Selling animals as pets
You will need a licence to sell animals as pets. This includes:
- pet shops
- businesses selling animals over the internet
Licences are valid for a period of one to three years. All premises require an inspection from the Council before a licence is granted.
The full licensing conditions are set out in the government’s guidance notes on selling animals as pets.
A change in the law in April 2020 requires that all puppies and kittens in England must be bought direct from a breeder or rescue centre. These animals can no longer be sold by a third party, such as a pet shop or dealer. If you sell puppies or kittens without a licence, you could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.