Animal welfare licensing

You must have a licence if you want to run a zoo (a place where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public) that allows members of the public access on more than seven days in 12 months.

At least two months before you apply, you must publish notice of your intention in one local and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. At the same time you must give us notice in writing. You should tell us:

• the zoo's location
• the types of animals and approximate numbers
• the approximate number of staff
• the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles expected
• the approximate number and position of access points to the premises
• how conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo

Contact the Environmental Health team if you want to apply for a zoo licence.

Vet fees are recoverable.

We will visit the site with a vet and conduct a full inspection.