Regulation Summary
Apply for a Licence
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 where the animal is to be kept will be arranged by an Officer from the Council's Business Compliance Section who will be accompanied at this inspection by a veterinary surgeon or practitioner approved by the Council.
Before granting a licence we must then consider a report from the veterinary surgeon or practitioner detailing whether the cages, food, etc is/are suitable.
The applicant will also be required to pay the cost of inspections carried out by the Council's authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner.
Other Information
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.
Failed Application / Licence Holder Redress
Please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section in the first instance.
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 (External Link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link) .
Other Complaints
If you wish to complain about the welfare of the animals, nuisance caused by a dangerous wild animal etc. or are one licence holder wishing to complain about another please contact the Business Compliance Section using the contact details below.
* This page was last reviewed on 21 June 2012 *
