Manager of a Breeding Establishment for Non-Domestic Animal Species, Sale or Rental, Transit, Public Display of Live Specimens of French and Foreign Wildlife

The manager of a breeding establishment for non-domestic animal species handles the sale, rental, transit, and public display of live specimens of French and foreign wildlife. This activity only concerns animals that are not listed as domestic species by ministerial decree.

To practice this activity, the professional must obtain a certificate of capacity (certificat de capacité) for the care of non-domestic animal species and an authorization to open the establishment, both issued by the prefect. Animals held must be identified by individual marking and registered in the national identification database.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Certificate of capacity: The manager must hold a certificate of capacity (certificat de capacité) for the care of non-domestic animal species, issued by the prefect of the department of residence.
  • Training and experience: Holder of a diploma related to non-domestic animal species and professional experience of varying duration depending on the diploma (Annex I of the decree of December 12, 2000).
  • Opening authorization: Opening the establishment requires prior authorization from the prefect of the department where the establishment is located.
  • Animal identification: All animals must bear individual marking performed by a veterinarian and be registered in the national identification database for non-domestic animals held in captivity.

Application Procedure

  • Application for certificate of capacity: Submit an application to the prefect of the department of residence with proof of identity, diplomas, certificates, and documents attesting to professional experience. The prefect issues the certificate after reviewing the complete file.
  • Application for opening authorization: Submit an application in seven copies to the prefect with information on the applicant's identity, nature of activities, list of equipment, installation plan, list of species, and certificate of capacity. The prefect has five months to authorize opening after opinion from the departmental commission.
  • Marking and registration: Have animals individually marked by a veterinarian from the month following their birth and register them in the national identification database.

Sanctions and Obligations

  • Insurance: Self-employed professionals must subscribe to professional liability insurance.
  • Operation without authorization: In case of operation without opening authorization, the prefect orders the professional to regularize their situation and may suspend the activity. Without regularization, the establishment may be closed within less than two years.
  • Failure to identify: Failure to comply with the obligation to identify and mark animals is punishable by a fine of 1,500 euros, increased to 3,000 euros in case of recurrence (articles R. 415-4 to R. 415-5 of the Environmental Code).