When is this licence required?
Anyone selling pet animals must hold a licence from the local authority. Pet animals include any vertebrate animals - fish, amphibian, reptile, bird or mammal.
Pet animals may only be sold from permanent premises – eg not a market stall.
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
Exceptions
One off sales from home, for example kittens and rabbits. Please note that persons who breed dogs, and produce more than 5 litters per year need a Breeding Establishment Licence.
How much does it cost?
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made. The application fees normally changes annually so for this year's fee please view the fee information.
How can I apply?
You can apply by any of the following means:
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Using our Online Application Form. You can chose to pay for the registration online, by sending a cheque to us or by paying in person at our offices - Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 8UZ.
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Downloading an application form. You can do this by selecting "No", to the agreement to hold data via the above Online Application Form and you will be able to download a form after this point. You can send us a completed and signed application form together with a cheque for the correct amount or bringing it to us in person at our offices.
How long will my application take to process?
Due to inspections by officers of the Council and possibly by others such as veterinary surgeon, we say that applications can take up to 28 days to process, i.e. from receipt of the application to grant of licence or registration.
We will confirm for all electronic applications via email that we have received your application. Please contact us if you have any queries about the process us.
Can I start trading before receiving my licence (i.e. will tacit consent apply)?
You cannot start trading until your application is processed by the Council and you have received a licence. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us.
How long does my registration last?
The licence is valid from 1 January to the 31 December.
Renewal of a licence
If you already hold a licence and it is due for renewal we will write to you informing you that the licence is due to be renewed asking you to complete a licence renewal form and submit payment. This can be done using either the form that we will send you or by Using our Online Application Form. The onus is however, on the person running the business to ensure that they have a current licence.
Notify us of any changes
If you wish to simply inform us of changes in circumstance such as address, business name, opening hours etc. Please contact us using the details below.
Is there a public register available?
The legislation does not require a public register to be kept of Pet Shops. If you do not know if an premises is licenced as a Pet Shop, please contact us.
How do I complain about a local business?
If you are concerned about the standards or practices within a local business please contact us.
Offences and Penalties
The following offences and penalties apply to the pet shops.
- Any person found guilty of keeping a pet shop without a licence may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both
- Any person found guilty of failing to comply with their licence conditions may be subject to a fine not exceeding £500 or to three months imprisonment or both
- Any person found guilty of obstructing or delaying an Inspector, or authorised Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Practitioner in the exercising of their powers of entry may be fined up to a maximum of £500
- If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified from keeping a pet shop for such length of time as the Court thinks fit.
Your Right of Appeal
Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Magistrates Court and they may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as they think proper.
Trade associations
Pet Care Trust (PCT)
Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA)
Making a complaint
If you feel we have failed to provide you with good service or are concerned about the progress of your application, please contact us and we will endeavour to resolve any concerns you may have. We also have a formal complaints procedure.
