Licence summary

If you operate an establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public, you will need to obtain a licence. The only exceptions to this are when the animals are kept for performing purposes (eg circus or films) or in a pet shop, where separate licences are required (see appropriate pages).

The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 applies to any zoo to which members of the public have access, with or without a charge for admission, on more than seven days in any period of 12 consecutive months.

Conditions will be imposed to ensure the proper conduct of the zoo.

Eligibility Criteria

At least two months before making an application for a licence, the applicant must give notice in writing (including by electronic means) to the local authority of their intention to make the application. The notice must identify:

    • the zoo's location
    • the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept for  
      exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their accommodation,
      maintenance and wellbeing
    • the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed in the zoo
    • the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which accommodation
      is to be provided
    • the approximate number and position of access routes to be provided to the
      premises
    • how required conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo.

At least two months before making the application, the applicant must also publish notice of that intention in one local newspaper and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. The notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the local authority is available to be inspected at the Local Authority offices.

Before we can grant a licence for a zoo, we will need to be satisfied that the establishment will not affect the health and safety of persons living in the neighbourhood.

The premises and accommodation must satisfy basic standards for the health, welfare and safety of the animals that you intend to keep. We will arrange a veterinary surgeon's inspection to ensure that the accommodation is suitable.

Fees will be payable for applications and conditions may be attached. The fee is based upon an application and operating fee. Should the application not be granted, you will be refunded half the fee. If you require any assistance throughout the application process, please contact us using the details below.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

When considering an application the local authority shall take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:

    • the applicant
    • the chief officer of police in the relevant area
    • the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant     
       authority in whose area the zoo will be situated
    • the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of
      zoos
    • where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power
      to grant the licence, a planning authority for the relevant area (other than a
      county planning authority) for the area in which it is situated
    • any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living
      in the neighbourhood
    • anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety of anyone living
      near it
    • any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the
      authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence.

Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, the Local Authority shall consider any inspectors' reports based on their inspection of the zoo, consult the applicant about any conditions they propose should be attached to the licence and make arrangements for an inspection to be carried out. At least 28 days' notice of the inspection shall be provided by the Local Authority.

The Local Authority will not grant the licence if they feel that the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living near it, seriously affect the preservation of law and order, or if they are not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be satisfactorily implemented.

An application may also be refused if:

    • the Local Authority are not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or 
      management standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the 
      animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo
    • the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company, the company or 
      any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers, 
      or a keeper in the zoo, has been convicted of any offence involving the ill-
      treatment of animals.

Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a shorter time period is allowed by the Local Authority.

The Secretary of State, after consulting the Local Authority, may direct them to attach one or more conditions to a licence.

The local authority may advise the Secretary of State that, because of the small number of animals kept in the zoo or the small number of the kinds of animal kept there, a direction should be made that that a licence is not required.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the Local Authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us using the contact details below.

You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes EUGO service or use the contact details below.

Apply online

The EU Services Directive took effect in late December 2009 with an aim to open up the European Internal Market to cross-border trade in services. There is a requirement for Local Authorities to make certain licensing processes available online.

An online portal, "EUGO", has been established so that service providers can source information with regards to doing business within Europe. In the UK, the portal is called UK Welcomes and is hosted by Business Link.

Link to send notification of your intention to operate a zoo
Link to apply for a licence to operate a zoo
Link to tell us about a change to your existing zoo licence

Failed Application Redress

Please contact us in the first instance. If the applicant is refused a licence, they may appeal to a magistrates' court within 28 days from the date on which the applicant receives written notification of the refusal.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

A licence holder may appeal to a Magistrates' court against:

    • any condition attached to a licence or any variation or cancellation of a condition
    • the refusal to approve the transfer of a licence
    • a zoo closure direction
    • enforcement steps relating to any unmet condition.

The appeal must be brought within 28 days from the date on which the licence holder receives written notification of the Local Authority's decision as to the relevant matter.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Any person who wishes to appeal against a decision to close a zoo may apply to the local Magistrates' court. Appeals must be made within 28 days of the notice of the local authority decision.

Other Redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Fees and Charges

Further Information

Telephone: 01372 732000
email: contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk