this page is currently being updated. thank you for your patience!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Start Dates for 2022

June 8, 2022

September 14, 2022

November 2, 2022

---

Tuition and Fees

• The One Year Program cost is $2000 (USD) for Tuition and Materials fees (total).​
• Contact the school for possible payment arrangements.
• 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 students are looking to share housing, but this changes from class to class.

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

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.

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 ~5:30 pm.
• Students may be required to work at least one weekend day and/or holidays.

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.

When are the fees due?

• Students who are not accepted or withdraw prior to the start of class will receive a refund as based on the fee schedule.
• Tuition is due prior to the start of the course.
• Students have the option of paying the tuition in two installments, but arrangements must be made with the office.
• ​Material fees must be paid by the first day of class/training.

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 & ZAA 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 azookeeper 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?

• ​We have procedures and protocol that, if followed, make interactions with our animals and other students or staff very safe.
• 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.
• You will also learn excellent interpersonal and guest communications, from talking to visitors one on one to leading tours.
  

Are there volunteer or internship options?

• For more information on volunteering and internship - these links will take you to the main Cat Tales site.

www.cattales.org/volunteer

​www.cattales.org/internsip