Pet shops

The Pet Animals Act defines 'the keeping of a pet shop' as:

'Shall be construed as references to the carrying on at premises of any nature (including a private dwelling) of a business of selling animals as pets, and as including references to the keeping of animals in any such premises as aforesaid with a view to their being sold in the course of such a business, whether by the keeper thereof or by any other person'.

Please contact the Environmental Health Department on 01273 484358 or e-mail ehealth@lewes.gov.uk for an application form and relevant advice from a Licensing Officer.

Please note that if the premises you are intending to use is not already a pet shop, you are advised to contact the Enforcement Officer in our Planning Department regarding change of use.

The form should then be completed and returned, together with a cheque for £106, being the current standard fee.  We will acknowledge receipt of a completed application form and send a receipt for the fee.

An Officer will be in contact to make an appointment to inspect the premises.  This will  take into account the Register of animals purchased (and where from), welfare of the animals, isolation facilities, quarantine facilities and the general housekeeping of the premise

If the Officer is satisfied that the premises meets all conditions, a licence will be granted and sent to the applicant along with a copy of the conditions. These conditions should be adhered to and a copy of the licence should be on visible display at all times.

Licences are renewable annually on 1st January. To assist current licence holders a reminder letter and renewal form will be sent prior to that date.