Licence summary
To keep certain types of animals you will need a dangerous wild animal licence. You will need a licence even if the animal or animals are being kept as pets.
You need a licence for:
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wild cats
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primates
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wild dogs, for example wolves
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certain pigs, for example wild boars
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marsupials
See the full list of animals you need a licence for.
Please ensure that the premises have the required Planning Portal before you make your application.
Primates licence
From 6 April 2026, the Animal Welfare Regulations 2024 came into force. It means that you will need a specific licence to keep a primate. For more details view our primate webpage.
Are there any restrictions?
You cannot apply for a licence if you:
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are under 18 years of age
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have been disqualified from keeping any dangerous wild animal.
How do I apply?
Supporting documentation
You will need to provide us with information to support your application, this can be submitted on the online portal:
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a copy of your public liability Insurance covering any damage that your animals may cause
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a risk assessment to yourself, or anyone visiting the property.
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emergency plans including fire, escape of the animal, snake bites
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a plan of the premises
The application
You can complete the application via our online portal. During this time, you can upload relevant documents and pay the fee.
Once we have received a valid application, the team will arrange the inspection of the premises. The inspection will be carried out by an authorised officer of the Council and our appointed vet.
Applications will only be placed on hold for a maximum of eight weeks before being cancelled.
Fees
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | |
| Licence Fee for 1 species - 2 Years | £465.00 plus vet fees |
| Licence variation | £230.00 plus vet fees if required |
| To add an additional species on application | £64.00 |
| To add an additional species on varying a licence | £64.00 |
| Appointed Vet fees will be charged separately and sent via an invoice; these must be paid before the licence can be issued. | **** This will vary on premises specific **** |
Decision
The inspection team will produce a report of its findings. The report will be used to decide whether to grant or refuse a licence and will advise you in writing of the decision. We will aim to complete this within 6 weeks of the inspection.
Renewals
You need to renew a minimum of 10 weeks before the expiry date.
Please apply to renew using our online portal and upload the relevant documents.
A copy of the current public liability insurance certificate and any procedures which have been updated should be attached to the renewal application.
If you have missed the renewal date and your licence has expired, you will be required to pay the new application fee instead of the renewal fee.
What happens if I don't apply for a licence?
You can be fined up to £2,000 if you keep an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without a licence or do not comply with the conditions of the licence.
Does tacit consent apply?
No. This means you cannot keep a dangerous wild animal without a licence.
Appeals and complaints
If you are refused a licence or want to appeal against a licence condition, you can appeal to the local Magistrates’ court.
Consumer complaint
We advise that consumer complaints are first made to the trader, preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that does not work, further advice is available from Citizens Advice.
For complaints such as noise pollution or one licence holder complaining about another, please contact us for advice.