Keeping or training animals for exhibition

If you keep or train animals for exhibition in the course of a business for educational or entertainment purposes you require a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 -

(a)   To any audience attending in person, or

(b)   By the recording of visual images of them by any form of technology that enables the display of such images

Guidance for Animal Activity Licensing

New statutory guidance for animal activity licensing from February 1, 2022 can be found on the Government website.

Application form and fees

Animal Activity Licence Application Form – there is one generic Animal Activity Licence Form that covers all activities. Sections 1 to 4 must be completed for all application, and then complete the relevant sections for the activities that you are applying for.

• Animal Activity Licence Application Form 2024 (Word Document, 0.1 Mb)

Application and Licence Fee – The fees for an Animal Activity Licence are split into an application fee which must be received with the application and a licence fee which is required to be paid once the licence is approved and covers the length of the licence.

All fees are non-refundable, therefore you must ensure that you have read through the licence conditions and guidance before you apply and if you have any concerns then speak to a Animal Activity Licensing Officer.

Animal Activity Licence Fees Summary

Additional Information

A licence will last for three years.

For new applications, planning permission may be required. Further information can be obtained from Planning Services.