Paws for a Cause Special Admission Program Request Form

Paws for a Cause Special Admission Program
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is pleased to offer free daytime admission to nonprofit organizations that serve individuals with developmental, intellectual, neurological, or physical disabilities.

Because demand for this program is high, and daily capacity is limited, reservations are required, and not all requests can be accommodated. Requests are reviewed in the order they are received and must meet all program guidelines.

Requests must be submited at least three (3) weeks in advance of the requested visit date. We understand that plans may change and vists can be rescheduled with advance notice.

Maximum group size is 50 total attendees per visit, please submit seperate requests for multiple days. Organizations are limited to 150 complimentary admission tickets per year through this program.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for free admission under this program, the organization must be an accredited nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization or educational institution serving K-12 school located in Pennsylvania that serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, neurological, or physical disabilities as part of the organization’s core mission.
- Required to submit an IRS Determination Letter (IRS 501(c)(3) Approval Letter) or PA Bureau of Corporations & Charitable Organizations (BCO-10 or BCO Registration Certificate)
or
- As an accredited school in Pennsylvania, the school is required to provide their school district code and county.

Organization Information
Organization Name *
Organization Description / Mission*
Briefly describe who you serve and your core programs.
Disability Services ProviderSchool/Educational ProgramGroup Home/Residential ServicesDay Program/Adult Training FacilityAdvocacy/Support OrganizationOther
Organization Website (if applicable)
Organization Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Organization Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
You must provide one of the following:
- An IRS 501(c)(3) Determination (Approval) Letter, OR
- A Pennsylvania BCO-10 filing or PA BCO Registration Certificate from the Bureau of Charitable Organizations.
If you are an accredited school located in Pennsylvania, you may skip the document upload and instead enter your School District Code and County in the designated fields.

Find school codes here.
Charitable Status. This is for verification purpose only, once reviewed the file will be deleted.

Upload documentation (e.g., IRS 501(c)(3) letter, state charitable registration, or equivalent).
Cancelof
PA School District County and Code.

Primary Contact
First Name*
Last Name*
Title / Role
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number that can be contacted on to coordinate reservation and on day of visit.Format: (000) 000-0000.
We understand that day of details may change, when your arrive at the Zoo the Guest Services team will confirm day of contact.
Day of Visit On-Site Lead (if different)
Enter Full Name
Day‑of Mobile Phone
Please enter a valid phone number that can be contacted on day of visit.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Group Details
YesNo
Participant Age Range(s) *
Select all the apply
Bus (Full‑size)Mini‑bus/VansIndividual carsParatransitOther
Tell us more about your group
Include any relevant context (program goals for the visit, typical group needs, etc.).
- Group Size and Capacity
  - Chaperone Ratio:
    
    While many groups use a 1:3 model, the Zoo accepts a minimum of 1:5.
    
    Final chaperone requirements will be confirmed by the Zoo’s reservation scheduler after reviewing your application.
  - Complimentary Admission:
    
    Up to 50 total attendees per day receive complimentary admission. Additional guests may attend at the discounted group rate of $15.
    School Groups:
    
    If the visiting organization is a school, teachers, aides, and bus drivers receive complimentary admission.
  - Annual Limits:
    
    Organizations may receive up to 150 complimentary admission tickets per calendar year through this program.
    
    Organizations with multiple locations may submit a separate request for each site, provided each location has a unique physical address.
Total Number of Adults *
Total Number of children 18 and under*
Total number of school staff and special needs aides*
Total number of chaperones*
Chaperone Ratio:While many groups use a 1:3 model, the Zoo accepts a minimum of 1:5.
Total number of bus drivers*
You have entered more than 50 total guests. Please note that complimentary admission is provided for up to 50 guests per day. Additional guests may attend at the discounted group rate of $15 each.
Group Total

Accessibility & Sensory Supports
A Sensory Map is available to help guests plan their visit: https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25_SensoryMap_Construction_InSeason.pdf
Accessibility / Sensory Requirements
Tell us about mobility, sensory, communication, or other support needs so we can prepare.

Visit Preferences
- Visits under this program are available on weekdays only (Monday-Friday) and exclude holidays and special events during the peak season (April through October).
- During the Off-peak (January-March and November-December) season, visits are available on weekdays and weekends on a limited basis.
- Visits are for daytime operating hours only and not for special events or after-hour festivals.
Date Choice 1*

MonthDayYear
Preferred Entry Time Window 1*
Date Choice 2*

MonthDayYear
Preferred Entry Time Window 2*
Date Choice 3*

MonthDayYear
Preferred Entry Time Window 3*

Lunch

You are welcome to have your students bring their own lunches to the Zoo, however, we are not able to store or deliver lunches for you. If you have a large group, you may want to consider renting a pavilion for the day. We have three pavilions available for rent at discounted school rates. Use of pavilions is prohibited unless they are rented.
- Kids Kingdom Pavilion
  - Capacity: 40
  - Fee: $150
  - Location: Kids Kingdom
- Village Pavilion
  - Capacity: 80
  - Fee: $175
  - Location: Village (at the top of the escalator)
- Water’s Edge Pavilion
  - Capacity: 192
  - Fee: $350
  - Location: Water’s Edge
YesNo
Kids KingdomVillageWater's Edge

Eligibility & Acknowledgements
Should be Empty:

Paws for a Cause Special Admission Program

Organization Information

Primary Contact

Group Details

Accessibility & Sensory Supports

Visit Preferences

Lunch

Eligibility & Acknowledgements