Please allow extra time for postal applications
Due to recent Ofcom changes, post may take longer than usual to reach us.
Please send postal applications in good time or apply online where possible.
Selling animals as pets
Find out how to apply for a licence to operate a pet shop or sell animals over the Internet.
If you are selling animals as pets you will need to be licensed.
Standards
You must prove that you can meet the licence standards.
The standards relate to 5 key needs:
- A suitable environment
- A suitable diet
- The ability to display normal behaviour (such as exercise)
- Appropriate companionship or separation from other animals
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
The aim is to:
- provide high welfare standards by meeting the 5 key needs.
Periodic inspections are carried out to confirm standards are maintained. We will also investigate all complaints.
A ratings system has been introduced whereby licence holders will be given a rating based on specified criteria relating to the activity they are carrying out. For more information on the licence and full details of the conditions please read the selling animals as pets guidance from DEFRA.
Length of licence
A licence lasts for between 12 and 36 months depending on the star rating.
You need to apply to renew the licence 10 weeks before it expires.
DBS Check
When you apply, you need a basic DBS check, completed within the previous 2 months.
You can request a check from GOV.UK.
Request a basic DBS check Opens in a new window
The DBS check is valid for 3 years.
Fees
You will also need to pay the costs of Vets fees as required.
| Application Fee (see Footnote) | Fee payable when making application (Part A) | Fee payable when application successful and before licence is issued (Part B) | Total Fee (Part A and B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selling animals as pets | £493 | £182 | £675 |
Applications
To submit a licence application you need a valid account with MyTorbay. Please click the button below to register an account or login and submit an application.
Appeals
If you are unhappy with the star rating given to your activity you have 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) following the issue of your licence in which to appeal the star rating.
Please contact us if you would like to dispute the star rating.
This page was last updated on 08/09/2026 11:33:47