The law requires all pet sales to be licensed, whether they are at commercial or domestic premises as required under the Pet Animals Act 1951 (opens in new tab).
This means that anybody selling pets (other than for certain exempted activities, which we can explain in more detail on request) MUST gain a local authority licence before they start their business.
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (opens in new tab) is due to have effect from 10th September 2021. These regulations will change the licensing requirements for the sale of animals as pets in Wales, which includes the ban on the commercial third party sale of puppies and kittens. Further information will be published in due course.
Local authorities consider a number of factors when considering an application for a pet shop licence so that we can ensure:
- 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 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 the person applying for the licence is a fit and proper person
These licences help to ensure that animals are properly looked after, by setting standards for the premises and for the level of care given. We regularly inspect these premises for safety, and a vet accompanies us where appropriate to ensure that animal welfare standards are met. Conditions can be attached to a licence to ensure that the above are complied with.
It is important that you only buy your pet from licensed premises, as we make sure that the pets from these premises have been legally imported or properly breed, are healthy, and that you receive will receive good advice on looking after your pet. You should make sure that the premises you buy from have their local authority licence on display, or you can contact us (details below) for details of licensed premises in the Torfaen area.
If you have a complaint about a service that you have received from a pet shop, we would always advise that 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, the Citizen's Advice Consumer Service (opens in new tab) will give you advice.
If you have any queries or concerns about animal welfare at a licensed premises, or are worried that a premises may selling pets without a licence, please call us so that we can investigate and take action as necessary. We can also look at standards of care for pets generally using our powers under Animal Welfare Act.
Applying for a 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.
Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop, and will need to comply with any conditions imposed as part of the licence.
Information and guidance on the law
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence (opens in new tab)
How to apply
If you wish to apply for a pet shop licence or to change the details of an existing licence, download the forms below.
- Application for a licence to keep a pet shop (opens in new tab)
- Licence conditions and guidance for pet shops (opens in new tab)
- Pet shop schedule (opens in new tab)
Application fees
Download a copy of the application fees
The application process
The process of applying for a licence is relatively straightforward. Once you have completed the application form, we will arrange to visit you with a vet so that the standards of your premises can be assessed.
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
If there are any areas where improvement is needed, we will provide you with the information you need to comply with the licensing conditions.
Once your premises are licensed, we will inspect annually when renewing your licence, and we may also carry out interim visits. As part of the licence process, you will need to update us with any changes to your business.
Please note that some details of your premises may be included on our web-site, so that customers are able to choose a licensed premises from which to buy their pet. Your details may also be shared with other statutory bodies as appropriate
Does tacit approval apply?
Tacit approval does not apply to this licence, as it is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within 28 days, please contact us for an update on your application.
Please note that the overall approval process will take longer than 28 days, to allow for the necessary inspection processes
Appeals and complaints
If your application is refused, or if you do not accept any of the licence conditions imposed as part of the approval, you should contact the officer dealing with your licence in the first instance.
We will always inform you of the appeal procedures when refusing a licence, or on request. We will also inform you of our complaints procedure, should you feel that your application has been improperly processed.
Any licence holder whose application is rejected or who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Magistrates court , who may give directions on the issue of the licence or a condition.
Trade associations
Please Note - Torfaen County Borough Council (The Council) is under a duty to protect the public funds which it administers and to this end may use the information you provide within Torfaen County Borough Council for the prevention and detection of fraud. The Council may also share this information with other bodies administering or in receipt of public funds solely for these purposes. For further information, visit the National Fraud Initiative area of the website.