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, 38KB).

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

For small zoos, there’s a £995 application fee and a £236 grant fee for both new applications and renewals.

For larger zoos, there’s a £8,384 application fee and a £322 grant fee for new applications. For renewals there’s a £1,346 application fee and a £321 grant fee.

To transfer a zoo licence, you need to pay a £1,634 application fee and a £257 grant fee.

When closing down a zoo, you need to pay a £178 application fee and a £44 grant fee.

You’ll also need to pay independent vet fees. 

Paying your fees

In the Barrow area, you can pay for your application online.

In the Eden area you can pay the fee by calling 0300 373 3300 using payment code: E03042 E8001 and your name and business name as the reference. Alternatively, you can send a cheque by post using the details at the bottom of this page or at the reception at Voreda House.

In the South Lakeland area, when we get your application we’ll either contact you to take the payment by card or send you an email with the details you need to make a payment.

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 our Licensing Team