You need a permit if you plan to display animals in a permanent or travelling animal exhibition or use animals in a circus. The permit is granted by the Finnish Food Authority.
Animals may be displayed in zoos, permanent or travelling animal exhibitions, or circuses.
Apply for a permit well in advance before starting the activity.
Complete the permit application and submit it to the Registry of the Finnish Food Authority. Attach the information and reports required for assessing the activity.
The application must include:
The Finnish Food Authority processes the application and may request additional information if necessary. The Finnish Food Authority may inspect the activity before granting the permit and during the operation.
Keep an up-to-date record of the animals covered by the activity.
The activity must comply with animal welfare legislation. The animal species used in activities requiring a permit, the conditions in which animals are kept and the organisation of the activity are assessed according to the type of activity.
Zoos must promote the conservation of wild fauna and biodiversity and participate in activities that support species conservation in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.
Permanent and travelling animal exhibitions and circuses may only use animal species permitted for the type of activity in question. More detailed information on permitted animal species is available in the Finnish Food Authority’s guidance.
Apply for a permit well in advance before starting the activity.
Processing the application usually takes 1–6 months, depending on the scope of the activity.
The permit may be granted for a fixed term or indefinitely. Conditions may be attached to the permit to safeguard animal welfare.
Animal Welfare Act (in Finnish)
Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Animal Welfare Requirements for the Keeping of Animals in Zoos and Permanent Animal Exhibitions