Zoo licences

What is a zoo?

A zoo is a place where wild animals are kept for the public to view. If you are unsure whether your premises fall into this category you can email us at:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk.

If you want to operate a zoo you will require a zoo licence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and 2002.

A person guilty of an offence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and 2002 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £2500.

How do I apply for a zoo licence?

If you are new to the whole or an area of animal activities licensing and require advice and guidance on applying for a Zoo licence, we offer a pre-application advice service. The fee for this service is £100 plus VAT. 

Please note: we cannot offer pre-application advice to any person who is subject to compliance/intervention or enforcement action by the Licensing Team. 

If you would like to book a pre-application advice meeting please email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk.

To apply for a zoo licence, the applicant must complete the notice of intention form to start the process of applying for a zoo licence. This online form is available below: 

The applicant must then publish the notice in one local and one national newspaper and display a copy of the notice at the site of the proposed zoo. The licensing team will keep a copy of the notice for members of the public to view free of charge at any reasonable time during office hours.

Not less than 2 months later the applicant must complete and submit the zoo application to the licensing team along with the fee of £2000 or £920 for a small zoo. 

The licensing team will then consider the application and may recommend that the zoo is suitable for an exemption under Section 14(1) or Section 14(2) if its size and nature suggest that it is eligible.

A dispensation under Section 14(1) is where the licensing authority decides that the collection of animals is too small, or the types of animals present do not warrant a licence, ie a rough guide is less than 120 animals, no birds of prey or wild mammals.

A dispensation under Section 14(2) is if the operator of the zoo informs the secretary of state that the zoo is too small for a full team of inspectors then a dispensation can be granted, and the inspection is then carried out by just one zoo inspector plus an officer from the licensing team.

Dispensations can be revoked if the zoo breaks the terms of their dispensations.

A tacit consent does not apply to this application, meaning that your application will not be automatically granted after a specified period of time. Each application must be considered on its own merits. 

Applying

You can notify the licensing team using the online form below of your intention to apply for a zoo licence:

Intention to apply for a zoo licence 

You can then apply for a zoo licence using the below form

Apply for a zoo licence 

Zoo Licence conditions (pdf 49kb)

Model conditions (pdf 56kb)

Please note: your application cannot be processed without your supporting documents.

For further advice on the application process please contact the licensing team, by using one of the following ways:

Contact the council

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk.

Processing

The licensing team will then organise an inspection with an approved inspector and consult with the applicant about any proposed conditions.

The licensing team must take into account any valid objections and consider the inspectors report before deciding to grant or refuse the licence. The zoo will be required to meet the standards set out in the zoo licence conditions below.

A licence will be issued for 4 years and an inspection must take place within the first year of the period of the licence and again no later than 6 month before the expiry of the 4 year licence. A local authority officer will also complete an informal inspection every year.

The licence must be displayed at all public entrances to the zoo.

A tacit consent does not apply to this application, meaning that your application will not automatically be granted after a specified period of time. Each application must be considered on its own merit. 

How can I pay for a zoo licence?

If you apply online you can also pay at the end of the application by credit/direct debit. 

Alternatively, you can submit a cheque made payable to 'East Riding of Yorkshire Council' with your application form.

You may also submit your application form and fee at any customer service centre across the East Riding area or by post to:

Licensing
County Hall
Beverley
East Riding of Yorkshire
HU17 9BA.

Who else may I need to contact?

If you are applying for a zoo licence you may also need to contact planning, environmental control and DEFRA.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website provides further useful information:

DEFRA (external website)

DEFRA - Zoo licensing act guidance flow charts – application and inspection process (external pdf)

DEFRA - Zoo licensing frequently-asked questions (external pdf)

DEFRA - Government circular (external pdf)

How do I renew my zoo licence?

An application to renew the zoo licence must be submitted to the licensing team prior to the end of the four year licence period, with a fee of £2075 or £650 for small zoos. A renewal at the end of a six year licence will have a fee of £2075/£950.

If the renewal application is granted, a licence will be issued for six years and a periodical inspection will be done once every three years with an approved inspector. If any conditions are added as a result of the inspection a local authority officer will ensure that these conditions are adhered to.

A local authority officer will also complete an informal inspection every year.

Apply to renew a zoo licence

A tacit consent does not apply to this application, meaning that your application will not be automatically granted after a specified period of time. Each application must be considered on its own merits. 

When do I not need a zoo licence?

You do not need a zoo licence if you want to keep a collection of animals for public viewing that are all considered normally domesticated in the United Kingdom. 

Please contact the licencing team for further advice if you are unsure:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Who regulates zoos?

The licensing team are responsible for the licensing and compliance of the following of zoos.

If a business holds a licence it should be on display in a prominent position at the premises. If you have concerns about a premises operating under a licence, have a complaint or would like to report a business that you are concerned are operating without a licence you can email the licensing team: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Please ensure you provide as much information as you can to help us.

You will be required to give your name and contact details so that we can ensure that the complaint is genuine.

Your details will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed unless the investigation results in a prosecution at which stage your details would have to be disclosed.

What happens if I do not apply for a zoo licence?

If you want to operate a zoo you will require a zoo licence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and 2002.

A person guilty of an offence under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and 2002 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £2500.

Which zoos are licensed to operate in the East Riding?

This register shows all zoos issued with a zoo licence within the East Riding district:

Zoo Register (pdf 415kb)

This register was last updated on 1 June 2021.