Animal Activities Licences

An Animal Activities Licence (previously pet shop licenses) is needed for:

the import, distribution and sale of animals by a business
businesses or individuals operating from domestic premises for commercial purposes (you may still be classified as business even though you may not be listed on Companies House)
premises open to members of the public, or to other businesses where animals are available for purchase

You must comply with certain conditions while undertaking these activities.

View guidance on the conditions for selling animals as pets on gov.wales (external website)

You may need a Dog Breeding Licence if you breed dogs.

Find out more about Dog Breeding Licences

How to apply for or new this licence

Before applying, you must make sure that the relevant planning permission is in place for your premises.

To apply for, or renew, an Animal Activities Licence, you will need to:

Complete an application form
Pay the licence fee
Have an inspection at the premises

Application form

Animal Activities Licence application form

Animal Activities Licence fees

An Animal Activities Licence costs £380 for one year.

It costs £380 to renew your licence each year.

Inspections

After we have received a full application and the licence fee, an inspection will take place to check that you are compliant with the required conditions. This will help us decide whether to approve the licence.

The inspecting Officer(s), possibly accompanied by a veterinary surgeon at their request, will check that the animals are and will continue to be suitably accommodated, fed, exercised and protected from disease and fire.

You can view the guidance that we use to license activities involving animals and the relevant establishments. This can also be used by those who currently have a licence or would like to apply for one.

View statutory guidance for the pet sales licensing regime (external website)