified vet techs. 
  • Some have opened their own animal related business, i.e. dog, horse, cat training, grooming or rescue.
  • Also with the nonprofit training and public relations skills, the possibilities are endless.
  • And then there are wildlife related jobs that are generally out in the field.
Is there work after Graduation?
  • The Cat Tales staff is comprised of graduates from the Zoo School, but those positions are not frequently available and only offered to the highest qualified graduates.
  • Positions at other zoos and facilities may be available (including some AZA accredited zoos) depending on the season, location and the graduates qualifications.
  • ​Though we don't guarantee job placement of our graduates, we will do our best to assist those who do well in our program.
How much money does a zookeeper make?
  • This of course depends on the location of the job, personal experience and education.
  • It is also dependent on whether the facility is government run (i.e. city, state, federal, etc.) or private.
  • ​The rule-of-thumb is that if you just have the minimum qualifications you will make a living wage for the location. The higher paying jobs come with experience, dedication and education.
Can my training be used in areas other than zookeeping?
  • Many of our graduates have gone on to, or continued with, college. 
  • With the animal care experience they have received, the biology or zoology classes make sense or can be related to their experience. 
  • Graduates have also gone on to be veterinarians or certified vet techs. 
  • Some have opened their own animal related business, i.e. dog, horse, cat training, grooming or rescue.
  • Also with the nonprofit training and public relations skills, the possibilities are endless.
  • And then there are wildlife related jobs that are generally out in the field.
Is working around wildlife, especially the big cats, dangerous?
  • Only if you don't follow the established safety protocol. 
  • Safety is strictly enforced for the sake of not only the students and staff, but also the animals.
What is the average day like?
  • The average day consists of a lot of hard physical work including, but not limited to, habitat cleaning, grounds maintenance, food preparation and basic "household chores".
  • Observation of the animals is a high priority, as are keeper talks.
  • ​Academic classes often times include problem solving which is one of the main responsibilities of an animal care professional.
Are there volunteer or internship options?
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