To operate a zoo in Scotland, you normally need a zoo licence from the local authority where the whole (or the major part) of the zoo is situated.

Licences can include conditions to protect animal welfare, public safety and conservation/education duties, and you should expect fees for the application and inspections.

In Scotland, zoo licensing is administered by local authorities under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as amended in Scotland). Policy responsibility is devolved to the Scottish Government, and local authorities are supported in arranging inspections by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA), including Scottish Ministers’ zoo inspectors.

Zoo licensing is specialist and the rules are detailed. If you are considering setting up a zoo, contact the local authority’s licensing/environmental health team early to discuss the process and inspection requirements.

You must give the local authority at least 2 months' notice in writing (including electronically) before you submit an application. Your notice must include: 

• the zoo's location
• the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing
• the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed in the zoo
• the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which accommodation is to be provided
• the approximate number and position of access points to the premises
• how you will implement the required conservation measures

You must also publish your intention to apply in at least one local newspaper and one national newspaper and display a copy of the notice at the planned zoo site. The notice must state the zoo's location and that the application notice sent to the local authority can be inspected at the local authority offices.

• Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as amended), including the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2003

You must pay a (non-refundable) application fee. If the licence is granted, conditions may be attached and you may also need to pay inspection-related costs (for example, veterinary or inspector fees).

When considering an application Falkirk Council shall take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:

• the applicant
• the chief officer of police (or in Scotland the chief constable) in the relevant area
• the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be situated
• the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos
• where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for the relevant area
• any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living in the neighbourhood
• any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence

Before deciding to grant or refuse a licence, the Council will consider inspectors' reports, discuss any proposed licence conditions with the applicant, and arrange the required inspections. The Council must give at least 28 days' notice of a formal inspection.

Falkirk Council will not grant the licence if they feel the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living in or near it, or seriously affect the preservation of law and order or if they are not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be satisfactorily implemented.

An application may also be refused if:

• Falkirk Council are not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or management standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo
• the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company, the company or any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals

Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a shorter time period is allowed by Falkirk Council.

In Scotland, Scottish Ministers (after consulting the Council) may direct that one or more conditions are attached to a licence.

The Council may also advise Scottish Ministers that, because only a small number of animals (or kinds of animals) are kept, a direction should be made that a licence is not required.

No. It is in the public interest that Falkirk Council must process your application before it can be granted.

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us.

To apply, change or renew a licence to run a zoo you can complete the form below and send it to Falkirk Council by email:

Please also include the following with your application:

• Site/location plan
• Plan to show proposed layout of the zoo
• Planning permission
• Animal accommodation plan
• Entrances and exits plan
• Stock list
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Employer's liability insurance certificate
• Notice of intention published in press
• Notice of intention displayed at site
• Any other supporting documentation

Please contact us first. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may be able to appeal under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as amended in Scotland).

If you are affected by a decision, you may appeal to the Sheriff in Scotland against the following:

• a decision to refuse your licence application 
• a condition added to your licence 
• a decision to change or remove a licence condition 
• a refusal to approve transfer of the licence to someone else 
• a formal direction requiring you to meet licence conditions (or a change to that direction) 
• a zoo closure direction (requiring the zoo to close) 
• a refusal to approve an improvement plan you have been required to submit 
• a direction about what must be included in your improvement plan (or a change to that direction) 
• arrangements made about the approval, review or implementation of an improvement plan 

You must lodge an appeal within 28 days of receiving written notice of the Council's decision. 

• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• World Association of Zoos and Aquariums