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The keeping and running of a pet shop is controlled by the Pet Animals Act 1951.

You cannot keep a pet shop unless you have obtained a licence from the council.

The licence fee for 2008 to 2009 is £62, which is renewable annually.

Before being granted a licence the applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

• You are suitably qualified to keep animals with regard to the type and number proposed to be kept.
• You will keep animals in suitable accommodation and have adequate supplies of food and bedding.
• You will not sell mammals at too early an age.
• You will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease amongst the animals.
• You will take appropriate steps to protect the animals in the case of fire or other emergency.
• You will keep a register on the premises, giving a description of any animal received on the premises, the age and sex, the date of acquisition and departure and the source from which you received the animals. This should be available for inspection at all times by a licensing inspector or by a veterinary practitioner authorised by the council.
• You will not sell animals to a child under the age of 12 years.
• We may refuse or withhold a licence on other grounds if those grounds are such that conditions are not suitable for the keeping of animals.

How to apply

You can download an application form from the attachments box below.

Each licence is subject to standard conditions that are imposed on all pet shops licensed by the council.

In addition to the standard conditions a licence may also contain special conditions that are only applicable to your premises.

If you have been refused a licence or aggrieved by conditions set out in it, you can appeal to the magistrates court.

For further information, contact us using the details below.

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