To keep some types of animals in Maidstone you will need a Dangerous Wild Animal licence. You will need a licence even if the animal or animals are being kept as pets.

You need a licence to keep some animals:

• wild cats
• primates
• wild dogs, i.e. wolves
• certain pigs, i.e. wild boars
• marsupials

Check the full list of animals you need a licence for.

You may also need to apply for planning permission to change the use of the property, if you intend to breed or sell the animals as part of a business. See our planning pages for more information.

You shouldn’t need planning permission if you are keeping the animals privately as pets.

You should only apply for a licence from us if the animals are being kept in Maidstone.

Who’s it for?

To apply for a licence, you must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Be able to care for and take responsibility for the animal or animals in your care
• Have never been disqualified from keeping any dangerous wild animal

We take any previous offences relating to either the mistreatment of or the negligence in care of animals very seriously.

Apply for a licence

You will need to supply:

• Details about the type of animals you wish to keep, including gender and how many
• The address of the premises where the animals will be kept
• A copy of your Public Liability Insurance covering any damage that your animals may cause
• A plan of the premises
• A cheque for £615, made payable to Maidstone Borough Council

You can bring it to the Maidstone Link in King Street between 10am and 1pm, Monday to Thursday or send it in the post to:The Licensing Team

Apply for a dangerous or wild animal licence

How long does it take

Applications take 40 days to process, with a pre-inspection visit taking place after 10 days. We will contact you within eight days of receiving the application to arrange the visit. A formal inspection will be arranged after the pre-inspection visit. As part of the inspection we will need to arrange for a certified veterinary report to be signed by a veterinary officer.

Renew my licence

You will need to renew your licence every two years. You can renew your licence and pay the fee by completing our online application form and returning it to us.

Renew my licence

Make changes to my licence

You need to let us know about changes such as your name, address, change of business premises or if you have stopped dealing with scrap metal. You can tell us about it online on the GOV.uk website.

Change my licence

Licence fees

New applications and renewals will cost £465.

There may be extra costs to pay for veterinary inspections carried out as part of the application. These vary in price depending on which surgery carries out the inspection and are paid directly to them.