An inspection goes well when the inspector can see, quickly, that the animals are well cared for and that the records prove it. The inspector works through Defra’s statutory guidance condition by condition, so the best preparation is to do the same. This checklist is organised the way a visit usually runs: paperwork first, then the animals, then the building.
A week before
- Re-read your current licence: the activities and animal types it allows, and any conditions specific to you.
- Read the previous inspection report and confirm every point was actioned, with evidence of when and how.
- Check every written procedure is current, dated and has been read by staff who’ll be on shift. See written procedures and policies.
- Print or export the last three months of daily checks and cleaning records for every enclosure, and spot-check for gaps.
- Reconcile the animal register against what’s actually on the premises. Every animal should be in the register; every register entry still “in stock” should be findable.
- Check staff training records are complete for everyone, including new starters and weekend staff.
- Confirm the licence is displayed and your licence number and council appear on your website and any adverts.
Paperwork to have on the table
| Document | What the inspector is checking |
|---|---|
| Animal register | Supplier, sex, age, treatment, dates acquired, sold and died, for every animal or group of fish (Schedule 3, para 2) |
| Daily check records | Every animal checked at least daily, problems recorded and acted on (Schedule 2, para 9) |
| Environmental monitoring | Temperature, humidity, water quality where relevant, against the needs of each species (Schedule 2, para 5) |
| Cleaning schedules | Procedures exist and are followed (Schedule 2, para 5) |
| Written procedures | Feeding, cleaning, transport, disease control, health monitoring, death or escape, suspension (Schedule 2, para 9) |
| Emergency plan | Fire and equipment failure, evacuation, contacts, key holder (Schedule 2, para 10) |
| Staff training policy and records | Competence of licence holder, managers and carers; training to advise buyers (Schedule 2, para 4; Schedule 3, para 3) |
| Veterinary registration | Named practice, and evidence of advice sought when needed (Schedule 2, para 9) |
| Isolation and treatment records | Sick animals isolated, marked and not sold (Schedule 2, para 9; Schedule 3, para 2) |
| Care sheets and buyer information | Displayed for every species, given to buyers (Schedule 3, para 3) |
| Advert samples | Licence number, council, photo, age, country of origin and residence (Schedule 3, para 2) |
The animals and their enclosures
Walk the shop as the inspector will. For each enclosure, tank or pen:
- Animals look healthy, alert and appropriately active for the species and time of day.
- Nothing is overcrowded; group housing is compatible; social animals aren’t isolated without reason.
- Temperature, light and humidity are right for the species and you can show the readings.
- Fresh water is available where the species needs it, and food is appropriate and clean.
- Enrichment is present and suited to the species, not just decoration.
- Substrate, surfaces and water are clean; waste is removed.
- Each enclosure is labelled: species, and a clear marker for any animal under treatment or not for sale.
- Signage discourages customers from tapping on glass or disturbing animals.
- Any dangerous wild animals are in secure, lockable enclosures.
- Animals that can’t feed themselves, or that are too young to sell, aren’t on sale.
The building and equipment
- Heating, lighting, ventilation and filtration are working and maintained, with records of servicing or checks.
- Isolation facilities exist, are clean and ready, and staff know when to use them.
- Medicines are stored securely and used as directed; cleaning products are safe for the species.
- Food storage and preparation areas are hygienic and separate from waste.
- Fire precautions are in place; alarms for equipment failure work; staff know the emergency plan.
- External doors and gates lock; the key holder can attend quickly.
- Transport containers for sales are suitable for each species.
The people
The inspector will talk to whoever is on shift. They’ll want to see that staff can:
- describe normal behaviour for the species they care for and the signs that something’s wrong
- explain the daily check and what they’d do if they found a problem
- say what’s in the emergency plan and where to find it
- give a customer sensible advice on feeding, housing and handling
Brief your team before the visit and make sure a manager who knows the paperwork is available.
On the day
Be ready with the documents in one place (a folder, or a screen you can hand over), walk the inspector round in the order they prefer, answer questions about what you do rather than what you intend to do, and write down anything they raise. If they identify a gap, ask what evidence would close it. Afterwards, action every point promptly and keep the proof: it feeds into your risk rating next time.
PetCompli’s self-assessment follows the statutory guidance question by question, with the evidence attached to each one, so the preparation above is a matter of opening the site and looking for red.
Frequently asked questions
Are pet shop inspections announced?
The inspection for a new or renewed licence is arranged with you. During the licence period there will also be at least one unannounced visit; how soon depends on your star rating, from within 12 months for a 1 or 2 star licence to within 36 months for 5 stars.
Will a vet attend my pet shop inspection?
The council can appoint a vet to inspect alongside its officer and some do, particularly for exotic species or where there are welfare concerns. For selling animals as pets a vet isn't required by the regulations in the way it is for dog breeding.
What happens if the inspector finds problems?
Minor failings usually mean a 1 star licence with a short deadline to fix them. Serious welfare problems can lead to a licence being refused, suspended or revoked. In most cases you'll be given a written list of what needs to change and can request a re-inspection once it's done.
Sources
This guide explains the law and statutory guidance in plain English for licensed pet businesses. It isn't legal advice: check the current legislation and your own licence conditions, and ask your local authority's licensing team if you're unsure. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.