Application forms and related guidance notes
The three-levels of the licensing system
The use of animals in scientific procedures is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which requires a three-level licensing system - personal licence, project licence and certificate of designation.
Granting licences
Under the 1986 Act, project licences are only granted for specified permissible purposes:
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where there are no non-animal alternatives
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when the benefits expected from the programmes of work are judged to outweigh the likely adverse effects on the animals concerned
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the number of animals used and their suffering must also be minimised
Applying for a licence
Applicants are strongly advised to read the relevant guidance notes before starting to complete the application forms.
Personal licence
Each person who undertakes work under the Act must hold a personal licence which lists:
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the techniques they can use
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the species they may use
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the establishments where they may work
Project licence
The programme of work must be authorised in a project licence.
Certificate of Designation
The places where scientific procedures are carried out must be licensed under a Certificate of Designation.
Fill in application forms:
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Download application forms for a personal licence, plus guidance and an application form to make changes to your licence
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Download application forms for project licences, and making changes to your licence. Plus guidance and notes about how to avoid the common failings of applications
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Download application forms to licence a designated area for approved procedures
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Download the application form for authority to transfer a protected animal
