Selling animals as pets

Last Updated: 7 May 2024

Businesses and individuals need a licence to sell, import and distribute animals as pets for sale.

Defra guidance on selling animals as pets

For guidance on the sale of animals as pets consult the CFSG Group : Legislation and Guidance

To apply for a licence to sell animals as pets you should fill in the animal welfare application form (DOC 76KB / 7 pages).

The application form should be returned to the Licensing Team, along with any supporting documentation and the relevant fee:

Existing fees (2024/25):

new application fee: £246.00
renewal application fee: £228.00
variation licence: £36.00, plus inspection & (risk assessment fee, if applicable at £48.00 per hour)
re-evaluation of rating: £136.00
variation of licence – new licensing activity/addition of home boarding host: £36.00 (for each additional licensing activity/additional host) plus inspection & risk assessment fee at £48.00 per hour

Existing licence holders will be sent the relevant application forms about a month prior to the renewal date.

To apply for a variation to a licence or re-evaluation of the star rating, contact the Licensing team.