An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is currently in force, along with mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds across England. By law, all bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity rules. For more information, go to GOV.UK: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, GOV.UK: Avian Influence housing order and GOV.UK: Avian influenza (bird flu).
You need a licence to sell pet animals. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet.
A licence is required for any premises where animals are sold, including a private home.
The form below can be used to apply for different types of animal welfare licences and registration.
To apply for a licence to sell pet animals, you must complete sections 1, 2 and 7.
Application form for an animal welfare licence or registration
The completed form and relevant documents can be emailed to us at the address below.
For new or renewed licences, the grant fee can either be paid:
| Licence activity | Fee details | Fee total |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £280 application fee, plus £75 grant fee if application is approved | £355 |
| Renewal | £280 application fee, plus £75 grant fee if renewal is approved | £355 |
| Variation to licence | £85 application fee, plus £137 inspection fee | £222 |
| Re-evaluation of rating | £85 application fee, plus £137 inspection fee | £222 |
| Variation to reduce licensable activities or number of animals | £85 application fee | £85 |
| Transfer of licence | £85 application fee | £85 |
| Appeal | £137 inspection fee, to be refunded if appeal is successful | £137 |
| Combination of licensable animal welfare activities | £280 application fee, plus £140 per additional activity, plus £75 grant fee per activity if application is approved, plus vets fees if required for inspection | £355 plus £215 per additional activity, plus vets fees if required |
For government guidance on applying and the conditions you'll need to meet, go to GOV.UK: Selling animals as pets licence.
To read the government's guidance for licensing authorities, go to GOV.UK: Animal activities licensing – statutory guidance for local authorities.
You can check online whether a pet shop is licensed in Thurrock.
Contact us if you have reason to complain about a pet shop that we license. You should tell us:
All complaints are dealt with in the strictest confidence. Your details will not be released but are needed so we can contact you for further information.
