Zoo Licence

Do you need a licence?

To run a zoo in England, Scotland and Wales you need a licence from your local authority. A zoo is defined as any establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public for 7 or more days a year.

The licence may include conditions and is subject to fees.

Notify us of your intention to apply

Apply for a zoo licence

Tell us about a change to your existing licence

Before you apply

You must give us at least two months’ written notice of your intention to apply. This notice must include:

  • the location of the zoo
  • the types and approximate number of animals to be kept
  • arrangements for animal accommodation, maintenance, and welfare
  • approximate number and roles of staff
  • expected visitor numbers and vehicle parking
  • access points to the premises
  • how conservation measures will be implemented

You must also:

  • publish the notice in one local and one national newspaper
  • display a copy of the notice at the proposed zoo site
  • make the notice available for inspection at the Council offices

How applications are assessed

We will consider the views of:

  • the applicant
  • the chief officer in the relevant area
  • the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be situated
  • the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos
  • where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for the relevant area (other than a county planning authority) 
  • any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living in the neighbourhood
  • anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety of anyone living near it
  • any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence

We may refuse an application if:

  • animal care, staffing, or management standards are not satisfactory
  • the applicant or associated individuals have been convicted of animal cruelty offences

Licence conditions and renewals

  • we may attach conditions to the licence, including those directed by the Secretary of State
  • licences must be renewed at least six months before expiry (unless otherwise agreed)
  • in some cases, we may recommend that a licence is not required due to the small number or type of animals kept

Tacit consent

You must wait for a formal decision before operating. If you haven’t heard from us within a reasonable time, please contact the Licensing Team.

Appeals and complaints

Failed application redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

If your application is refused, you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court (or the Sheriff in Scotland) within 28 days of receiving the decision.

Licence holder redress

You may appeal against:

  • licence conditions or changes
  • refusal to approve a licence transfer
  • a zoo closure direction
  • enforcement action for unmet conditions

Appeals must be made within 28 days of receiving the decision.

Consumer complaint

If you have a complaint about a zoo operator:

Anyone affected by a zoo closure decision may appeal to the Magistrates’ Court (or Sheriff in Scotland) within 28 days.