Animal show, animal exhibition, animal exchange; notification or application for a permit.

The district administrative authorities are responsible for receiving applications for animal shows, animal exchanges and animal exhibitions. They examine the herds of origin of exhibition animals, issue health certificates and supervise animal shows (species-appropriate housing, expertise, health certificates).

At animal breeding shows, animal evaluation shows and animal sporting events, which are carried out according to the requirements of animal breeding legislation by recognized breeding organizations or according to comparable criteria by other breeding associations, the focus is usually on the aspect of exhibition, competition or performance testing. The sale or exchange of animals is limited to individual animals that have been exhibited, evaluated or used for sport 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 of breeding organizations recognized under zootechnical law, this part of the event may constitute an animal exchange requiring a permit.

Animal exchanges are events at which animals are offered for sale or exchange. They also require a permit under animal protection law from the competent authority (see "Animal protection 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 § 11 para 1 sentence 1 number 3 letter b of the Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG).

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

The informal application should contain the following points:

• Information on the organizer and the responsible person
• Place, time and period of the event
• Information on the animals and animal species exhibited or offered

The venue to be used for the event will be inspected on site by the responsible veterinary authority. The permit to exhibit animals (possibly with conditions and restrictions) or, if applicable, the negative decision as well as the fee notice are usually sent by mail.

Dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes or scorpions are not permitted at animal exchanges. Special restrictions apply to species-protected animals.