The Pet Animals Act 1951 regulates the sale of pet animals from licensed pet shops and provides for powers of inspection by the Council at all reasonable times. One of the legislative provisions is that a pet animal, as defined, cannot be sold to a person under the age of twelve

The keeping and running of a pet shop is controlled by the Pet Animals Act 1951.

Anyone carrying on such a business who is not licensed should apply for a licence by contacting Technical Services and appropriate information and/or forms will be provided. An initial inspection of the premises will be carried out, followed by an annual inspection, upon renewal of the licence.