If you want to run a zoo or keep a collection of animals for display to the public in Maidstone you will need a Zoo Licence.
You might not need a licence if you are only going to keep a small collection of animals at your zoo. Before making an application contact the licensing partnership team by emailing licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227004 and they will confirm whether you will need to apply for a licence.
Before applying for a licence you will need to apply for planning permission so that it can be used as a zoo. Check our Planning Pages for more information.
You won’t need a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence if you are applying for a Zoo Licence.
If you are planning to train, exhibit or display performing animals at your zoo you will need a Performing Animals Licence. More information about this can be found on the Performing Animals Licence section
Those working with the animals to train or display them to the public will also need to ensure that they have the right licence.
Before applying, you will need to:
You will need to supply:
Applications take 90 days to process, with a pre-inspection visit taking place after 10 days. We will contact you within eight days of receiving the application to arrange the visit. A formal inspection will be arranged after the pre-inspection visit. During the first four years we will carry out three formal inspections of your premises. We will give you at least 28 days notice before arranging a formal inspection with you.
The first time you renew your licence will be after four years. You need to renew your licence six months before your current one expires. You can renew your licence and pay the fee online on the GOV.uk website.
You will need to supply all supporting documents with the renewal, apart from the notices that you placed in the local newspaper and at the premises when first applying to run the zoo.
Your licence will then be issued for six years and we will carry out three more formal inspections of the zoo during that time. You will then need to renew your licence every six years.
If you need to change your licence:
You will also need to include supporting documents with your application, if you have made changes to:
You might not need to change your licence if you’re making small changes to the premises. Before making an application contact the licensing partnership team by emailing licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227004 and they will confirm whether you need to make a new application.
New applications, renewals and changes to existing licences will cost £585 which includes a deposit of £2,150.
Upon receiving the application, veterinary inspections will be carried out. If they cost no more than £724, you will get all of your deposit back. If they cost more than £724 the additional cost will be taken out of your deposit.
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