Application for a permit according to § 11 paragraph 1 Animal Protection Act

Permission may only be granted if

1. the person responsible for the activity has, on the basis of his or her training or previous professional or other dealings with animals, the specialist knowledge and skills required for the activity. If relevant training or professional activity cannot be proven, the expertise must be proven in a technical interview with an official veterinarian.
2. the person responsible for the activity has the required reliability,
3. the rooms and facilities used for the activity allow the animals to be fed, cared for and housed in accordance with the requirements of §2.

The department does not generally check the existence of requirements under building law, immission control law, trade law or species protection law. For example, animal shelters and boarding kennels are not permitted in residential areas under building law. The department therefore recommends that the prerequisites for other areas of law should also be enquired about with the relevant authorities before submitting an application.

1. Upon receipt of an application, the Office of Public Order will check for completeness and plausibility and request additional documentation as needed.
2. If the documents are complete, the joint office of the recognized animal welfare associations is informed of the permit procedure with the following minimum information: The nature and scope of the proposed activity, the species of animal involved, the number of animals involved, and the qualifications of the person responsible for the activity. The recognized animal protection associations then have four weeks to comment on the permit procedure. The recognized animal protection associations can request expert opinions and statements and can also inspect files upon request.
3. If the responsible person cannot provide evidence of relevant professional training, the Office of Public Order will suggest alternatives for proving expertise (e.g. a technical discussion with an official veterinarian, possibly with the involvement of an expert). If sufficient knowledge is not proven during a technical discussion, there is the possibility of a subsequent examination after six weeks at the earliest.
4. After making an appointment, an official veterinarian inspects the housing facilities or the facilities and equipment used for the activity. If the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act are not fully met, these deficiencies are named. As soon as the applicant informs that the deficiencies have been corrected, another acceptance meeting will be held if necessary.
5. The decision on the permit is issued in writing and subject to a fee.

• certificate of good conduct from the police
• Information from the central business register
• Possibly available proof of theoretical and practical expertise

Due to the complexity and involvement of other agencies, the review may take several weeks / months; maximum 4-6 months.

Appointment possible by phone or mail.

 www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tierschg/__11.html (opens in a new tab)