Licence - pet shop

Officers inspect the premises to check compliance with general health and safety requirements and also the welfare of the animals prior to issuing of the licence.

No person may operate a pet shop without first obtaining a licence from the council.

Licenses for pet shops may be issued provided the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following acts:

• the Pet Animals Act 1951
• the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
• the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
• the Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

A pet shop licence is not required if:

• the applicant only keeps or sells pedigree animals which they breed, or the offspring of an animal that they keep as a pet
• the applicant is in the business of breeding pedigree animals and in conjunction with the business sells animals as pets, that were originally acquired for breeding or show purposes but are not suitable

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time of application. Currently the fee is £120 (plus vet’s fees).

Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as a pet shop.

Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate to the Council’s Licensing Officer that the premises comply with the Council’s standard Conditions.

Forms for downloading

• Application Form
• Standard Licensing Conditions

Further information

If you would like further information please contact the council’s Environmental Health & Licensing Division on 01438 242908/242916, email: envhealth@stevenage.gov.uk.