The UK is full of weird and wonderful pets, from spiders to lizards and from parrots to skunks. People really do enjoy keeping obscure animals as part of their family. However, it is important to understand that in order to keep some animals as pets, you will require a specific licence.

Let’s look at some of the different animals that would require a licence, as well as covering how to go about obtaining a licence. 

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Animals requiring a licence

The Dangerous Animals Act (1976) is a legislation that requires pet owners who want to keep certain animals to apply for a licence. Without a licence, it is illegal to keep these animals on your property. There are many different types of animals that are included on the dangerous animals list but let’s have a look at a few popular examples.

Cobras 

If you’re obsessed with snakes, you may be more interested in a more exotic or dangerous species of snake. In order to own a Cobra within the UK, a licence will be required from your local council. 

The Cobra is a highly venomous, hooded snake which can stand tall and deliver a fatal bite. The venom delivered by the snake can easily kill other animals and humans. There are a variety of different Cobra species, but the King Cobra is the deadliest.

Capuchin Monkey 

Monkeys may seem like a good pet, and people often see them as something to nurture and care for, almost like a child. The truth is, monkeys don’t make good pets.

Capuchin monkeys are really common within the pet trade, however, they can be hard to care for and can become aggressive. Only owners with adequate experience should house capuchins, however a licence will be needed along with a whole lot of time and devotion. 

Caimans 

If you’re desperate to share your home with a Caiman, you can think again! Caiman’s are a rather large reptile that are related to alligators. 

It goes without saying that Caimans are dangerous animals and require extremely unique and secure husbandry. Caimans can grow up to 8ft in length and are capable of killing other animals and humans.

Ostrich 

Originating from Africa, Ostriches require a large outdoor space when they can run and explore. In fact, Ostriches can reach up to 30mph in speed.

Ostriches can be classified as a dangerous wild bird. In the UK, a licence will be needed in order to keep an Ostrich as a pet.

Warthog

Warthogs are members of the pig family, however, they are classed as a dangerous animal. Warthogs have large tusks as well as sharp teeth, capable of causing serious damage and injury. 

Whilst Warthogs may seem like an exciting pet to have, it’s probably best to leave them in zoos, or even better – in the wild.

Bobcat 

You may have seen many viral videos on the internet of owners who have wild cats as pets. Bobcats are often one of those species featured in the videos. The truth is, Bobcats are dangerous and no matter if they’re hand reared, they still have a wild instinct that is unpredictable.

Bobcats can cause serious damage to both animals and humans, as well as having the ability to kill. Bobcats should not be housed in a domestic environment.

Obtaining a licence

If, for whatever reason, you are obtaining an animal that requires you to have a licence, you will need to contact your local council. For most common domestic animals, you will not require a licence.

The local council will come out to the location where the animal is being housed. They will assess the animals needs and compare it to the husbandry that has been put in place at the location. Safety aspects will also need to be checked, as the likelihood is that the animal can be classed as dangerous.

Final thoughts on obtaining a licence for pets

If you own a standard cat, dog or any other domestic pet, it is unlikely that you will need a licence in order to keep them. However, if you have a more exotic pet, or a pet that is deemed to be dangerous, you will need to speak with your local council in order to get permission to keep the animal.

If you are wanting to keep a dangerous animal, then do give it a lot of thought and consideration. Often, they do not make good pets and are better off in zoos, conservation projects and the wild.

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