Pet Shops
Any person who trades in pets (which means any vertebrate including fish), must possess a Pet Shop Licence. They are issued by the Council under the Pet Animals Act 1951.
Trade in pets is not permissible from any part of a street, or public place or at a stall or barrow in a market.
Licences expire on the 31st December in the year of issue and must be renewed annually. Prior to the issuing of a licence, the premises will be inspected by the council 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 (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals
- animals, being mammals, 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 sold.
The Council has licence conditions and application forms for Pet Shop licences available below.
- Pet Shop Licence Conditions (MS Word, 287 Kb)
- Pet Shop Licence Application Form (MS Word, 197 Kb)
When applying for a licence, a completed licence application form must be accompanied with the appropriate fee which is currently £67.50.
For new pet shops, planning permission may be required. Further information can be obtained from Planning Services.