The district administrative authorities are responsible for accepting registrations for animal shows, animal fairs and animal exhibitions. They inspect the show animals and their herds of origin, issue health certificates and monitor the animal shows (species-appropriate housing, expertise, health certificates).

In the case of animal breeding shows, animal evaluation shows and animal sporting events that are held by recognized breeding organizations in accordance with animal breeding legislation or by other breeding associations according to comparable criteria, the focus is generally on the exhibition, competition or performance testing aspect. The sale or exchange of animals is limited to individual animals that have been exhibited, judged or used for sporting purposes at the event. If the sale or exchange of animals at animal shows or animal sporting events goes beyond individual cases and these are not events organized by breeding organizations recognized under animal breeding law, this part of the event may constitute an animal exchange requiring a permit.

Animal fairs are events at which animals are offered for sale or exchange. They also require an animal welfare permit from the competent authority (see "Animal welfare permits" under "Related topics"). The person responsible requires a certificate of competence. Providers who act commercially, even if they participate in an animal exchange, are subject to Section 11 (1) sentence 1 number 8 letter b of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG) and therefore require their own permit.

As a rule, you must submit the application for approval of an animal exhibition in person to the responsible district administrative authority. This is done either using a form provided by the authority or by submitting an informal application.

The informal application should contain the following points:

• Details of the organizer and the person responsible
• Place, time and period of the event
• Details of the animals and animal species to be exhibited or offered

The venue to be used for the event will be inspected on site by the competent veterinary authority. The permit for the animal exhibition (possibly with conditions and restrictions) or, if applicable, the negative decision and the notification of fees are usually sent by post.

The animal welfare permit to hold an animal fair must be obtained prior to the event.

Dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes or scorpions are not permitted at pet fairs. Special restrictions apply to protected animals.