Zoo licensing

Check if you need a licence

You need a zoo licence if you display wild animals (animals not normally domesticated in the UK) to the public for at least seven days a year, in any place that’s not a circus or pet shop.

Licences are granted initially for four years. If you get your licence renewed it will then last for six years.

Apply for a licence

You should contact us for advice and guidance using the details at the bottom of this page before beginning the application process.

You must give us at least two months' notice before applying. To give notice of an application for a zoo licence, fill in a zoo licence notification form (ODT, 60KB).

To apply for a zoo licence, fill in a zoo licence application form (ODT, 45KB).

To renew a zoo licence, fill in the renewal form (ODT , 37KB).

Send the relevant form to us using the details at the bottom of this page, along with any supporting documentation.

Details of your application must be published in a local and national newspaper and you must place a notice at the site of the zoo.

Find out more about the conditions to get a zoo licence and how to apply on GOV.UK

Fees

Check zoo licence fees and how to pay in Westmorland and Furness

Visit to your premises

Before granting a licence and during the term of the licence, your zoo will be inspected by a specialist vet appointed by the Secretary of State.

See the standards that zoos in England are expected to meet on GOV.UK

Contact us

Contact the licensing team for your local area.