Apply or renew a dangerous animal licence

If you want to keep a dangerous wild animal, you need to have a licence.

You need a licence to keep some animals. To see a full list of animals you can check here:

 Dangerous wild animals list (opens new window)

A licence is not required for dangerous wild animals kept at a pet shop or at a zoo. 

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and must not be disqualified from keeping a dangerous wild animal.

All premises will be inspected before your licence can be granted. An inspector will be checking the following:

• The welfare of the animals
• The accommodation is suitable for the animals

We will visit you after your applications is submitted. Your premises does not need an inspection to renew a licence, instead an inspection will be carried out once you receive your renewal.

No, tacit consent does not apply. We will aim to respond to your application within 10 working days. If you have not heard from us within this period, please get in contact. We must process your application before the licence can be granted.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and must not be disqualified from keeping a dangerous wild animal.

Apply for a licence

To apply for a Dangerous Wild Animal licence, you will need to send us the following documents:

• a completed application form (PDF) [233KB] (opens new window)
• a copy of your valid Public Liability Insurance Policy

Post or email your documents to regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk. We cannot accept photographs or documents, only clear scans.

Renew a licence

To keep a dangerous wild animal, you must maintain a current licence by renewing it every two years. 

To renew this licence, please send the following documents:

• an updated application form (PDF) [233KB] (opens new window)
• an updated copy of your valid Public Liability Insurance Policy

Post or email your documents to regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk. We cannot accept photographs of documents, only clear scans.

You will be sent a reminder several months before the expiry of your licence. If you do not wish to renew, please let us know in writing.

The fee for a new dangerous animal licence is £321 (plus vet fees).

The fee to renew your dangerous animal licence is £305 (plus vet fees). Renewal payments for animal licences are now handled through our Finance Department. You will be invoiced separately for your application fee.

How to pay

• pay with a debit/credit card over the phone once you have emailed your forms to us. Call 01483 505050
• pay with a debit/credit card at our main reception, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB