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 the Local Authority, will be payable on application.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Application Evaluation Process

Local authorities 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.

Failed Application Redress

In the first instance please contact :

Regulation Unit
Amber Valley Borough Council
PO Box 17, Town Hall
Market Place
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3TU

Tel: 01773 570222
E-mail: regulationunit@ambervalley.gov.uk

Licence Holder Redress

In the first instance please contact :

Regulation Unit
Amber Valley Borough Council
PO Box 17, Town Hall
Market Place
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3TU

Tel: 01773 570222
E-mail: regulationunit@ambervalley.gov.uk

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

Current Fee Information

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.