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.

The local authority may authorise an officer, veterinary surgeon or practitioner to inspect licensed premises.

Eligibility criteria

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.

Regulation summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Conditions of licence

Pet Shops - Conditions of Licence (PDF 135kb)

Fees

Click here for a full list of licence fees

All fees are payable on submission of the application and are usually non-refundable.

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Caerphilly County Borough Council. Please do not send cash in the post.

Applications may also be subject to an additional fee for a veterinary surgeon's inspection, which will be recharged to the applicant at a later date.

Application evaluation process

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.

What happens if your application is not processed within the timescales stated?

If you have not heard from this authority within 28 days you can act as though your application has been granted. The start period runs from receipt of all documentation and payment of relevant fee.

Apply online

You can now apply for your personal licence online via the GOV.UK website where payment (if required) can be taken electronically.

Apply for a licence to keep a pet shop

Failed application redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the Magistrates court. A court may give directions on the issue of a licence.

Licence holder redress

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. A court may give directions on the issue of a condition.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.