Pet Shop Licence - Applying for a Licence

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.

Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop, and will need to comply with any conditions imposed as part of the licence.

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

If you wish to apply for a Pet Shop licence or to change the details of an existing licence, download a copy of the application for a licence to keep a pet shop form here.

A copy of our standard licence conditions can be found here.

Download a copy of the application fees

The process of applying for a licence is relatively straightforward. Once you have completed the application form, we will arrange to visit you with a vet so that the standards of your premises can be assessed.

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

If there are any areas where improvement is needed, we will provide you with the information you need to comply with the licensing conditions.

Once your premises are licensed, we will inspect annually when renewing your licence, and we may also carry out interim visits. As part of the licence process, you will need to update us with any changes to your business.

Please note that some details of your premises may be included on our web-site, so that customers are able to choose a licensed premises from which to buy their pet. Your details may also be shared with other statutory bodies as appropriate

Tacit approval does not apply to this licence, as it is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us for an update on your application.

Please note that the overall approval process will take longer than 28 days, to allow for the necessary inspection processes

If your application is refused, or if you do not accept any of the licence conditions imposed as part of the approval, you should contact the officer dealing with your licence in the first instance.

We will always inform you of the appeal procedures when refusing a licence, or on request. We will also inform you of our complaints procedure, should you feel that your application has been improperly processed.

Any licence holder whose application is rejected or who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court , who may give directions on the issue of the licence or a condition.

Pet Care Trust (PCT)