The article presents the results of a study of the needs of clients of contact zoos in Nizhny Novgorod. The study was carried out with the subsequent goal of using its results at the opening of the contact zoo in one of the largest districts of the city - Avtozavodsk. The authors clarified the functional significance of the contact zoo for a modern child: socialization, therapeutic function. The article also presents some problematic issues that are discursive. Particular attention is paid to the problems of the legislation of the functioning of contact zoos in our country. Contact zoos in Nizhny Novgorod are analyzed. In the course of the survey, 480 Nizhny Novgorod residents were interviewed. Answers were received to such problematic issues at the opening of the zoo as: the frequency of visits, the species of animals in demand at the zoo, the purpose of the visit, the social tasks to be accomplished, the necessary infrastructure, the geolocation location of the zoo in Avtozavodsky district of Nizhny Novgorod, the price policy of the entrance ticket. The results of the study will make it possible to create a contact zoo based on the preferences of the end user of this product.