Pet shop licence

Licence summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.

A fee, determined by Mid Suffolk District Council, will be payable on application. Click on the link for a list of the Environmental Health Fees and Charges. (PDF 16Kb)

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Application Evaluation Process

Mid Suffolk District Council 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.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Mid Suffolk District Council by the end of 35 days

Apply online

Apply to run a pet shop (THIS LINK NOT CURRENTLY LIVE)

Tell us about a change to your existing pet shop (THIS LINK NOT CURRENTLY LIVE)

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department in the first instance.

Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the Magistrates court covering the area the premises is located. A court may give directions on the issue of a licence.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department in the first instance.

Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court or covering the area the premises is located. A court may give directions on the issue of a condition.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint about a pet shop 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, you can contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department via Customer Service Direct. If you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will also give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other Redress

If you have other complaints about a pet shop such as noise, pollution, etc or should one licence holder complain about another you can contact Mid Suffolk District Council's Environmental Health Department via Customer Service Direct. 

Trade Associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT)