Pet Shop licences

To run a business selling pet animals you need a licence from the local authority. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet.

On payment of an annual licence fee, currently £118.50, we inspect and issue an annual licence. If the application is withdrawn by the applicant after submission a non-returnable minimum charge of £20 will be made to recover administration costs. This will increase to £50 if a site visit has been made.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.

A fee, of £118.50, will be payable on application.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

Local authorities must have regard to the following when considering an application for a pet shop licence:

that animals will be kept in suitable accommodation, for example in regards to temperature, size, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
adequate food and drink will be provided to the animals and they will be visited at suitable intervals
that any mammalian animals will not be sold too young
that steps are taken to prevent disease spreading among the animals
that adequate fire and emergency provisions are in place

Conditions can be attached to a licence to ensure that the above are complied with.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Before issuing a licence, an inspection of the premises concerned may be undertaken to ensure the health and welfare of the animals are protected so tacit consent would not be granted in these circumstances.

The timescale for processing applications is within 28 days of receipt of valid application.

Apply online

Apply to run a pet shop (opens in a new window) or you download an application form in the related documents section
Tell us about a change to your existing pet shop (opens in a new window)
Renew an existing pet shop licence (opens in a new window)

Failed Application Redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff covering the area the premises is located. A court or Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a condition.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (opens in a new window) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens in a new window).

Trade Associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT) (opens in a new window)

Pet Shop licences

Related documents