Apply for a pet shop licence

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 such as a market stall.

To sell animals you need a licence under the Pet Animals Act 1951 as amended. This 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

Apply for a licence to sell animals as pets

 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 £735 for the grant of a licence and £646 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.