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Animal health and welfare licences

How to apply for a range of animal health and welfare licences, including cat and dog boarding, dog breeding, keeping exotic, dangerous or wild animals, moving animals, performing animals, animals in pet shops, keeping primates, riding establishments and zoos.

Apply for licence to keep an exotic, dangerous or wild animal

You cannot keep a dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a licence from your local authority.

The scientific and common names of the animals specified as requiring a licence are listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (modification) Order 1984 – GOV.UK.

Except in exceptional circumstances, the person making the application must be the person who owns and possesses or proposes to own and possess the animal to which the application applies.

Apply for a licence

After you apply

A licence may be issued providing the applicant is not disqualified or has been convicted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the licence holder is to continue to keep the animal(s) named on the licence.

Licence fees

You will be:

  • asked to pay an application fee of £530 as part of your application
  • required to pay the cost of the required inspections carried out by our authorised veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner

Further information

Copies of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 - GOV.UK and other legislation mentioned in this information sheet can be viewed at the council offices and should you wish to apply for such a licence, we would be happy to discuss the matter with you first. 

Contact

For more information, contact our Licensing Service. 

Email: licensing@luton.gov.uk
Phone: 01582 546040

Luton Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ