Licences Dangerous wild animal licence

Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, you need a licence to keep some animals that are considered to be wild, dangerous or exotic, some examples are:

  • Wild dogs, like wolves
  • Old world pigs, like wild boar
  • Certain cats, like lynx
  • Certain birds, like ostrich
  • Certain venomous snakes, like cobras

See the full list of animals you need a licence for.

It's an offence to keep any dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence.

Required standards

Before granting a licence the licensing inspector must be satisfied that:

  1. it's not contrary to the public interest to do so on the grounds of safety, nuisance or other grounds
  2. the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep the animals listed on the application
  3. the animal(s) will be kept in accommodation that prevents its escape and is suitable in respect of construction, size, temperature, drainage and cleanliness
  4. the animal(s) will be supplied with adequate and suitable food drink and bedding material and be visited at suitable intervals
  5. appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the protection of the animal(s) in case of fire or other emergency
  6. all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
  7. the animal(s) accommodation is such that it can take adequate exercise
  8. where we issue a licence, it will be subject to such conditions as we see fit to impose, and in each case these conditions will specify that:
    1. only the person named on the licence shall be entitled to keep the animal
    2. the animal shall only be kept on the premises named on the licence
    3. the animal shall not be moved or may only be moved in accordance with conditions specified in the
    4. licence
    5. the licensee must hold a current insurance policy, approved by us, which insures against liability for
    6. damage caused by the animal
    7. only the species and number of animals listed on the licence may be kept
    8. the licensee shall make a copy of the licence and its contents available to any other person listed on
    9. the licence as being able to look after the animal

We may at any time revoke or amend any licence condition apart from those covered by the bullets under point 8, above.

We have a duty to determine that an applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence to keep a dangerous wild animal. To apply for a licence you must be aged 18 or over and you must not be disqualified under certain other statutes from keeping or having custody of animals.

How long does a licence last?

A licence runs from the date it is granted and lasts for two years. Existing licence holders will receive a reminder from us before their licence is due for renewal, renewal applications must be returned to us promptly so the necessary renewal inspections can be arranged. 

How much will this cost?

How do I apply?

Pay for this application

If you are unable to pay for your application online, please contact the Licensing team using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

Contact Licensing