OCQ(V) - ZX (Zoo Animal Exports)

Please see Briefing Note 13/24 for further information about enrolling on or transferring to this course.

The OCQ(V) - ZX (Zoo Animal Exports) covers the export of zoo animals and their products.

Is this the right course for you? 

• For the export of laboratory animals, please see the OCQ(V) - LX (Laboratory Animal Exports) course.
• For the export of private and commercial small animals, including zoo animals, please see the OCQ(V) - SX (Small Animal Exports).
• For the export of domesticated and non-domesticated ungulates, please see the OCQ(V) - UX (Ungulate Exports).
• For the export of captive birds and their hatching eggs, please see the OCQ(V) - AX (Avian Exports). 
• For the export of germinal products, please see the OCQ(V) - GX (Germinal Products Exports). 
• For the export of animal products, including food for human consumption and animal by-products, please see the OCQ(V) - PX (Product Exports). 

Please note: there is currently no OCQ(V) - ZXr (Zoo Animal Exports revalidation) course. This will be available early in 2028.

Exports permitted with OCQ(V) - ZX

* Exotic pets can also be certified under OCQ(V) - SX (Small Animal Exports)

Overview of training for OCQ(V) - ZX

The training for the OCQ(V) - ZX is all provided online. Topics covered include:

• Procedures and requirements for the export of zoo animals, with particular reference to variation of procedural and documentary requirements related to country and premises of destination, transit countries and species
• Legal, professional and APHA requirements and procedures relevant to the OV undertaking export certification for zoo animals, including consideration of species-specific requirements and conflicts of interest
• The legal and professional responsibilities of OVs relating to safeguarding the welfare of zoo animals presented for export
• The development of skills required for the resolution of queries/problems relevant to the export of zoo animals
• Familiarisation with the Defra, APHA, RCVS and other websites providing information to refresh knowledge

Please note: before applying for the OCQ(V) - ZX course, you are required to hold the OCQ(V) - ES and OCQ(V) - EX qualifications, as these are both prerequisite courses for the OCQ(V) - ZX.

Revalidation of OCQ(V) - ZX

You are required to undergo revalidation for OCQ(V) - ZX every four years.

There is currently no OCQ(V) - ZXr (Zoo Animal Exports revalidation) course. This will be available early in 2028.