Translate

Animal health and welfare licences

How to apply for a range of animal health and welfare licences, including cat and dog boarding, dog breeding, keeping exotic, dangerous or wild animals, moving animals, performing animals, animals in pet shops, keeping primates, riding establishments and zoos.

Apply for a pet shop licence

The welfare of all domestic and captive animals in this country is provided for in various statutes and we're responsible for the administration and issuing of a number of licenses relating to animals.

Selling animals as pets

The definition of selling animals as pets is: 

"selling animals as pets (or with a view to their being later resold as pets) in the course of a business including keeping animals in the course of a business with a view to their being so sold or resold".

Examples, of selling animals as pets are:

  • the import, distribution and sale of animals by a business
  • businesses registered with Companies House
  • businesses or individuals operating from domestic premises for commercial purposes (it should be noted that many may not be listed with Companies House)
  • premises open to members of the public or to other businesses where animals are available for purchase

This list is not exhaustive and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

If you sell animals as pets from any type of premises (including a private dwelling) you will need a licence. If your business fulfils one or more of these criteria then you require a licence. 

Selling animals as pets licensing guidance - GOV.UK

Apply for a licence

Animals licensing register

Our animal licensing register contains details of registered pet shops.

Contact

For more information, contact our Licensing Service. 

Email: licensing@luton.gov.uk
Phone: 01582 546040

Luton Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ