Pet Shops

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

No person may keep a pet shop unless they have first obtained a licence from their Local Authority.

Licenses for pet shops may be issued provided the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:

a) The Pet Animals Act 1951.
b) The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
c) The Protection of Animals (Amendment ) Act 1954.
d) The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.

There is an application fee which must be paid at the time the application is made. Currently the fee is £221.

Where a licence is granted that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on the 31st December of the year to which it relates and must be renewed before that date if the premises are to continue as a pet shop.