Selling animals as pets

Last Updated: 28 February 2023

Businesses and individuals need a licence to sell, import and distribute animals as pets for sale.

Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities on Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Defra guidance on selling animals as pets

For guidance on the sale of animals as pets consult the CFSG Group: Legislation and Guidance

How to apply

To apply for a licence to sell animals as pets you should fill in the animal welfare application form (PDF 479KB / 7 pages).

The application form should be returned to the Licensing Team, along with any supporting documentation and the relevant fee:

Existing fees (2022/23):

• new application fee: £230.02
• variation licence/re-evaluation of rating: £127.41

Where there are a combination of activities, the highest activity fee is applicable.

Existing licence holders will be sent the relevant application forms about a month prior to the renewal date.

To apply for a variation to a licence or re-evaluation of the star rating, contact the Licensing team.