Pet shop licences

Licence summary

To run a business selling pet animals in the Sevenoaks District you will need a licence from Sevenoaks District Council. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the Internet.

A fee of £209 will be payable on application. There may also be additional veterinary inspection fees if required.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop under any of the following acts:

The Pet Animals Act 1951
The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
The Protection on Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

Please also see the Council's Conditions and Guidance for Pet Shop Licence 2010 ( PDF File 214KB file details).

Regulation summary

View a summary of the eligibility criteria for a Pet Shop licence.

Application evaluation process

The 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
that a register is kept. The register should contain a description of all animals received, their source details, arrival and departure dates and the name and address of the owner. The register should be available to be inspected at any time by an officer from Sevenoaks District Council, a veterinary surgeon or practitioner

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 Sevenoaks District Council by the end of the target completion period, which is 28 working days from the date a valid application was made.

Apply online

Apply for a Pet Shop Licence

Change an existing Pet Shop Licence

Tell us about a change to your existing pet shop

Apply by post or in person

Download, print and complete the Pet Shop licence application form ( PDF File 87KB file details)

Post the form with £209 payment to the Council's Environmental Protection Team or bring the completed form and payment to the Council's Sevenoaks offices.

Failed application redress

In the first instance, please contact the Council's Environmental Protection Team.

Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the Magistrates' Court.

Licence holder redress

In the first instance, please contact the Council's Environmental Protection Team.

Any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates' Court.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint 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, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

If you wish to make a formal complaint about a nuisance or other issues e.g. about noise, pollution, etc or complain about another licence holder, please contact the Council on 01732 227000 or environmental.protection@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Trade associations

Pet Care Trust (PCT).

Sevenoaks District Council,
Council Offices,
Argyle Road,
Sevenoaks,
Kent
TN13 1HG

01732 227000