DWA License Cost UK 2025: How Much Is an Exotic Pet License?

Thinking about keeping a big cat, venomous snake, or primate in the UK? You'll need a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) license from your local council - and the costs add up quickly.

If you're researching exotic pet ownership, you've probably seen DWA mentioned. But how much does it actually cost? The answer varies dramatically depending on where you live.

What Is a DWA License?

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 requires anyone keeping certain species to obtain a license from their local council. The law was created in response to a 1960s/70s trend of people keeping dangerous exotic animals as pets.

Key Points

• Legal requirement: Keeping a scheduled animal without a license is a criminal offence

• Local authority issued: Apply to your district/borough council, not central government

• Inspected premises: A vet must inspect your setup before approval

• Age requirement: You must be 18+ to hold a DWA license

• Renewable: Licenses last 1-2 years and require renewal

For a complete overview of the Act and what's covered, see our Dangerous Wild Animals Act UK 2025 guide.

License Fees by Council (2025)

Here's where it gets complicated: every council sets its own fees. There's no national standard, so costs vary dramatically across the UK.

Specific Council Fees (Verified Sources)

Typical Range

Based on council data across England and Wales:

• Low end: £150-£200 (smaller councils, basic applications)

• Average: £250-£400 (most urban councils)

• High end: £500-£1,000+ (complex applications, multiple animals, farms)

Important: These fees exclude veterinary inspection costs, which you pay separately and directly to the vet.

How to Find Your Council's Fee

1. Search "[your council name] dangerous wild animals license"

2. Check your council's licensing or environmental health pages

3. Call the licensing department directly - fees may not be published online

Hidden Costs You Must Budget For

The license fee is just the beginning. Here's what else you'll pay:

1. Veterinary Inspection (Variable)

Before your license is granted, a vet must inspect your premises and the animal's accommodation. This cost is not included in the license fee and is paid directly to the veterinary surgeon.

According to Bristol City Council, inspection fees cost approximately £116 per hour. However, costs vary depending on:

• Veterinary surgeon needed: Specialist exotic vets charge more

• Time required: Larger setups need longer inspections

• Travel distance: Additional if vet must travel far

• Re-inspection: Required if you fail the first time

Use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to find vets who conduct DWA inspections in your area.

2. Public Liability Insurance (from £99/year)

While not legally mandatory everywhere, most councils require insurance as a license condition.

According to ExoticDirect, specialist DWA insurance starts from £99 per year and includes up to £5 million public liability cover. Each policy is tailored based on:

• Species kept: Higher-risk animals cost more to insure

• Number of animals: Collections require higher premiums

• Coverage level: Typically £1-5 million required by councils

Standard home insurance does not cover DWA animals. You'll need specialist exotic animal insurance from providers like ExoticDirect or Brooks Braithwaite.

3. Enclosure Construction (£500-£10,000+)

Your enclosure must meet strict standards before approval:

• Basic secure enclosure: £500-£2,000

• Big cat enclosure: £5,000-£20,000+

• Primate housing: £3,000-£15,000

• Double-door systems: Often required for escape prevention

• Heating/cooling: Species-dependent, £500-£2,000

4. The Animal Itself (£500-£50,000+)

DWA animals aren't cheap:

• Venomous snakes: £100-£1,000

• Monitor lizards: £200-£2,000

• Primates: £1,500-£10,000

• Big cats: £5,000-£50,000+

• Wolves: £3,000-£8,000

5. Ongoing Costs

• Food: £50-£500+/month depending on species

• Veterinary care: Exotic vet costs are higher than standard pets

• License renewal: Every 1-2 years (similar to initial fee)

• Annual inspections: Some councils require them

Total First-Year Budget

Realistic minimum: Budget at least £2,000-£5,000 for setup costs before you even buy the animal.

Which Animals Need a DWA License?

The DWA Schedule lists all species requiring a license. Key categories include:

Animals That NEED a DWA License

• Big cats: Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, lynx

• Primates: All apes, most monkeys (except some small species)

• Venomous snakes: Cobras, mambas, vipers, rattlesnakes, etc.

• Crocodilians: All crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials

• Bears: All species

• Wolves and wild dogs: Wolves, African wild dogs, dholes

• Hyenas: All species

• Elephants, hippos, rhinos: All species

• Large constrictors: Anacondas, reticulated pythons (over certain sizes)

• Venomous lizards: Gila monsters, beaded lizards

• Certain scorpions and spiders: Specified dangerous species

Surprising Animals That DON'T Need a License

Interestingly, some potentially dangerous animals are not on the DWA schedule:

• Komodo dragons: Not listed (though very dangerous)

• Large monitor lizards: Not listed

• Large non-venomous constrictors: Burmese pythons, boa constrictors (under size limits)

• Deer species: Not listed

• Some birds of prey: Not listed

For the complete list of what's legal without a license, see our exotic pets without license UK guide.

The DWA Application Process

Step 1: Contact Your Council

Call or email your local council's licensing department. Ask about:

• Current fees

• Application forms

• Specific requirements for your species

• Approved vets who conduct inspections

Step 2: Prepare Your Premises

Build your enclosure before applying. The vet will inspect it. Requirements include:

• Security: Escape-proof construction, double-door systems

• Safety: Public protection measures

• Welfare: Appropriate space, temperature, enrichment

• Signage: Warning signs may be required

Step 3: Submit Application

Complete the form with:

• Personal details (must be 18+)

• Species and number of animals

• Premises details

• Experience and qualifications

• Application fee payment

Step 4: Veterinary Inspection

A vet (often council-appointed) will inspect:

• Enclosure security and suitability

• Animal welfare provisions

• Food storage and preparation areas

• Emergency protocols

• Your knowledge and experience

Step 5: Decision

The council will either:

• Grant the license (possibly with conditions)

• Request modifications (then re-inspect)

• Refuse (you can appeal)

Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on the council.

When Licenses Are Refused

Councils can refuse your DWA application if:

• Unsuitable premises: Enclosure doesn't meet standards

• Public safety risk: Location or setup endangers others

• Lack of experience: No evidence you can care for the species

• Previous convictions: Animal welfare or related offences

• Disqualification: Previously banned from keeping animals

• Age: Under 18 years old

• Insurance: Unable to obtain required coverage

What Happens If You're Refused?

• You can appeal to a magistrates' court

• You may be able to reapply after modifications

• Keeping the animal without a license is a criminal offence

Exotic Pets That DON'T Need a License

Good news: most exotic pets are completely legal without any license in the UK.

No License Required

• Reptiles: Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes, ball pythons, blue-tongue skinks

• Birds: Cockatiels, budgies, lovebirds, most parrots

• Mammals: Ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus, sugar gliders

• Amphibians: Axolotls, frogs, salamanders

• Fish: All aquarium fish including exotic species

For a full guide to legal exotic pets, see our UK exotic pet legal guide and pet regulations hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a DWA license cost in the UK?

DWA license fees vary by council: Liverpool £200, Swindon £250, Rother £283-£911, Buckinghamshire £653. Most councils charge £200-£500 for the application, plus mandatory vet inspection fees (£80-£300+) paid separately.

What animals require a DWA license in the UK?

Animals requiring DWA licenses include: big cats (lions, tigers, leopards), venomous snakes, primates (monkeys, apes), crocodilians, wolves, hyenas, bears, and certain large constrictors. Common exotic pets like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and parrots do NOT need licenses.

What is the total cost of keeping a DWA animal?

Total first-year costs: License fee £150-£1,000, vet inspection £80-£300, public liability insurance £100-£500/year, enclosure construction £500-£10,000+, the animal itself £500-£50,000+. Budget minimum £2,000-£5,000 before buying the animal.

How long does a DWA license last?

DWA licenses typically last 1-2 years depending on your local council. Renewal requires a new application, fresh vet inspection, and payment of renewal fees (usually similar to initial application). Some councils offer 2-year licenses at higher initial cost.

Can I be refused a DWA license?

Yes. Councils can refuse if: your premises are unsuitable, you lack experience, you've been disqualified from keeping animals, your enclosure doesn't meet safety standards, or granting the license would endanger public safety.

Do I need insurance for a DWA animal?

While not legally mandatory everywhere, most councils require public liability insurance as a license condition. Coverage of £1-5 million is typically required for big cats and primates. Costs range from £100-£500+ annually.

The Bottom Line

A DWA license is just the first expense when keeping dangerous exotic animals. The license fee (£150-£1,000) is often the smallest cost - vet inspections, insurance, enclosures, and the animals themselves add up to thousands or tens of thousands of pounds.

Before committing:

• Contact your council for exact fees

• Get quotes for enclosure construction

• Find a specialist exotic vet who can conduct inspections

• Research insurance options for your species

• Consider whether you have the space, time, and experience

If the costs seem prohibitive, consider the many fascinating exotic pets that don't require licenses - from bearded dragons to chinchillas.

Whatever you choose, ensure proper care. Use our UK Exotic Vet Directory to find specialists, and check our 24/7 emergency vet finder for urgent situations.

Official Sources

All council fees verified from official .gov.uk sources (December 2025):

• Liverpool City Council - £200 per species

• Bristol City Council - £238 (2-year), £116/hour vet inspection

• Swindon Borough Council - £250

• Rother District Council - £300-£963 (from April 2025)

• Fenland District Council - £386

• Buckinghamshire Council - £653 (2-year)

Legislation and insurance:

• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 - Primary legislation

• DWA Schedule (2007) - List of scheduled species

• ExoticDirect - DWA insurance from £99/year