Pet Shops

Anyone who trades in pets (defined as any vertebrate including fish) must have a pet shop licence issued by the local authority in whose area the premsies are situated under the requirements of the Pet Animals Act 1951.

Licence applications must be accompanied by a licence fee (which is reviewed annually) and are subject to conditions to ensure the welfare of the animals.

Upon receipt of the application the premises will be inspected by an officer of the Council or with a veterinary surgeon to ensure the following:

-animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as respects size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness -animals will be adequately supplied with food and drink and visited at suitable intervals

-animals will not be sold at too early an age

-all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread among animals of infectious diseases

-appropriate steps will be taken in the case of fire or other emergency

If necessary the Council may require the specialist advice of a veterinary surgeon, especially in cases where exotic pets are being sold. Any costs associated with this will be recharged to the applicant.

For new pet shops planning permission may be required. Further information on this can be obtained from Planning and Building Control. Complaints are investigated.

The current application fee (April 2008 to March 2009) is £82.00

You can download an application form here (Pdf document size 157 KB)

Application forms may also be requested from our Licensing Office (see our Licensing Office page).