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.

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.

Local authorities 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.

If you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period (approx 30 working days), please contact us. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

• Apply to run a pet shop

Thanet Council does not change or renew pet shop licences and requires a new full application for any amendments

Please note that you will be making your application to Thanet Council via Businesslink’s online licensing service (UK Welcomes) . There is no charge for using this facility.

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the Magistrates court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff covering the area the premises is located. A court or Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a licence.

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court or, in Scotland, the Sheriff covering the area the premises is located. A court or Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a condition.