Pet Shops
Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended)
Anyone wanting to operate a pet shop must obtain a licence from
the local authority. Before the licence is granted an officer will
visit the premises to check that certain standards and conditions are met regarding welfare and hygiene
matters.
The sale of animals at pet fairs is
not covered by a licence issued under this Act. Similarly the
commercial sale of pedigree animals in
public is not covered.
The local authority may refuse to grant a licence if the
objectives of the Pet Animals Act are not being promoted. The
applicant may appeal to the magistrates court against a refusal to
issue a licence or against any condition attached to the
licence.
The local authority may, dependent on the type of animal to be
kept on the premises, request a veterinary practitioner to inspect
the premises and give an opinion as to whether a licence should be
issued and if any conditions should be attached to the
licence. If such an inspection is made the vets fees must be
paid by the applicant before a licence will be issued.
Categories of animals which a pet shop may be licensed to keep
are:
- Dogs and Cats (puppies and kittens)
- Small domesticated mammals e.g.. rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils,
hamsters, rats, mice, chinchillas, chipmunks and ferrets.
- Parrots, parakeets and macaws
- Primates eg marmosets
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Fish and aquatic invertebrates
- Other vertebrates
(this list is purely for guidance only and is not
comprehensive)
Planning permission may be required, please contact our
Planning Department for further
advice.
Offences
Under the terms of the Pet Animals Acts 1951-1983, it is an
offence -
- Wilfully to obstruct or delay any person in the exercise of his
powers of entry or inspection.
- To carry on a business of selling animals as pets in any part
of a street or public place or at a stall or barrow in a
market.
- To sell an animal as a pet to a person known or believed to be
under the age of 12 years.
Cost
A licence for a Pet Shop costs £160 per year.
Useful links
Contact the Licensing Section
E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk
Telephone: 01304 872295
