Membership Categories

The AZA offers a number of membership levels for both individuals and for organizations. Each one is tailored to provide the right combination of products and services to meet your needs. These summaries are intended to give a general overview of each membership category and eligibility may depend on specific requirements. For more detailed explanations, please contact .

The AZA Board of Directors requires that every member of the Association agree to abide by and uphold the Code of Ethics. Applicants are advised to review this document before submitting an application.

Membership Categories for Individuals

Associate
Dues: $60

The associate level of membership was designed for zoo and aquarium professionals, as well as other interested parties, who want to support and forward the mission, vision, and goals of AZA. Associate members have access to a variety of services including the monthly newsletter Connect, the Resource Center, discounted publications, special member registration rates at our meetings, a membership card for discounted admissions, and the opportunity to serve on AZA committees or as an Accreditation Visiting Committee Team member. For more information contact .

Read about Individual Membership benefits
Download the application for Associate Members (in PDF)

Professional Affiliate
Dues: $85

If you work at an Institution, International Facility, Related Facility, Conservation Partner, or Commercial Member of AZA you are eligible to apply for Professional Affiliate. In addition to the services provided to Associate members, you will have a listing in our annual AZA Membership Directory and will receive a complimentary copy of the directory. For more information contact .

Read about Individual Membership benefits
Download the application for Professional Affiliates (in PDF)

Professional Fellow
Dues: $175

If you are employed in a management capacity at an Institution, International Facility, Related Facility, Conservation Partner, you are provided the opportunity to not only support and forward the mission of AZA, but also to help shape policy and guide the Association in the future. In addition to the benefits afforded to Professional Affiliates and Associates, you will be eligible to chair AZA committees, vote on association business, serve on the Board of Directors, and access Animal Exchange online. You will also be signifying yourself as a leader in the field. For more information contact .

Read about Individual Membership benefits
Download the application for Professional Fellows (in PDF)

Membership Categories for Organizations

Commercial

The AZA has also designed a category of membership for companies that provide products and services to zoos and aquariums. Through Commercial Membership you will have access to a variety of products and services that enhance your ability to reach zoos, aquariums, and zoo/aquarium professionals. Advertising in the AZA Membership Directory or in the monthly newsletter Connect, exhibiting at an annual or regional meeting, or service on an AZA committee are all great ways to reach the zoo and aquarium community and increase your annual sales. You will also have access to the results of the Annual Survey of AZA members. For more information contact .

Read about Commercial Membership benefits
Download the application for Commercial Members (in PDF)

Conservation Partner

If your organization supports the vision mission and goals of zoos and aquariums, then it can apply for Conservation Partner. Conservation Partners can be, but are not limited to, societies directly associated with Institution Members of AZA, conservation groups, university zoology departments, and other organizations without a permanent wildlife collection. Conservation Partners receive a wide range of services including a listing in our Directory of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, a complimentary copy of the directory, discounts on meeting registrations and publications, and the monthly newsletter Connect. For more information contact .

Download the application for Conservation Partners (in PDF)

Institution Member

Institutional Members are zoological parks or aquariums that maintain both a professional staff and a more-than-token collection of wildlife, providing the collection with appropriate care, exhibiting them in an aesthetic manner on a regularly scheduled, predictable basis. Institutional Members have as their primary business the exhibition, conservation, and preservation of the earth's fauna in an educational and scientific manner.

Zoos and aquariums must be accredited to become members of AZA. For information on becoming an Accredited Institutional Member, please contact .

more about Accreditation

Related Facility

Related Facilities maintain both a professional staff and a more-than-token collection of wildlife, providing the collection with appropriate care, but is not open to the public on a regularly scheduled, predictable basis. This includes, but is not limited to, wildlife parks, wildlife refuges, rehab centers, research organizations, sanctuaries, survival centers, educational organizations, and nature centers.

Related Facilities must be certified to become members of AZA. For information on becoming a Certified Related Facility, please contact .

more about Certification