Zoos
You must have a zoo licence if you keep wild animals for exhibitions to the public (not including a circus) for 7 days or more in a year.
Apply for a zoo licence
We will arrange for a vet to inspect your premises before we issue a licence.
Cost
- Grant of a new licence: £888 (+ Vet fees)
£755 is payable on application and non-refundable. The remaining £133 will be payable when your application is approved
- Renewal: £719 (+ Vet fees)
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 escaping
- stop pests and vermin 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
Before you can get a licence you’ll need to tell us how you’ll do this.
You must make sure the zoo wouldn’t affect:
- the health and safety of local people
- local law and order
- the animals’ well-being
You may not get a licence if anyone working in or managing the zoo has committed an animal welfare offence.
Contact the Licensing Section
Email: licensing@dover.gov.uk
Telephone: 01304 872295