🐾 What Does AZA Training Look Like?

When you entrust your dog to Salt Lake Paws, you’re choosing a caregiver with professional animal care credentials that go far beyond the average pet sitter. Before founding Salt Lake Paws, I worked as a zookeeper at an AZA-accredited facility—an organization that represents the highest standard of animal welfare in North America. Here’s what that training looked like:

1. Orientation and Onboarding

Zoo Policies and Procedures: Introduction to the zoo’s mission, values, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Animal Care Standards: Training on AZA’s strict standards for animal care, welfare, and ethics.
Safety Training: Instruction on handling dangerous animals, emergency response, and using protective equipment.

2. Species-Specific Training

Animal Behavior and Biology: In-depth study of species-specific behavior, natural history, dietary needs, and health.
Handling and Restraint: Safe handling and transportation techniques.
Enrichment and Training: How to implement environmental enrichment and train animals using positive reinforcement.

3. Husbandry Practices

Daily Care Routines: Feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenance.
Health Monitoring: Recognizing early signs of illness, injury, or stress.
Record Keeping: Detailed documentation of animal behavior, health, and care routines.

4. Veterinary and Medical Training

Basic Veterinary Care: Administering medication and assisting with minor procedures.
Quarantine Protocols: Preventing disease spread through proper isolation and biosecurity.

5. Conservation and Education

Conservation Initiatives: Training on global and local species survival plans (SSPs).
Public Engagement: Interacting with visitors, leading tours, and communicating about animals with clarity and care.

6. Professional Development

Workshops and Conferences: Continuing education through AZA-led events and courses.
Certifications: Encouraged to pursue training in animal behavior, wildlife rehab, and more.

7. Mentorship and Supervision

Mentorship: Hands-on guidance from senior keepers.
Performance Reviews: Ongoing evaluation to ensure growth and uphold standards.

8. Compliance with AZA Standards

Continuous Learning: Staying current with evolving animal welfare science.
Ethical Training: Emphasis on compassionate, ethical animal care and AZA’s code of ethics.

9. Specialized Training (When Applicable)

Endangered Species Programs: Additional training for working with sensitive or rare species.
Exhibit Design and Maintenance: Crafting enriching, naturalistic enclosures.

🐕 Why My AZA Training Makes a Difference for Your Dog

Choosing a dog walker or sitter with AZA-level training means you’re getting far more than someone who just loves dogs. You’re hiring a professional with formal expertise in animal care, safety, and behavior—someone who brings the same attention to detail and high standards used at the nation’s top zoos.

1. Expertise in Animal Behavior

A deep understanding of canine body language and behavioral cues.
Ability to proactively manage anxiety, overstimulation, or stress.

2. High Standards of Care

Reliable routines that respect your dog’s physical and emotional needs.
Thoughtful attention to detail in feeding, exercise, and enrichment.

3. Safety and Emergency Preparedness

AZA-level protocols for health emergencies, environmental risks, or behavioral issues.
First aid training and vet-assisting experience for immediate response.

4. Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Reward-based training ensures your dog is respected and understood.
Builds trust and improves behavior during walks or outings.

5. Professionalism and Reliability

Punctual, communicative, and transparent in every interaction.
Updates provided with honesty and professionalism you can count on.

6. Enrichment and Engagement

Mental stimulation through varied routes, interactive games, and problem-solving.
Walks become more than exercise—they’re full of engagement and joy.

7. A Conservation and Education Mindset

A well-rounded view of animal care rooted in science, ethics, and respect.
Fosters a deeper connection between pet and human through mindful care.

🐶 Ready to Experience the Difference?

When you choose Salt Lake Paws, you’re choosing a caregiver who’s been trained to the same rigorous standards used to care for lions, lemurs, and endangered species. I bring that same professionalism, compassion, and skill to every walk and adventure outing—because your dog deserves nothing less.