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Animal welfare permit; application

  • Brief description

    In accordance with Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act, certain animal husbandry and activities on or with animals require permits that are linked to the reliability and expertise of the operator and to species-appropriate animal husbandry.

  • Description

    An animal welfare permit must be applied for from the district administrative authority (Landratsamt) responsible for the applicant.

    An animal welfare permit in accordance with Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act is required in the following cases in particular:

    • Breeding and keeping of vertebrate animals for experimental purposes and comparable activities,
    • Keeping animals in an animal shelter or similar facilities,
    • Zoos or other facilities for the display of animals,
    • Moving or importing vertebrate animals (other than farm animals) into the country for the purpose of supplying them in return for payment or other consideration or brokering such animals
    • Protection dog training for third parties (incl. maintenance of facilities for this purpose),
    • Commercial training of dogs for third parties or commercial instruction of the training of dogs by the animal owner
    • Organization of animal fairs,
    • commercial animal breeding and animal husbandry (exception: farm animals),
    • commercial animal trade,
    • commercial operation of a riding and driving business,
    • commercial display of animals,
    • commercial pest control for vertebrates.

    The granting of an animal welfare permit is a prerequisite for operating a facility that requires a permit or starting an activity that requires a permit. It is therefore of a preventative nature to protect the animals concerned.

    Depending on the circumstances, further permits may be required, e.g. approval as an animal transporter or livestock dealer, building permit(s), approval of animal experiments (issued by the governments of Upper Bavaria and Lower Franconia), species protection permits; it is therefore advisable to enquire with the competent district administrative authority.

  • Prerequisites

    • Required expertise for the respective activity
    • Suitable facilities and premises
    • personal reliability
    • Possible use of suitable materials

    The exact requirements depend on the individual case.

  • Required documents

    Proof of the requirements through declarations, certificates of previous activities or professional qualifications

    Proof of expertise

    Certificate of good conduct

    as proof of reliability

  • Costs

    Fees: EUR 5 - 25,000 (depending on the individual case) plus expenses

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    Administrative court action

  • Related services


Responsible departments