Keeping of animals for training or exhibition

Last Updated: 4 October 2023

Businesses need a licence to keep or train animals for exhibition either for entertainment or educational purposes.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities on Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Defra guidance on keeping or training of animals for exhibition

For guidance on the keeping or training of animals for exhibition consult Legislation and Guidance on the Sector Group website.

How to apply

To apply for a licence to keep or train animals for exhibition you should fill in the animal welfare application form (DOC 76KB / 7 pages).

The application form should be returned to the Licensing Team, along with any supporting documentation and the relevant fee:

Existing fees (2023/24):

  • new application fee: £243.15
  • renewal application fee: £209.48
  • variation licence/re-evaluation of rating: £127.41

Where there are a combination of activities, the highest activity fee is applicable.

Existing licence holders will be sent the relevant application forms about a month prior to the renewal date.

To apply for a variation to a licence or re-evaluation of the star rating, contact the Licensing team.