Pet shop licensing

The sale of 'pet animals' is regulated by The Pet Animals Act 1951 which requires Pet Shops to be licensed by the Local Authority.

Licenses for Pet Shops may be issued (subject to satisfactory inspection of the premises by the Environmental Health Section) provided the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following Acts:

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

Eligibility criteria

Application evaluation process

As a Local Authority, we must take into consideration, when issuing a licence, the following:

  • 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.

Apply online

Failed application redress

Any person who is refused a licence is advised, in the first instance, to contact their local Environmental Health Team.

Further appeals can be made to your local Magistrates Court.

Licence Holder Redress

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