Pet Shop Licence

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.

Eligibility Criteria

keeping an animal boarding establishment
keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951
keeping animals under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
owning, keeping, being involved in the keeping or being entitled to control or influence the keeping of animals, dealing in animals or transporting or being involved in the transportation of animals under the Animals Welfare Act 2006
owning, keeping, dealing in or transporting animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
A fee, determined by the Local Authority, will be payable on application

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence - link to Office of public sector information (OPSI) website.

Application Evaluation Process

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 placeConditions can be attached to a licence to ensure that the above are complied with.

Fees

The fee for a pet shop licence is £292.00. A fee of 2% will be refundable if your application is unsuccessful.

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. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Apply Online

Apply online to run a pet shop

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Epping Forest District Council in the first instance. Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Epping Forest District Council in the first instance. Any licence holder who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local 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 will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

For example, about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade Associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT).

Contact Details

Email Licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Telephone 01992 564000

Address: Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ.