Dangerous animals licences
You need a licence to keep some animals that are listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
The full list of animals you need a licence for is available.
This licence does not apply to animals kept in a zoo, circus, pet shop or places registered to perform experiments.
In order to secure a licence, you must meet the following conditions:
The local authority is required to authorise a vet to inspect the premises and must consider their inspection report when deciding whether to issue a licence.
Apply for a dangerous wild animal licence
To apply for or renew a dangerous wild animal licence, please fill in the online form below and pay by credit or debit card. We will refund the Part B fee in the event of not being able to grant the licence. You will be emailed a copy of the form.
A two-year Dangerous Wild Animals Licence costs £262.00+VAT
Apply for a dangerous wild animal licence
You will not be given a licence if you have been found guilty of offences under the following:
- The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964
- Protection of Animals Act 1911
- Protection of Animals (Scotland) Acts 1912 to 1964
- Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925
- Pet Animals Act 1951
- Animals (Cruel Poisons) Act 1962
- Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
- Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
- Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
- or of an offence under any of sections 4, 5, 6(1) and (2), 7 to 9 and 11 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
We may authorise an inspection of the premises and the animal in them. This is called power of entry. The penalty for wilfully obstructing or delaying an authorised officer is a maximum fine of £5,000.