Did you know? Licences are required for wild animals
Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) - Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976 ... you may not be aware that certain pets require a special type of licence as some animals are listed on a Dangerous Wild Animals list, if you keep one of these animals or are thinking about acquiring one, you are required to apply for a certain type of licence and provide relevant insurance detailing the exact species you intend to keep and at least £2 Million Public Liability Insurance along with this have your home or premises inspected by our Animal inspector and our registered veterinary surgeon.
Animals listed on the DWA vary and if you are unsure, please contact us for more information licensing@arun.gov.uk
You’ll need a licence to keep some animals for example:
- wild cats
- primates
- wild dogs, for example wolves
- wild boar
- marsupials
- alligators and caimans
- crocodiles
- certain spiders
- certain lizards
- certain venomous snakes
A full list of animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 can be found on our website The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (Modification) (No.2) Order 2007 (legislation.gov.uk), but include many different species.
Hybrid or cross-bred animals may need a licence, depending on how far removed the animal is from its wild ancestor.
An officer would assess if a licence is required from the paperwork provided by the applicant.
If the animal has not been bred within the UK then proof of importation, CITES and proof of Rabies vaccination would be required, along with a successful inspection of where you intend to keep the animal. Inspectors and vets will check housing, feeding, cleaning, vaccination records along with the safety of the enclose its size and suitability for that particular animal.