Information about zoo licences is under running a zoo.

How to apply

If you have given us at least two months notice of your intention to apply for a zoo licence you can now make your application.  You can do this online. 

Licence Applications 

What you will need

You will need to provide us with information about the business such as your operating procedures outlining how you meet and comply with each of the conditions of the licence.

The following documents should be attached to your application:

Notice of Intention to Operate a Zoo

  • Notice of Intention Form
  • Map of existing premises
  • Map of proposed zoo
  • Collection plan
  • Development plan
  • Copy of planning permission (if it’s been obtained)
  • Copy of the Newspaper adverts for intention to operate a zoo.
  • Public Liability Insurance

Application Stage (2 months after Notice of Intention)

  • Completed Zoo1 Form (Pre-Inspection Audit)
  • Updated Map of proposed zoo
  • Updated Collection plan/ Inventory list
  • Mission Statement (if they have one)
  • Organisational chart for the zoo operations
  • Venomous species procedure including anti-venom provision
  • Emergency procedures
  • Record of emergency drills
  • Firearms procedure, storage and list of staff who are trained in the use of firearms (where required for Category 1 animals)
  • Education Programme
  • Conservation & Research Contributions

Payments

You will need to pay a fee for your zoo licence.  Please make sure you are aware of how much this will cost.

You will also need to pay the vet's fee for inspecting the zoo.  We will ask you to pay this after the inspection has taken place.