Pet Prep 101

Pet Prep 101

Adding a pet to your family is a big decision, and exotic pets require careful consideration. Responsible pet ownership begins with educating yourself about what all goes into providing that animal with lifelong care. 

The Pet Prep program is designed to help families make informed and responsible pet choices. Meet with a knowledgeable animal caregiver and a real, live Animal Ambassador for the species you select. Ask questions to help decide if this pet is the right choice for you. Topics may include the animal's dietary and environmental requirements, what the daily care routine looks like here at the zoo (or might look like in your home), the species' social needs and typical temperament, safety concerns, and ethical sourcing considerations.

Most zoo animals do not make appropriate pets, so this program is limited to those species that are commonly kept as pets, are legal to own, and can be acquired ethically from captive breeding sources. 

Whether you are an adult researching your next pet or a parent looking to guide your child through a first pet experience, this program is open to families of all kinds. We encourage households to participate together and children ages 5+ are welcome to participate in animal interactions and discussions. To maintain program quality, we limit participation to household groups of up to 2 adults and 4 children per appointment.

Eligible animals include:

  • Leopard gecko
  • Bearded dragon
  • Small snake  
  • Chinchilla
  • Guinea pig
  • Rat
  • Rabbit
  • Parrot
  • Sugar glider
  • Turtle
Please note the Pet Prep 101 program is for informational purposes only and does not connect you with any adoption or sales avenues. This program is offered as a public service to help promote responsible pet choices, and fees are kept low to help make it available to more families. We only charge what we must to offset the basic cost of offering the program.


For: Ages 5+ years.

Program duration: approx. 30 minutes

Fee: $35 per household, includes 2 adults and up to 4 children (same day zoo admission included)

Available: daily 10:00-4:00pm by appointment. Email zooeducation@lafayette.in.gov to schedule.

Interested in becoming a Zoo Member?  Click here for more information or to join today!

PET PREP 101

To Register for Pet Prep 101

Appointment required.  All members of the family attending must be registered online. For this program, a “Family” is defined as up to 2 adults and all children residing in the household who meet age eligibility criteria. Space is limited, please contact the Zoo Education office at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your date.

Questions? Contact the Education Department 


  • Phone: (765) 807-1555 
  • Email: zooeducation@lafayette.in.gov