An applicant must not be disqualified from any of the following at the time of the application:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Protection of Animals (Scotland) Acts 1912 to 1964
• Pet Animals Act 1951
• Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
• Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
• Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
• Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

A licence will not be issued if anyone working in or managing the zoo has committed an animal welfare offence.

Local authorities must have regard to the following when considering an application for a zoo licence:

• that animals will be kept in suitable accommodation, for example in regard to temperature, size, lighting, ventilation, cleanliness and enrichment
• that there are suitable management arrangements in place
• that adequate food and drink will be provided to the animals and they will be visited at suitable intervals
• that steps are taken to prevent the escape of animals
• that steps are taken to prevent disease spreading among the animals
• that adequate fire and emergency provisions are in place
• that information about the animals is available to visitors.

An annual stock list must be provided along with any updated escape precaution procedures.