Zoos are regulated by the Council under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The Council works with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) on all aspects of zoo licensing. The SEERAD website is to have zoo licensing information soon.
The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended that you contact the Environmental Health team at the earliest possible stage for advice and guidance on procedures and statutory timescales for the licensing process.
The Council cannot consider an application unless at least two months notice of the application has been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site. Advice and guidance should be sought as advised above on this.
The Council will carry out consultations with various bodies during the licensing process. In addition, a proposed stock list will be required and an inspection will be carried out by the Council along with two zoo inspectors appointed by SEERAD.
There is a fee for issuing a zoo licence and it will cover the cost of the licensing process including inspections. This cost will be intimated after the inspection process and must be paid prior to issue of the licence. In addition to the inspection costs, there is an administration fee of £68.00
Applying for a licence
To make an application for a zoo licence, download an application form and notice of intention:
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