Animal Activity
To run a business selling pet animals you need a licence from South Ayrshire Council. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet, a licence is also required for sanctuaries and rehoming establishments.
Applicants for a pet shop licence must not be disqualified from keeping a pet shop.
How to apply
The application must be lodged with Trading Standards & Environmental Health.
Please complete the online form below. A payment section is provided at the end of the form. A link to the Environmental Health Fees and Charges is also provided below.
Animal Activity Licence Application
Full Contact details can be found here - Contact Environmental Health - South Ayrshire Council
What happens next?
Before considering an application, South Ayrshire Council must have received all the required supporting documentation before the application is considered lodged. South Ayrshire Council will have regard to the following when considering an application for a pet shop licence:
- that animals will be kept in suitable accommodation, for example in regards to temperature, size, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness
- adequate food and drink will be provided to the animals and they will be visited at suitable intervals
- that any mammalian animals will not be sold too young
- that steps are taken to prevent disease spreading among the animals
- that adequate fire and emergency provisions are in place
Conditions can be attached to a licence to ensure that the above are complied with.
It is in the public interest that South Ayrshire Council must process your application before it can be granted. We would expect to process your application within 25 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.
Will Tacit Consent apply?
In the interests of animal welfare, there is no automatic granting of a licence should we fail to respond to you. Tacit Consent does not apply.
What if I have been refused approval?
Please Contact Environmental Health - South Ayrshire Council in the first instance.
Any person who is refused a licence can appeal to the local Sheriff Court covering South Ayrshire. A Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a licence.
Also, any licence holder who objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local Sheriff Court covering South Ayrshire. A Sheriff may give directions on the issue of a condition.
