Apply for a licence to keep or train animals for exhibition

Find out how to apply for a licence to keep or train animals and the documents you need.

Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (England) Regulations 18, if you run a business that keeps or trains animals for exhibition, you must have a licence. 

How much a licence costs

You'll need to pay a non-refundable fee of £155.54 to apply. You'll also need to pay any vet bills for the licence.

What you need to submit with your application

As part of your application you'll need to submit copies of the following:

  • A plan of the premises - including the dimensions for each animal enclosure or habitat. Both hand drawn or electronic plans are acceptable.
  • A copy of relevant insurance policies.
  • A copy of the training policy and training certificates held by any staff.
  • A copy of the repair and maintenance programme.
  • A copy of the cleaning procedures.
  • A copy of the immature animals (animals under 12 months) policy.
  • A copy of the separating/grouping of animals policy.
  • A copy of the feeding policy.
  • A copy of the biosecurity/disease control and prevention policy.
  • A copy of the transport policy.
  • A copy of the monitoring and ensuring health policy.
  • A copy of the isolation policy.
  • A copy of the death and escape policy.
  • A copy of the emergency policy.
  • A copy of the socialisation, training and habituation plan.
  • A copy of the introduction of new animals to an existing group policy.
  • A copy of the health and safety risk assessment.
  • A copy of the welfare risk assessment.
  • A copy of the animal rotation policy.
  • The register for each animal.
  •  A copy of the managing animals involved in an accident during transit policy (this only applies to animals taken to events).

To see what needs to be in the documents, you should check the animals for exhibition supporting documents guidance.

How to apply for a licence

You must check the documents list to make sure you submit the right evidence.

Apply for a performing animals licence

You need to email your application form and the documents to envhealth@canterbury.gov.uk.

Once you've submitted your application we'll send you an invoice to pay. However, you can choose to pay by:

  • Calling 01227 862 427 to pay over the phone
  • Sending a cheque made payable to Canterbury City Council

See details of licences to keep or train animals