Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Safety Audit Checklist

This comprehensive zoo and aquarium animal welfare and safety audit checklist ensures regulatory compliance with USDA APHIS, AZA, HSUS, 9 CFR Part 2, State Wildlife Agency. Annual welfare and safety audit for AZA-accredited and non-accredited zoological institutions covering animal care standards, behavioral indicators, exhibit safety, escape prevention, and USDA APHIS Animal Welfare Act compliance. Comprehensive animal welfare assessment per AZA standards and USDA inspection criteria. Complete

  • Industry: Veterinary & Animal Care
  • Frequency: Daily / Per Procedure
  • Estimated Time: 60 minutes
  • Role: Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead
  • Total Items: 20
  • Compliance: USDA APHIS, AZA, HSUS, 9 CFR Part 2, State Wildlife Agency

Animal Welfare Indicators

Assess welfare per Five Freedoms and AZA standards.

  • Are animals at appropriate body condition score for species, age, and season?
  • Are animals free of stereotypies (repetitive pacing, swaying) indicating inadequate enrichment or stress?
  • Do animals exhibit species-appropriate natural behaviors in exhibit environment?
  • Are animals in appropriate social groupings per species-specific social needs?
  • Are behavioral and physical health records maintained by species, with daily keeper logs reviewed by veterinarians?
  • Is formal enrichment program documented with weekly enrichment schedules approved by animal care staff?

USDA Animal Welfare Act Compliance

Verify AWA compliance per 9 CFR Parts 1-3.

  • Is facility USDA-licensed or registered per 9 CFR Part 2 with current, not expired license?
  • Do enclosures meet or exceed minimum USDA space requirements per 9 CFR Part 3 for each species class?
  • Is attending veterinarian program in place with adequate frequency of visits per 9 CFR 2.40?
  • Are acquisition and disposition records current per 9 CFR 2.75 for each regulated animal?
  • Are written contingency plans for dangerous animal escape posted and staff trained per USDA guidance?

Exhibit and Public Safety

Verify visitor and staff safety per ASTM and AZA standards.

  • Are all exhibit barriers (moats, fences, glass) structurally sound with no damage that compromises containment?
  • Do barrier heights and setbacks meet AZA standards for species-specific escape/attack risk?
  • Are warning signs posted at dangerous animal exhibits instructing visitor behavior?
  • Is protected contact or positive reinforcement training protocol in use for dangerous species?
  • Are escape/dangerous animal response protocols posted, practiced annually, and coordinated with local law enforcement?

Nutrition and Veterinary Programs

Review nutrition and health programs per AZA standards.

  • Are written diet plans approved by veterinarian and nutritionist on file for each species?
  • Is fresh, clean water available continuously to all animals per species requirements?
  • Is preventive medicine program including vaccinations, parasite control, and annual physical exams in place?
  • Are all new animals quarantined per AZA quarantine standards before introduction to resident population?

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Why Use This Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Safety Audit Checklist?

This zoo and aquarium animal welfare and safety audit checklist helps veterinary & animal care teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / clinic manager / animal care lead professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / per procedure.

Ensures compliance with USDA APHIS, AZA, HSUS, 9 CFR Part 2, State Wildlife Agency. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Safety Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 20 inspection items across 4 sections: Animal Welfare Indicators, USDA Animal Welfare Act Compliance, Exhibit and Public Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Programs. It is designed for veterinary & animal care operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily / per procedure. Each completion takes approximately 60 minutes.

Who should use this Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Safety Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Clinic Manager / Animal Care Lead professionals in the veterinary & animal care industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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