Licence - pet shop

If you wish to run a pet shop in the Maidstone Borough, you need a licence from Maidstone Borough Council. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including in shops or over the internet.

The maximum number and particular species of animals you wish to stock will be specified as a condition on your licence.

If you breed dogs specifically for sale, you will also need to apply for a Dog breeding licence.

Legal Regulations

The operation of pet shops is regulated under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

Please be aware that it is an offence to sell pets in the street or at a public place, or on a market stall or barrow. Also, it is an offence to sell any animal as a pet to someone who is under twelve years old.If you are in any doubt about the age of an unaccompanied child who is trying to buy a pet, ask for ID.

Do I need planning permission before I apply for my licence to run a pet shop?

No. Any given A1 retail premises can be used as a pet shop without the need to obtain planning consent. Likewise, any A2-A5 premises (banks, cafés, restaurants, drinking establishments, or hot-food takeaways) can be converted to A1 use for the purposes of running a pet shop without the need for planning consent, in the absence of restrictions to the contrary. If you are in any doubt, please contact the planning department on 01622 602000.

Am I eligible?

You must never have been disqualified from keeping a pet shop under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

In assessing applications, we will also consider very seriously any previous offences relating to the mistreatment of animals or negligence in the care of animals, or any evidence of such mistreatment or negligence.

How much do licences cost?

The licence fee for pet shops is £378.00. The licence fee is the same for new applications and renewals, and for significant changes to your business.

Minor administrative changes to your pet shop licence may not incur a fee: please contact us using the details to the right of this page in the first instance.

How do I apply?

As part of your application, we need to see:

A copy of your Public Liability Insurance, to the value of at least £1 million;
A detailed plan of your premises including all relevant features, such as emergency access, public areas, animal accommodation, exercise areas, water and electricity access etc., and storage areas. If you need any advice on preparing these plans, please contact us.
A schedule of species of animals which you wish to sell (included in application form)
Any other relevant documentation for species which you want to sell, such as CITES certification or registration etc.

We strongly recommend that you arrange appropriate insurance to fully cover your stock, including any possible expenditure on veterinary bills in the event of ill-health or accident. If you employ anyone in your business, you must also obtain appropriate Employer’s Liability Insurance.

The application form for pet shops is available for you to download. Please complete and return it with payment to:

The Licensing Team, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JQ

Please make cheques payable to Maidstone Borough Council

You can also apply to run a pet shop online. You will be taken to an online payment facility at the end of your application to pay the fee. All documents can be attached as scans/electronic copies, or alternatively, you can post hard copies to the address above.

Alternatively, please contact the Licensing Team on 01622 602727, and they will post you paper copies of the forms to fill in and return to us.

How often do I have to renew my licence?

Pet shop Licences are renewable annually, with payment of the renewal fee. We will contact you in good time to arrange an inspection and post you the renewal form. You need to include the current copy of your Public Liability Insurance with your renewal form. You can renew your pet shop licence online or by post.

How do I apply to change my licence?

If you want to change the conditions of your licence, i.e., the species or number of animals you cater for, or change the layout of your premises, inspections will be necessary and fees may apply as for a new application. You may need to include the same documentation as above. Please contact us to request the relevant form, or alternatively you can apply to change your pet shop licence online.

If you are only making minor administrative changes to your details, please contact us in the first instance, as there may be no charge.

What happens next?

Once everything has been received, applications take 30 calendar days to process. During this time, we recommend you stay in touch, as we may need further information from you. We will contact you within 3-8 days of receiving your application to arrange a pre-inspection visit, which will take place within 10 days of receipt.

In the interest of animal welfare and public safety, you may not operate your business until we have fully processed and granted your licence. Likewise, for applications to change or renew your licence, you may not consider your application successful until we confirm it.All inspections by a veterinary inspector and duly authorised Council personnel officers must be carried out in full before you can proceed.

How are pet shop licence applications considered?

Maidstone Borough Council must consider whether you are a suitable person to run the establishment and hold the licence. We will also need to make sure that:

Any animals will be kept in suitable accommodation at all times. We will take into account the construction and facilities of your premises, and their appropriate maximum capacity, their cleanliness, temperature, lighting and ventilation;
Suitable food, drink and bedding materials will be provided and animals will be exercised and visited regularly;
Health precautions will be taken to control infectious or contagious diseases, and isolation facilities are in place;
Adequate protection is provided to the animals in case of fire or other emergencies;
That any mammals offered for sale will not be sold at too early an age

The above stipulations are conditions of your licence. You must comply with all licence conditions at all times.

What happens if there is a problem with my application?

If we refuse your application, you may be able to appeal. What happens if I want to dispute the outcome of my application? gives information and advice on this.

If you have seen something at a pet shop you have attended which gave you cause for concern over animal welfare or public safety please contact us immediately using the details to the right of the screen.