Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours

Tour our world-class veterinary hospital—a facility designed to accommodate animals at Oakland Zoo—from small birds and reptiles to large tigers and grizzly bears. This state-of-the-art facility features radiology and surgical suites, a small laboratory, a Ph*rm*cy, wide transportation docks, and LEED Gold certification.

Special Notes

The minimum age for children is five. While children five and above are welcome, please note that this is a tour of the Veterinary Hospital facility itself and animals will not be present unless they are under medical care. We will be focusing on the hospital’s structure, equipment, and medical/behavioral care available to support our resident, rescue, and releasable animals. Participants, ages 5-17, must be accompanied by an adult. (Ratio of adult to student TK-K: 1/6, grades 1-8: 1/8, Grades 9-12: 1/10)

Tours happen rain or shine, even if the Zoo is closed.

If you will be accompanied by a service dog, please email [email protected] to book a tour. More information in FAQs below.

Additional Information

• Children must be at least 5 years old.
• Maximum of 20 participants per tour.
• Tours begin promptly at 10:00 am
• Parking and Zoo Admission must be purchased separately.
• Veterinary Hospital tour tickets are non-refundable.
• You are welcome to take photographs of the outside of the Veterinary Hospital. Photographs are not permitted inside the hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We cannot guarantee that you will see animals or procedures in the Veterinary Hospital as the needs of our animals change on a daily basis. The staff/Docents that lead Veterinary Hospital tours do not know which animals are at the Veterinary Hospital on any given day. We do show guests short video snippets of zoo animals undergoing medical exams or procedures.

Will we get to see animals in quarantine?

You will not get to see animals in quarantine as they are housed in a special area of the Veterinary Hospital so that they will not be exposed to any airborne germs. This is both for the animal's protection and the human's protection. You will see a video featuring many of the animals that have been treated at the hospital as part of your tour.

Will we get to touch any animals?

At Oakland Zoo we practice "protected contact" — that means that in most instances, there is a barrier between the animal and the human. This is for the animal's protection and the human's protection. The only animals that guests have the opportunity to touch at Oakland Zoo are the goats and sheep in the Petting Yard. The Petting Yard is located in the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo.

Will we get to meet a Veterinarian?

You may be able to meet a veterinarian, or more often, you may have the opportunity to meet another member of the hospital team, however this is not guaranteed as the care of our animals is top priority.

Can I bring my service dog to the Vet Hospital?

If you will be accompanied by a service dog, please email [email protected] to book a tour.

Service dogs are permitted in certain locations within the Hospital. For the safety of our animals, and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the health standards governed by the CA Veterinary Medical Board, USDA and CDFW, all service dogs visiting the Hospital must remain quiet, and under the handler’s control. Leashes must be a maximum of 6 feet long, with 4 feet preferred. Service animals must have no appreciable signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea) within 24 hours of the visit.

Service dogs are not permitted to share space with Zoo patients or enter Zoo patient living spaces (wards). If at any time the service dog barks, vocalizes or is not under the aforementioned control, the service dog and its handler will be required to end their tour and leave the Hospital.

Can we take photographs?

You are welcome to take photographs of the outside of the Veterinary Hospital. Photographs are not permitted inside the hospital.

Is Zoo admission or parking included in the Veterinary Hospital Tour?

Parking and Zoo Admission are paid for separately. They are not included in the tour fee.

How many children are allowed per adult?

We can accommodate up to 20 participants. Children age 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, with these adult-to-student ratios:

TK-K: 1/6

grades 1-8: 1/8

Grades 9-12: 1/10

What is the tour group size?

The tours can accommodate up to 20 participants.

Are refreshments permitted in the Veterinary Hospital?

Food and drink are not allowed inside the hospital.

What should I wear?

Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers.

For questions, please contact Launa Craig - [email protected] (Mondays and Tuesdays)

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