Licence Summary
To run a business selling pet animals you need a licence from
us. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including
pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet.
The licence requires payment of a
fee.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from
keeping a pet shop.
Regulation Summary
The main legislation covering this permission is the
Pet Animals Act 1951.
Application Evaluation Process
We 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.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. 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 63 days, please contact us as detailed below.
Apply online
Downloadable forms and other documents
If you wish to complete an application by hand and return it to
us by post, you can
download the application form here.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the
North Somerset Magistrates'
Court.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact us in the first instance.
Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence
may appeal to the
North Somerset Magistrates'
Court.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the licensee by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked,
contact the Food and Safety Team.
Trade Associations
Public Registers
Please contact the Food and Safety team for more information on
the registers held.
Contact Details
For more information please contact the
Food and Safety
Team.
To apply download and fill in our
pet shop licence form.
