Apply to open a zoo or renew a zoo licence

When you need a zoo licence

You’ll need a zoo licence if you’ll be displaying wild animals to the public for at least 7 days a year, in any place that’s not a circus or pet shop.

You should apply at least 6 months before the start date of your licence.

Your first licence is for 4 years. Then you'll need to renew it every 6 years. 

Find more information about zoo licences from GOV.UK.

Licence conditions

To get a licence your zoo must:

• help educate people about biodiversity
• be suitable for the types of animals you’re keeping
• have a high standard of animal care
• do as much as possible to stop any animals from escaping
• stop pests and vermin from getting into the zoo

You must also do at least 1 of the following:

• conservation research or training
• sharing conservation information
• captive animal breeding
• helping repopulate or reintroduce species into the wild

Licence inspections

Before we give you a licence, we choose a veterinary practitioner with Defra to inspect your premises.

We'll also inspect your premises when your licence is up for renewal. You'll be responsible for the veterinary charges.

Licence costs

Find out how much your animal business licence will cost.

Apply for a licence

To apply for a licence contact the Animal Warden team.

How we make sure zoos are responsible

The Secretary of State for the Environment sets the standards of modern zoo practice. We must make sure that people who run zoos follow these standards.

You can find the standards of modern zoo practice from Defra.

More information

For more information contact the Animal Warden team.