You would need to go through a two year vet tech program and then take the exams to be licensed. From what research I've done, you need a B.S. to become a zookeeper and only an A.S. from an accredited vet tech program to be a vet tech at the zoo but having a bachelor's on top of it will give you a better chance. It is extremely difficult to get a job at a zoo vet clinic due to low turnover and limited positions available. You would have to get by on doing a bunch of unpaid (or small stipend) internships and volunteering at zoos as keepers before even consider applying. I recommend getting skilled at dogs, cats, horses, etc. first and then work your way up to zoo animals since most vets just base their diagnosis on domestic/common pets and then learn as they go.Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90
That's awesome! I'm currently finishing up my B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Integrative Animal Biology. As much as I would love to go to school to be a vet (still the plan...but looking into some backups), I am also heavily considering going into a Vet Tech program when I graduate. But I would much prefer to go into Zoo medicine. So with a B.S., I would only need the two year program to do so? Cause that'd be awesome. Just sayin.
And again, thank you for sharing. I wish my vet was half that awesome. But it's neigh impossible to find a good herp vet.
Here are some zoo medicine websites for you to check out. Zoo medicine is also considered a specialty that takes 5 years to complete and then you take another exam.
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
http://www.aazv.org/
Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians
http://www.avzmt.org/
Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians
http://www.azvt.org/
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
http://www.aza.org/
Hope this helps!
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