You need this licence if you train animals to use them in a performance, exhibit them or offer encounters with them.

To apply for a performing animals licence, you will need to:

  • download and complete the application form
  • provide the additional documents listed on the application form
  • pay the application fee of £177

On the application form, you will need to tell us:

  • your name, address and contact details
  • about your business or performance
  • about your animals
  • your vet's details
  • your emergency key holder's details
  • about your public liability insurance
  • about any disqualifications or convictions

You can pay the application fee by:

  • calling our Business Support team on 01245 606662
  • sending us a cheque (payable to Chelmsford City Council)

The application fee is the first of two fees you will need to pay before we grant your licence. The second is the grant fee. The total fee to apply for this licence is £201.

Once we receive your application form and fee, we will:

  • acknowledge it within three working days
  • contact you to arrange an inspection

After the inspection, we will tell you if we are going to grant your licence.

We will carry out the inspection and tell you our decision within ten weeks of receiving your application.

If we grant your licence, you will need to pay the grant fee of £24.

Again, you can pay this fee by:

  • calling our Business Support team on 01245 606662
  • sending us a cheque (payable to Chelmsford City Council)

You will need to display your licence on your premises. 

Your licence is valid for three years from the date we grant it.

We will write to you three months before your licence expires, to remind you to renew it.

To renew your licence, you will need to:

  • pay the renewal application fee of £160

You can pay the renewal application fee by:

  • calling our Business Support team on 01245 606662
  • sending us a cheque (payable to Chelmsford City Council)

The application fee is the first of two fees you will need to pay before we renew your licence. The second is the grant fee. The total fee to renew your licence is £182.

When you contact us to renew your licence, we will arrange an inspection.

After the inspection, we will tell you if we are going to grant your licence.

We will carry out the inspection and tell you our decision within ten weeks of receiving your application. 

If we grant your licence, you will need to pay the grant fee of £22.

If you have performing animals without a licence or don't follow the conditions of your licence, you could receive a:

  • fine
  • prison sentence of up to six months
  • fine and a prison sentence

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