Zoo Licensing
A licence is required to operate a zoo in accordance with the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. Anyone seeking to run a zoo within the Test Valley area will therefore first require a licence from the council.
A zoo is classed as any establishment, other than a circus or pet shop, where wild animals (i.e. those not normally domesticated) are kept for public exhibition.
The application process is quite complicated, therefore you are advised to contact a member of the Environmental Health team to seek advice well in advance of making the application. You should in particular be aware that, prior to making an application, you are required to give at least two months written notice to the council of your intention to make the application and also publish a notice of that intention in one local newspaper and one national newspaper.
For more information, please contact us.