The Pet Animals Act 1951 regulates the sale of pet animals and licensing of pet shops. Persons keeping animals with the intention of selling them as pets, or carry on a business of selling animals at any premises, including a private dwelling, must be licensed by the Local Authority.

Licences cannot be issued if the applicant is disqualified under any of the following acts:

  • The Animal boarding Establishment Act 1963
  • The Pet Animals Act 1951
  • The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954
  • The Protection of animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934

Application form to keep a pet shop (42KB WORD file)

Application form to keep a pet shop (30KB PDF file)

Contact us

Environmental Health
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4JF

email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
tel 020 8496 3000