From this page you can apply for a licence to keep a pet shop. Introduction Charges Timescales Complaints and Appeal Annual Renewal of Licence Other Matters to Consider Public Register Apply Now Licensing Objectives
IntroductionThe aim of the licensing requirements is to achieve certain standards in the management of the pet shop and to ensure precautions are taken against the spread of disease and fire. Please see licensing objectives. The licence may be withheld if the authority considers that the requirements of those matters cannot be met, or if they have any other grounds for refusal. The Council has standard  conditions [73kb] which it attaches to licenses. However, these may be varied to suit individual circumstances as considered expedient. It is important that you read the licensing objectives and conditions before completing your application as these must be complied with. Please note that a person is not required to obtain a licence to keep a pet shop for keeping or selling of pedigree animals bred by him/her or the offspring of an animal kept by him as a pet. A "pedigree animal" means an animal of any description which is by its breeding eligible for registration with a recognised club or society keeping a register of animals of that description. Charges A charge is made for consideration of any application for a licence, irrespective of the outcome of the application. If necessary the Council may require the specialist advice of a veterinary surgeon, especially in cases where exotic pets are being sold. Any costs associated with this will be recharged to the applicant and must be paid before the licence is granted. The current charges can be viewed here: Fees & Charges - Animal-Related Licenses [55kb] Payment will be taken as part of the application process; it can be paid by credit or debit card and is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not the license is granted. Timescales The licence will normally be determined within three calendar months of receipt of a valid/complete application and payment of fees. The licence expires on 31 December irrespective of when it is issued. However, it can, at the applicant's choice, start from either the day on which it is granted, expiring on 31 December of that same year or, starts from the 1 January next – in which case it expires on 31 December of that year. Complaints and Appeal If you are unhappy with any aspect of the service you receive, please do not hesitate to raise any concerns or make any comments that you wish. Please see our Comments, Compliments & Complaints page for more information. If you are unhappy with any of the conditions or decision in respect of your licence application you are advised, in the first instance, to contact the case officer to discuss the matter. An appeal may be made to a Magistrates' court against refusal of the licence or a condition attached to it (subsection 4). Annual Renewal of Licence Licences are renewable annually. Licences expire on 31 December. Changes to licence conditions will only be made upon renewal of the licence and not mid term. Other Matters to Consider Whilst the following issues will not be taken into account when determining the licence application, applicants are advised to consider the following issues which may affect the establishment: - The provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- whether you will require planning permission for change of use or for building the necessary accommodation (see Planning Application link on right hand side)
- the disposal of waste and litter. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (section 33) if you operate any form of business you have a legal responsibility to safely manage, store and legally dispose of any waste produced by your business.
- the potential for nuisance to neighbours - for example from barking dogs
- you must ensure the health and safety of yourself, any staff and the public. Advice on health and safety at work can be obtained from Commercial Services at Strategic Housing and the Environment. (email health.safety@chelmsford.gov.uk)
For further information, please Contact Us Public Register Chelmsford Borough Council holds a public register of all licensed Pet Shops. A copy of the register may be viewed at Environmental Services Reception at the Civic Centre during normal office hours. Apply Now
Licensing ObjectivesIn granting the licence, and attaching conditions, the Local Authority will have regard to securing any or all of the following objectives: a. that animals will at all times be kept in accommodation suitable as respects size, temperature, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness b. that animals will be adequately supplied with suitable food and drink and (so far as necessary) visited at suitable intervals c. that animals being mammals, will not be sold at too early an age d. that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent the spread among animals of infectious diseases e. that appropriate steps will be taken in case of fire or other emergency
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