A pet shop is any building where animals are sold as pets, including your own home.
You can’t sell animals as pets in public places – e.g. from a market stall.
To sell animals you need a licence under the Pet Animals Act 1951 as amended, which includes pet shops and selling animals online.
You do not need a pet shop licence to sell:
-
pedigree animals that you have bred or
-
animals that are offspring of your own pet.
Before you start
You can apply for a pet shop licence on GOV.UK where they will ask for the following:
- your personal details
- details of the pet shop premises
- the type(s) of animals you will be selling
You can download and complete a paper version of the pet shop licence application form. Once completed you can send your application to licensing@harrow.gov.uk.
Pet shop licence fees
Your pet shop licence will be valid for one year.
The fee for a pet shop licence is £688 for the grant of a licence and £604 to renew a licence.
There may be additional fees if an inspection by a vet is needed.
Terms and conditions
We may carry out an inspection to check that:
- the accommodation will be suitable for the animals
- you will provide enough food and drink and visit the animals regularly where necessary
- you will take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
- mammals won’t be sold if they’re too young
- you have appropriate plans in case of fire or other emergencies
The council may also add other specific conditions to your licence.
Fines and penalties
If you run a pet shop without a licence, or break the terms of your licence, you could be fined up to £500 and/or imprisoned for up to 3 months.
Each licence contains standard conditions that are imposed on all pet shops licensed by the Council.
Any person that is refused a licence has the right to appeal.