Zoo licences

Information about zoo licences and regulation.

Zoos are regulated by us under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

The Council works in close partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on all aspects of zoo licensing.

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 a specialist officer first for advice and guidance on the details below.

The local authority 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.

We must consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, adjoining authority if the zoo overlaps the area of that authority and any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or safety of persons living in the area.

We must arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector from the list of suitable inspectors nominated by the Secretary of State.

Contact Details

For more information please contact Licensing

Telephone: 0121 704 6833

Email:environmentalhealth@solihull.gov.uk