To run a business selling pet animals you need a licence from the council. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.
Fee
The current fee for a licence to keep a pet shop is £112.20. The licence is valid for a year.
If you have an existing licence and you wish to make a change or renew your licence please complete the appropriate form.
The current fee for an application to renew a pet shop licence is £93.80.
Apply for a pet shop licence
Apply online via the UK Welcomes website:
Target
The target for completing this licence is 28 working days.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent is set at no and this means that the licence cannot automatically be granted within the target period. The Council will notifiy you of the reasons why the licence cannot be granted within the target time.
Application Evaluation Process
Councils 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.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.
Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the Magistrates court covering the area the premises is located. A court may give directions on the issue of a licence.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the council in the first instance.
Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court covering the area the premises is located. A court 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 will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade Associations
Contact us for further information on 0870 503 503.
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Online forms provided
