A zoo is a place where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public, other than a circus or pet shop.
This also includes small specialist collections such as butterfly houses and aquaria.
If you wish to run a zoo, you must apply for a zoo licence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.
Who needs a licence
You will need to apply for a licence if:
- your zoo is open to the public for at least 7 days a year
- exotic, dangerous or wild animals are exhibited to the public
- you keep animals that are not normally domesticated in Great Britain
If you're unsure whether your collection counts as a zoo, contact our Environmental Health team.
Email: [email protected]
Before you apply
You must give us 2 months notice before applying.
The notice must be:
- published in a local and national newspaper
- displayed at the site
- send to us for public inspection
Your notice must include:
- location of the zoo
- the animals you will keep and how many
- how the animals will be housed and cared for
- staff roles and numbers
- expected visitors and vehicle numbers
- entrance and exit points
- how you will meet conservation conditions
How to apply
To apply for a licence, you will need to request an application form.
Email Allerdale: [email protected]
Email Carlisle: [email protected]
Email Copeland: [email protected]
You may not get a licence if anyone involved in managing the zoo has committed an animal welfare offence.
Costs and fees
Fees vary depending on the type of licence and inspection requirements (2025 to 2026)
| Activity | Application | Licence | Additional costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| New - 4 year licence | £389 | £623 | Officer time (if application takes more than 5 hours): £81 per hour Vet fees: periodic inspections DEFRA vet fees: application, year 1 and year 4 |
| Renewal - 6 year licence | £311 | £934 | Officer time (if application takes more than 4 hours): £81 per hour Vet fees: periodic inspections DEFRA vet fees: year 3 and year 6 |
| New - with dispensation | £234 | £311 | Officer time (if application takes more than 3 hours): £81 per hour Dispensation periodic inspections |
| Renewal - with dispensation | £156 | £466 | Officer time (if application takes more than 3 hours): £81 per hour Dispensation periodic inspections |
| Special inspection | £81 per hour | £0 | Vet fees |
| Variation (requiring visit) | £156 | £0 | DEFRA and Vet fees: if required |
| Minor variation (admin charge) | £33 | £0 | No additional costs |
Licence fee includes annual inspections.
After you’ve applied
After receiving your application and payment:
- a licensing officer will arrange an inspection of your premises
- we will consider comments from the relevant authorities
- your licence will only be issued once all checks and inspections are complete
If your application is refused, you'll get a written notice. The fee will not be refunded. You can appeal to the magistrates' court.
Your licence
If your application is approved, your licence will:
- be sent to you in the post
- last for 4 years
- need to be displayed at the entrance
Licence conditions
We may attach conditions to your licence. They may include:
- measures to prevent animals escaping
- keeping records of the different animals, births, deaths, escapes and cause of death
- having insurance against damages caused by animals
Renewals
If you already hold a zoo licence, renewals last for 6 years.
You must:
- apply at least 6 months before your licence expires
- include the correct fee with your renewal application
We may extend your current licence or ask you to apply for a new one.
Zoo licence dispensations
A zoo licence dispensation may be granted in some cases.
This could mean the Zoo Licensing Act does not apply in full or that fewer inspections are required.
Dispensations are usually considered if the zoo is small or has a few species of animals.
Guidance
Review the guidance about keeping zoo animals on GOV.UK
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018