Sacramento Zoo Service Animal Policy

• Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome at the Sacramento Zoo.
• Emotional support animals as well as companion, comfort or pet animals are not allowed entry into the zoo.
• Service animals in training are permitted into the zoo with prior notification to the Zoo. (Call 916-808- 5888 in advance of your visit.)
• Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. Individuals must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls at all times. The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of the animal’s owner.
• Service dogs must be house broken. Dogs may leave the zoo with owner for this purpose and then return.
• Upon arrival at the zoo our Guest Services staff will engage service dog owners to confirm the dog’s status and to orient the dog’s owner for a fun, safe and rewarding visit to the Zoo.

For the health and well-being of the animals who call the zoo home, certain restrictions for services animals may apply.

• Some zoo animals may have a stress response to the presence of service dogs. Please remove your dog from any animal or animal habitat if zoo animals are responding to the presence of a service dog.
• Service dogs that are having trouble or displaying adverse behaviors may be asked to leave zoo grounds or be placed in an on-site kennel. (We have one kennel available, first come first served.)
• All service dogs should be kept 10 feet away from any free-roaming animals, ambassador animals or animals that are out on zoo grounds for presentations.
• Service dogs should be kept 15 feet away from the snow leopard, lion, cheetah, and chimpanzee exhibits.
• Additional animal habitats or areas of the zoo may be designated as off limits for service dogs. Guest Services staff will inform dog owners of any restrictions during the entry orientation.

• Smile! Your visit grants permission to be photographed for promotional purposes by the Sacramento Zoo.
• Non-commercial photography for personal use is allowed in public areas, but you must stay safely behind any barriers and remain in the public areas at all times.
• Commercial photography and filming requests must go through the Public Relations Department.

The Sacramento Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our team members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations listed here to our guests.

Want more information on field trips and group reservations? Visit the Field Trips & Groups page.

From North of Sacramento via I-5
(Natomas, Sac International Airport, Woodland)
Take I-5 South toward Los Angeles.
Exit Sutterville Road and turn left.
Left on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side.

From South of Sacramento via I-5
(Pocket, Elk Grove, Stockton)
Take 1-5 North toward Sacramento.
Exit Sutterville Road and turn right.
Left on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side.

From Northeast of Sacramento via Capitol City Freeway/Hwy 99
*Please note that portions of Hwy 99 will be closed from June 11 – 16
(Cal Expo, Arden, Fulton, Antelope, Roseville, Auburn)
Take Capitol City Freeway toward Sacramento
Capitol City Freeway turns into Hwy 99.
Exit 12th Avenue and turn right.
Dead end on Freeport Blvd, turn left.
Right on Sutterville Road, first stop light.
Right on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side

From South of Sacramento via Hwy 99
(South Sac, Elk Grove, Stockton)
Take Hwy 99 North toward Sacramento.
Exit 12th Avenue and turn left.
Dead end on Freeport Blvd, turn left.
Right on Sutterville Road, first stop light.
Right on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side

From West of Sacramento via I-80
(West Sac, Davis, Vacaville, Bay Area)
Take I-80 East toward Sacramento.
Take Capital City Freeway/US-50 East toward
Sacramento/South Lake Tahoe.
Take I-5 South toward Los Angeles.
Exit Sutterville Road (first exit) and turn left.
Left on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side.

From East of Sacramento via Hwy 50
(Rancho Cordova, Folsom, El Dorado Hills)
Take Hwy 50 toward Sacramento
Take I-5 South toward Los Angeles
Exit Sutterville Road (first exit) and turn left.
Left on Land Park Drive, first stop light.
The zoo is on the left side.

From Downtown Sacramento via 15th Street
(Capitol, Midtown, Convention Center)
Take 15th Street South, one way.
15th will dead end on Broadway, turn left.
Right on Land Park Drive, first light.
The zoo is 1.3 miles down on the right side.

Public Transportation
SacRT Bus Route #11 stops in front of the zoo all week.
SacRT Bus Route #106 stops in front of the zoo Monday through Friday during peak hours.