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
Pet Animals Act 1951 (c. 35 14 and 15 Geo 6).
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?
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
OR
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply Online
You are now able to apply for this service using the ELMS portal system supplied by the UK Government's Department for Business Innovation and Skills. Please click on the link, on the right, if you wish to use this facility.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact the local authority in the first instance.
Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the Sheriff covering the area in which the premises is located A court or Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a licence.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the local authority in the first instance.
Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the Sheriff covering the area in which the premises is located. The 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, Citizens Advice Consumer Service (Opens in a new window or downloads a file) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (Opens in a new window or downloads a file).
Other Redress
(For example, about noise, pollution, etc. A licence holder complaining about another licence holder.)
Trade Associations
Contact
If you require further information please Contact Us.