Pet Shop Licence

Licence summary

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.

Eligibility criteria

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

A fee, determined by the local authority, will be payable on application.

Regulation summary

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Application evaluation process

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

Guidance Notes for Conditions for Selling Animals as Pets (PDF Document, 874.21 Kb)

An application can be found below:-

Application for a Licence to Sell Animals as Pets (Word Document, 273.5 Kb)

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online

Apply to run a pet shop.

Tell us about a change to your existing pet shop.

Please note: where an application is withdrawn or refused the Council reserves the right to levy a reasonable and proportionate administration fee to cover the costs of processing up to the point of withdrawal or refusal. Where a licence is suspended or revoked there will be no reimbursement of the application fee.

Failed application redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the magistrate's 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 licence.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local magistrate's 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 United Kingdom (UK), Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

For example, about noise, pollution and so on. Also, should one licence holder complain about another licence holder.

Trade associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT).