Policies, Procedures and Legislations

Question 1

Define the phrase ‘pet store’.

Answer 1

Any building where animals are sold as pets including your own home

Question 2

What is the role of a pet store?

Answer 2

To provide a retail service in the animal sector supplying livestock, equipment, feed, over the counter treatments etc
To provide guidance to pet owners from qualified staff

Question 3

What should a person acquire before selling animals?

Answer 3

A licence from the local authority via an online application

Question 4

How long is a licence granted for?

Answer 4

1, 2 or 3 years

Question 5

What are the requirements for applying for a pet store licence?

Answer 5

Risk assessments
Meeting 5 welfare needs
Animals and staff protected in case of emergencies
Trained staff
Animals must be of suitable age and health
Not permitted to sell puppies and kittens that are not bred themselves
Records must be kept up to date
Licence must be clearly displayed at all times
Licence must be presented on advertising
Information must be available for prospective owners on any animals sold

Question 6

What can cause a licence not to be granted?

Answer 6

Have previously committed an animal welfare offence or have been banned for animal related activities
Do not meet animal welfare standards

Question 7

What are the penalties for selling animals without a licence?

Answer 7

Prison for up to 6 months
Fined by an unlimited amount

Question 8

What is the penalty for breaking licencing requirements?

Answer 8

Unlimited fine

Question 9

What must a licensee do when they have a granted licence?

Answer 9

Keep a register of all livestock
Not sell to anyone under the age of 16 unless known to the retailer but under the age of 12
Inspect the purchases licence and inform the issuing authority of the details of the purchase if selling a dangerous wild animal
Pet care leaflets or similar instructions should be made available to the customer

Question 10

What should a register of all livestock contain?

Answer 10

Breeder of the animal
Seller and their address
Contact number
Description of the animal

Question 11

What other animal based establishments will need a licence to operate?

Answer 11

Boarding cats and dogs in kennels and catteries
Breeding dogs
Day care for dogs
Exhibition of animals
Hiring out horses
Home boarding for dogs

Question 12

What are the three main legislations involved with pet stores?

Answer 12

Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
Pet Animals Act 1951

Question 13

What other legislations are involved in pet stores?

Answer 13

Trade Descriptions Act 1968
The Sales of Goods Act 1968 as amended 1979 and 1994
Weight and Measures Act 1985
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Question 14

What areas of health and safety should be included in the running of a pet store?

Answer 14

Disease prevention
Handling of animals and/or heavy goods
Dangerous wild animal species and their accommodation
Fire safety and procedures

Question 15

What measures should be in place for disease prevention?

Answer 15

Quarantine and isolation areas
Animals vaccinated
Removal of faeces and urine
Proper waste disposal
Hand washing facilities
COSHH for disinfectants
Record of animal health and vet visits
Use of PPE

Question 16

What measures should be in place for handling of animals and/or heavy goods?

Answer 16

Weight of the load minimised if possible
Lifting aids
Manual handling training
Risk assessments

Question 17

What measures should be in place for dangerous wild animals and their accommodation?

Answer 17

Secure enclosures (lockable) (appropriate with the species)
Restraint equipment
Training
Dangerous Wild Animals licence
Double door systems

Question 18

What measures should be in place for fire safety and procedures?

Answer 18

Fire assembly point
Fire exits
Fire safety equipment is working
Fire safety training
Evacuation plan