Pet Establishment Licencing & Inspections
The NBSPCA is passionate about the protection of animals across our province and responsible for inspecting and issuing pet establishment licences to all establishments in New Brunswick that breed and sell dogs, boarding kennels for dogs, pet stores and animal shelters. Pet Establishment Licensing is one of the ways the NBSPCA helps keep animals safe in New Brunswick.
Steps for Securing a Pet Establishment Licence
Step 1: Obtain and review the standards of care that apply to your pet establishment.
Before beginning your application, please ensure that you have read and meet the standards of care that apply to your pet establishment.
Please note: Anyone selling a dog or cat in New Brunswick is required by law to provide a Veterinary Certificate of Health issued by a licenced Veterinarian. The Veterinary Certificate of Health is valid for six months from the date of issue.
Step 2: Provide confirmation of compliance with local zoning by-laws or regulations
The second step to obtaining a pet establishment licence is to secure proof that you’re in compliance with your local zoning by-laws and regulations. Contact your local Community or Regional Service Commission to request confirmation (by email or letter) that you are permitted to operate a pet establishment at your location.
Once you’ve received this document, forward it to the NBSPCA’s head office at pel@nbspca.ca.
Step 3: Complete your application
Next, you’ll complete the online application for a pet establishment licence. Once we’ve received your application and payment, an Animal Protection Officer will contact you to schedule your on-site inspection.
Step 4: Pet Establishment Inspection
The Animal Protection Officer will go through checklists with you and work with you to improve any boarding deficiencies. There are different requirements for in-home breeders, pet retail stores, kennels, and shelters. For more information on the mandatory standards of care for pet establishments, visit the GNB website.
Step 5: Receiving your licence
Once you’ve passed your inspection, an official licence will be issued and mailed to you. This licence must be displayed in your facility. Pet Establishment Licences are valid for one year after the issue date and all advertisements for pet establishments must include the name and the licence number.
Apply For a Licence
To apply for your licence or licence renewal, please complete the form below or download the PDF version and fax it to 506−458−8209.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pet establishment?
Under the New Brunswick SPCA Act, “pet establishment” means (a) an animal shelter, (b) a pet retail store, or © a kennel. A kennel is defined as an establishment where dogs are bred to be sold or boarded for money.
If you maintain a pet establishment under any of these three categories, you must be inspected and licenced by the NBSPCA on an annual basis. Grooming businesses, veterinary clinics, premises that board and sell livestock and riding stables are among the types of operations that are currently exempt from the pet establishment regulations.
What is a pet establishment licence and why do I need one?
A pet establishment licence is a certificate issued by the Province of New Brunswick after a facility has passed an inspection by the NBSPCA. The licence has a number specific to you that must be used when advertising litters of puppies for sale. In accordance with subsection 24(1) of the SPCA Act, a person who operates a pet establishment without a licence is committing an offence.
Who needs a pet establishment licence?
A pet establishment licence is required for (a) any breeder and seller of dogs in New Brunswick, (b) animal shelters, © pet retail stores selling animals, and (d) any place where dogs are boarded overnight.
How much does a pet establishment licence cost?
A pet establishment licence costs $250/year for breeders, overnight boarding kennels and pet retail stores. A licence for shelters costs $100/year. When a licence is issued it is valid for one year.
How do I get a pet establishment licence?
To obtain a pet establishment licence, you must provide proof that you are in compliance with local zoning by-laws or zoning regulations made under the Community Planning Act. Contact your local community or Regional Service Commission to request confirmation (by email or letter) that you are permitted to operate a pet establishment at your location. Once you’ve received this document, forward it to the NBSPCA’s head office at pel@nbspca.ca and complete the online application for a Pet Establishment Licence. If you don’t have access to the internet, a paper copy of the application can be mailed to you.
Once the application has been received and payment has been made, an Animal Protection Officer will schedule a time with you to complete the on-site inspection.
What happens during an inspection?
There are different requirements for in-home breeders, pet retail stores, kennels, and shelters. The APO will go through checklists with you and work with you to improve any deficiencies. Upon passing your inspection an official licence will be issued and mailed to you. You must display it in your facility.
Where does my licence number need to be displayed?
Licence numbers must be posted on all advertising materials (e.g., business cards, flyers, Kijiji ads, etc.) Your official licence must be prominently displayed in your facility.
What is the purpose of pet establishment licencing?
Pet establishment licensing ensures that all dogs and animals are kept and brought up in a clean and healthy environment. It also ensures that breeders and owners comply with a certain standard of care. Pet establishment licensing is not intended to provide assurance about the quality of an individual animal offered for sale by a pet establishment or about an individual animal’s conformity to breed standards or registration requirements.
