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.
| Regulation Summary |
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence Pet Animals Act 1951 (External Link) |
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Apply for a Licence (New & Renewal) |
Apply online for a licence to keep a pet shop (External Link)
Downloadable application for a licence to keep a pet shop (.pdf, 171kb) |
| Public Register |
The legislation does not require a register of all pet shop licences to be kept. If you would like to know if a premises is licensed as a pet shop please contact the Licensing Section. |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.
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. |
| Application Process |
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made. Full details are available on our fees and charges page.
Receipt of your completed application form and the appropriate fee will be confirmed in writing, and an inspection of the premises will be arranged by an Officer from the Council's Business Compliance Section. Once a satisfactory inspection has taken place a licence can be issued.
Where a licence is granted, that licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed annually before that date if the premises are to continue as a pet shop. |
| Will Tacit Consent Apply? |
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. |
| Conditions |
Pet Shop Licence Conditions (.pdf, 221kb) |
| Change of Circumstances |
Any change of circumstances in relation to an existing licence must be notified to the Licensing Section. This includes the surrendering of a licence or any other material change to the licence or how you operate.
There is a £10.50 fee due in respect of any change that requires a new licence to be issued.
Apply online to change a pet shop licence (External Link) |
| Failed Application Redress |
Please contact the Licensing Section in the first instance. Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court. |
| Licence Holder Redress |
Please contact the Licensing Section in the first instance. Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to Wigan & Leigh Magistrates Court. |
| 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 (External Link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (External Link) . |
| Trade Associations |
Pet Care Trust (PCT) (External Link) |
* This page was last reviewed by the Licensing Section on 15 March 2011 *
