Pet Shop Licensing

Anyone who trades in pets must have a pet shop licence issued by the local authority in whose area the premises are situated under the requirements of the Pet Animals Act 1951.

Licence applications must be accompanied by a licence fee (which is reviewed annually) and are subject to conditions to ensure the welfare of the animals.

The current application fee (April 2009 to March 2010) is £83.00 (fish only) £128.00 mammals.
Upon receipt of the application the premises will be inspected by an officer of the Council or with a veterinary surgeon to ensure the following:

  • animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as respects size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness -animals will be adequately supplied with food and drink and visited at suitable intervals
  • animals will not be sold at too early an age
  • all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread among animals of infectious diseases
  • appropriate steps will be taken in the case of fire or other emergency

If necessary the Council may require the specialist advice of a veterinary surgeon, especially in cases where exotic pets are beings old. Any costs associated with this will be recharged to the applicant.

For new pet shops planning permission may be required. Further information on this can be obtained from Planning and Building Control.

Please Note:

If you have a complaint regarding an establishment which is licensed by South Bucks District Council or an establishment which you think may be unlicensed  please download the complaints form and return it to the Licensing Office to enable us to undertake an investigation.

Useful links/ Information

The Animal Welfare Bill (Opens New Window to external site)

Downloadable documents

All documents open in a new window.

File nameSizeDownload time
Pet Shop Application Form in PDF format15 KB4 secs @ 28.8k, 2 secs @ 56k

Contact Information

For more information please contact the Licensing Team on:

Licensing Team, Capswood, Oxford Road, Denham, Bucks, UB9 4LH

Tel: 01895 837373 or 837325 / 837222
E-mail: licensing@southbucks.gov.uk

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