We work in close partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on all aspects of zoo licensing.
The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended you contact the Appointed Animal Licensing Inspector for advice and guidance.
We cannot consider an application unless at least two months notice has been given, plus details must be published in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site.
We must consult the police, fire authority, a governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, and adjoining authorities if the zoo overlaps another authority, as well as anyone wishing to object.
The current fees for a zoo licence:
New Applications: £5,000, plus all veterinary fees. Renewals: £2,200 plus all veterinary fees. Transfer of a licence: £1,000 plus all veterinary fees.
Where a dispensation has been granted, reduced fees may be levied.
For further information or guidance you can contact the councils Appointed Animal Licensing Inspector
Keeping a Zoo DEFRA guidance
- DEFRA have created guidance for those requiring a zoo licence.
