Pet Shops

Pet shop licences are required for any person who trades in pets (which means any vertebrate including fish); these licences are issued by local authorities under the Pet Animals Act 1951. However, it is not permitted to trade in pets from any part of a street or public place or at a stall or barrow in a market.

Licences are renewed annually and prior to their being issued the local authority will normally inspect the premises to ensure:

• Animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as respects size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
• Animals will be adequately supplied with food and drink and (so far as is necessary) visited at suitable intervals
• Mammals will not be sold at too early an age
• All reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread among animals of infectious diseases
• Appropriate steps will be taken in the case of fire or other emergency

If necessary the local authority may require specialist advice from a veterinary surgeon, especially in cases where exotic pets are sold.

Please call us on 01252 617119 to find out how we can assist you.