Each year many zoos and aquariums in Europe apply for membership of EAZA. Applicant institutions go through a thorough accreditation procedure which may take up more than one year. The procedure includes completing an extensive Accreditation Questionnaire and a screening mission on site.

A zoo or aquarium wishing to join EAZA should review the key policies and standards of the association to ensure that it meets the requirements for membership, or is likely to be capable of doing so within a reasonable timeframe. You should note that all applicants must be a member of Species360 and the majority of their animal collection should be submitted into ZIMS. The three-step procedure can be outlined as follows:

1. A detailed Accreditation Questionnaire, which can be obtained from the EAZA Executive Office (joni.hut@eaza.net), should be completed and returned along with a non-refundable application fee of €525. This document will be reviewed by the EAZA Membership & Ethics Committee which decides whether the institution can proceed to the next stage. 
2. A Screening Team consisting of two professional staff members of EAZA member institutions and an EAZA Executive Office reporter will visit the applicant institution to determine whether it meets the required standards. The applicant institution is obliged to pay all travel and accommodation expenses for the Screening Team. 
3. The Screening Mission Report produced by the Screening Team will be submitted to the EAZA Membership & Ethics Committee with advice on whether or not to award a certain category of membership. The Committee will then make a recommendation to Council, after which the Council makes the final decision on membership. If the applicant institution is accepted as a member of EAZA it will be obliged to pay an entrance fee of €785.

EAZA is a growing organisation and its standards are constantly reviewed and upgraded. Applicants and members alike should regularly review the currently applicable standards and policies and should contact the EAZA Executive Office if further guidance is required. As of 2009 steps are being taken towards the introduction of a voluntary reaccreditation scheme for all members.

Note: Please be aware that when your institution falls into the category of Associate Membership, the application process is slightly different and simplified (including a different membership fee scheme). If you would like to receive additional information or apply as an Associate member, please contact joni.hut@eaza.net.