Animal Welfare Permit; Application

An animal welfare permit must be applied for at the district administrative authority (Landratsamt) with jurisdiction over the applicant.

A permit under animal welfare law pursuant to Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act is required in the following cases in particular:

• Breeding and keeping vertebrates for experimental purposes and similar activities,
• Keeping animals in an animal shelter or similar facilities,
• Zoos or other facilities for the exhibition of animals,
• Bringing or importing vertebrates (except for farm animals) into the country for the purpose of selling them for a fee or other consideration, or brokering such animals
• Training guard dogs for third parties (including the operation of facilities for this purpose),
• Commercial training of dogs for third parties or commercial instruction in dog training provided by the animal owner
• Organizing animal fairs,
• Commercial animal breeding and animal husbandry (exception: farm animals),
• Commercial animal trading,
• Commercial operation of a riding and driving facility,
• Commercial exhibition of animals,
• commercial pest control involving vertebrates.

The issuance of an animal welfare permit is a prerequisite for operating a facility that requires a permit or for commencing an activity that requires a permit. It therefore serves a preventive purpose to protect the animals concerned.

Depending on the specific circumstances, additional permits may be required, such as a license to transport animals or to act as a livestock dealer, building permit(s), approval for animal experiments (granted by the governments of Upper Bavaria and Lower Franconia), and permits under species protection laws; it is therefore advisable to inquire with the competent district administrative authority.

• the expertise required for the respective job
• Appropriate facilities and premises
• personal reliability
• Possible use of appropriate materials

The exact requirements depend on the individual case.

• Proof of eligibility through statements, certificates of prior employment, or professional qualifications
• Certificates of Competence
• Certificate of Good Conduct
  as proof of reliability

• After submitting your application, you will have the option to download a copy for your records
• We will then review your application and all required documents to ensure they are complete and to verify that you meet the eligibility requirements
• You will then receive a response regarding the next steps