To run a business selling pet animals you need a licence from Falkirk Council. This includes all commercial selling of pet animals, including pet shops and businesses selling animals over the internet.

You must not be disqualified from keeping animals, running an animal-related business, transporting animals, or working with animals under relevant animal welfare law.

Read the licence conditions and guidance before you apply. Check that your premises, procedures and record keeping meet the required animal welfare standard.

• The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021
• Guidance for pet sellers

• Pet Industry Federation (PIF)

To apply, change or renew a pet shop licence you can complete the form below and send it to Falkirk Council by email:

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 allow the Council to grant licences for a period of 1, 2 or 3 years.

New applications will normally be granted a one-year licence. Longer licence durations are typically considered at renewal, based on risk and compliance history.

In determining the duration of a licence, the Council must be satisfied that the period granted is appropriate, having regard to: 

• the risk of the applicant breaching licence conditions (including any specific conditions attached to the licence)
• the likely impact of any such breaches on the welfare of animals; and
• whether the applicant demonstrates standards of animal welfare that exceed the minimum licence requirements.

There is no automatic approval. If you have not heard from us after submitting your application, contact us for an update.

Contact us first if you want advice about a refusal or about conditions added to a license.

You may also be able to appeal through the Sheriff Court.