Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program are prepared for entry-level opportunities in animal care, wildlife management support, conservation education, and nonprofit wildlife operations.
The program emphasizes practical skill development, professionalism, teamwork, and hands-on experience within a working wildlife sanctuary and teaching zoo.
Potential career paths may include:
Zookeeper
Assist with daily animal care, enrichment, feeding preparation, habitat maintenance, and behavioral observation within zoological and sanctuary settings.
Wildlife Management Support Roles
Support wildlife care operations, habitat management, conservation-focused programs, and facility operations within wildlife organizations and related environments.
Conservation Educator
Help communicate conservation concepts and public education messaging through guest interaction, outreach, and educational programming.
Animal Care & Rehabilitation Support
Assist with animal husbandry, observation, enrichment, and supportive care activities within wildlife care environments under appropriate supervision and regulatory guidelines.
Nonprofit & Facility Operations
Support organizational functions related to animal care, public education, guest services, fundraising, and facility operations.
While Cat Tales Wildlife Academy does not guarantee employment, the program is designed to help students develop the practical experience, professional skills, and operational understanding valued within animal care and wildlife-related fields.
- September 2, 2026
- November 4, 2026
- 2027 TBD
The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program consists of two 24-week program parts completed over approximately 48 weeks.
Total Program Cost: $2,050 (USD)
This includes:
- $50 Registration Fee
- $750 Part One Tuition
- $250 Part One Books & Materials
- $750 Part Two Tuition
- $250 Part Two Books & Materials
Additional student expenses may include:
- work clothing and footwear
- weather gear
- personal computer and internet access
- optional supplies
Cat Tales Wildlife Academy is not authorized to offer federal financial aid. Nonfederal funding opportunities or payment arrangements may be discussed when available.
The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program consists of two 24-week program parts completed over approximately 48 weeks total.
Part One — Introduction to Zookeeping & Facility Operations
- Weeks 1–24
- 720 training hours
- Approximately 30 hours per week
Part Two — Advanced Zookeeping & Wildlife Management
- Weeks 25–48
- 720 training hours
- Approximately 30 hours per week
Total Program Length
- 48 weeks
- 1,440 total training hours
Training schedules may vary based on seasonal conditions, animal care needs, and facility operations.
Limited shared student housing may occasionally be available for qualifying students based on availability, program needs, and housing agreements.
Housing is not guaranteed and may not be available for every enrollment period.
Students approved for housing must meet all rental, conduct, and participation expectations associated with the housing agreement. Housing arrangements are separate from enrollment in the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program.
When student housing is unavailable, students are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Apartments and rental housing options are available within the surrounding Spokane and Mead areas.
Occasionally, enrolled students may independently coordinate shared housing arrangements with one another, though these opportunities vary by cohort and are not managed or guaranteed by the Academy.
Yes. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Cat Tales Wildlife Academy.
The campus is located in Mead, Washington, north of Spokane, and public transportation access to the facility is currently limited.
Some students may choose to coordinate carpooling arrangements depending on schedules and location, though transportation arrangements are the responsibility of each student.
Students participate in a minimum of 30 training hours per week, typically scheduled across three consistent training days each week.
Training days generally begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. and may extend into the late afternoon or early evening depending on:
- animal care needs
- seasonal conditions
- facility operations
- scheduled activities
Students should be prepared for schedules that may include:
- weekend training days
- holiday participation
- peak operational periods
Training schedules are established in advance and remain relatively consistent throughout each program part.
Training at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy combines hands-on practical experience with supplemental instructional coursework throughout the program.
Students participate in structured training activities during their scheduled on-site training days, with additional instructional components that may include:
- guided observation
- animal husbandry instruction
- enrichment planning
- species-specific care topics
- safety protocols
- conservation education
- webinars and online modules
- group instruction
Instructional schedules may vary depending on:
- student enrollment
- training progress
- seasonal operations
- animal care needs
- facility activities
Because the program operates within a working wildlife sanctuary and teaching zoo, training opportunities are integrated into real-world daily operations whenever possible.
Applications are accepted year-round, but enrollment availability may vary depending on program demand and cohort size.
Because class sizes are limited, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Enrollment consideration is based on:
- completion of required application materials
- admissions interview
- program availability
When a cohort reaches capacity, qualified applicants may be considered for a future enrollment period.
To allow adequate time for application review, interviews, and enrollment processing, prospective students are encouraged to complete all required application materials at least two weeks prior to their intended program start date.
Because class sizes are limited, earlier application submission is recommended whenever possible.
Special circumstances may occasionally be considered based on program availability and admissions timelines. Applicants with questions regarding late applications are encouraged to contact the Academy directly.
Tuition and registration fees are due prior to the start of the program following acceptance and enrollment processing. Books and materials fees are due by the first day of training.
Approved payment arrangements may be available. Refund eligibility is determined according to the Academy’s cancellation and refund policy outlined in the Course Catalog.
A typical training day at Cat Tales Wildlife Academy combines physically active hands-on work, animal observation, facility operations, and instructional learning within a working wildlife sanctuary environment.
Students participate in a variety of daily responsibilities that may include:
- habitat cleaning and maintenance
- food and diet preparation
- enrichment setup
- grounds and facility upkeep
- behavioral observation
- record-keeping
- guest interaction and educational support
Observation of the animals is an important part of the program. Students learn to recognize behavior patterns, monitor animal welfare, and develop situational awareness while working within established safety protocols.
Training days may also include:
- guided instruction
- problem-solving exercises
- keeper talks
- conservation education activities
- group discussions
- online modules or supplemental coursework
Because the Academy operates within a public wildlife facility, students also develop communication and professionalism skills through interaction with guests, staff, and fellow students.
Students should be prepared for physically demanding outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions as part of the daily training experience.
Working around wildlife and large carnivores requires constant situational awareness, professionalism, and strict adherence to established safety protocols.
Cat Tales Wildlife Academy operates within a protected contact environment. Students do not have unrestricted physical interaction with wildlife or large carnivores. Animal care activities are conducted using established barriers, procedures, and safety systems designed to protect:
- students
- staff
- visitors
- the animals themselves
Students participate in supervised training activities involving:
- animal observation
- husbandry routines
- enrichment preparation
- behavioral monitoring
- protected contact training procedures
Throughout the program, students learn the importance of:
- safety awareness
- professional boundaries
- animal behavior observation
- consistency in procedures
- teamwork and communication
Students are trained to approach wildlife care with patience, observation, consistency, and respect for the animals in their care.
Some graduates of the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program may pursue employment opportunities in:
- zoos
- wildlife sanctuaries
- conservation organizations
- animal care facilities
- educational and nonprofit wildlife programs
Cat Tales Wildlife Center has occasionally hired qualified graduates when positions become available, though employment opportunities within the facility are limited and highly competitive.
Graduates may also pursue opportunities at other zoological and animal care facilities depending on:
- experience and skill level
- professionalism and work ethic
- geographic flexibility
- seasonal hiring needs
- available positions within the industry
While Cat Tales Wildlife Academy does not guarantee employment or job placement, the program is designed to help students develop the practical experience, professionalism, and operational skills valued in animal care and wildlife-related fields.
The Academy may provide limited placement assistance including:
access to industry job postings when available
- résumé guidance
- interview preparation
- professional references
Salaries in animal care and zookeeping vary widely depending on factors such as:
- geographic location
- type of facility
- level of experience
- education and specialized training
- job responsibilities
- public versus private organization structure
Entry-level positions in animal care and zookeeping are often competitive and may offer modest starting wages, particularly in smaller facilities or nonprofit organizations.
As professionals gain experience, additional certifications, leadership responsibilities, and specialized skills, opportunities for advancement and higher compensation may become available.
Career opportunities within the field may include:
- animal care and husbandry
- wildlife management support
- conservation education
- facility operations
- nonprofit leadership
- supervisory and management roles
Prospective students are encouraged to research regional job markets and career paths to better understand employment opportunities and salary expectations within the zoological and wildlife care industry.
Yes. The Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Certification Program is designed to develop practical, transferable skills that may support a variety of animal care, wildlife, education, and nonprofit-related career paths.
Students develop experience in areas such as:
- animal husbandry
- behavior observation
- communication and public education
- teamwork and leadership
- facility operations
- record-keeping
- nonprofit and guest service environments
Graduates may choose to pursue opportunities in:
- wildlife sanctuaries
- conservation organizations
- animal care facilities
- veterinary support environments
- nonprofit organizations
- animal training or pet care businesses
- wildlife and environmental education
Some graduates may also continue their education in related fields such as:
- biology
- zoology
- wildlife management
- veterinary technology
- veterinary medicine
The program is designed to provide a strong practical foundation that can support a variety of future educational and professional pathways.