Dangerous wild animals licence
Regulations
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 regulates the keeping of dangerous wild animals.
Animals mentioned in the act include:
- wild boar
- emu
- ostrich
- venomous snakes
- capuchin monkeys
Check the list of dangerous animals if you are not sure if you need a licence.
Fees
| Type of licence | Administration and inspection fee | Licence fee | Total fee plus vets fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Wild Animal | £480 | £58.50 | £590 |
| Substantial Variation for licence change such as adding animals or alterations to accommodation | £180 | n/a | £180 |
Vet fees are payable by the applicant. A licence will not be granted until fees are paid in full. If no licence is granted only the licence fee will be refunded.
In the circumstance where an applicant withdraws their application, the time spent by the officer to process the application will be charged at the officer hourly rate.
Multiple Locations
Activities relating to the same business that operate at different locations will require separate licences. If you already have a licence and you want to start an activity at an additional location from that stated on your existing Licence, a new premises application and full fee must be submitted.
Apply now
When completing your application you will be asked to upload:
- enclosure plans and photographs
- a site plan showing where the animal will be kept
- public liability insurance details
- veterinary care arrangements
- emergency procedures
How we assess your application
We will check that:
- you are a suitable owner
- the location of the accommodation meets the required standards
- the care for the animal meets the required standards
- there is no safety risk
You will need to register for an account on our licencing website before you can apply.
If you already have an account, you can login and apply.
You will be prompted to pay for your licence at the end of this application.
What happens next
Once your application is submitted:
- a veterinary inspection of the premises will be arranged
- the inspection will assess animal welfare, enclosure security and public safety
Renewal applications process
The Licence is granted for 2 years, after which it must be renewed.
Licence holders should submit a renewal application no less than 10 weeks before the expiry date of their current licence. This allows sufficient time for inspections and processing to ensure continuity of the licence. If you do not wish to renew your licence, please let us know.
Making changes to your licence
If you want to increase the number of animals on your licence, you need to apply for a substantial variation.
You cannot change the licence holder or the address on your licence through a variation process. You will need to apply for a new licence.
In the unfortunate situation when the licence holder has died, please contact us directly using [email protected] so that we may advise you of the process.
Fee for substantial variations
All changes require an inspection to ensure welfare standards, trained staff, and facilities remain appropriate.
The fee to make a variation to your licence is £180
Apply for a substantial variation to your licence
You will need the following to complete this application:
- your existing licence number
- a plan of the premises (to scale) identifying any additional accommodation
You must tell us as soon as possible if there are any changes to the details of your Dangerous Wild Animals licence.
Examples of changes include:
- adding or removing an animal from your licence
- keeping a different species than those currently licensed
- changes to the number of animals kept
- alterations to enclosures, accommodation, or security arrangements
- changes to the licence holder's name or contact details only (not a change of licence holder)
- updating supporting documents
You must not make significant changes or keep additional dangerous wild animals until you have been granted and are in receipt of your licence. Keeping dangerous wild animals without an appropriate licence or in circumstances not covered by your licence may constitute an offence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.