Zoos

We work 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 and complex 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.

We 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.

The fee for a licence to operate a zoo is currently £245.85 plus annual veterinary inspection/arrangement fee of £11.50

If you would like any information about Zoo Licensing or an application pack please contact our licensing officer using the details below.

Pay online

If you have a licensing invoice you can pay online. You will need the invoice number to make a payment.

Contact Details

Licensing
Town Hall
Bank Road
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NN

Tel: 01629 761 313
Fax: 01629 761 165
Email: licensing@derbyshiredales.gov.uk