A Full Guide To DBKL Pet Shop Licenses

The Klang Valley is by far Malaysia’s biggest pet market, and opening a pet store in Kuala Lumpur is not too difficult as long as you’re not selling really exotic animals.

Of course, you’ll need a pet shop premise license from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), and in this quick guide, we explain the application process, including:

• required documents
• premise requirements
• fees
• where to apply, and
• licenses for additional pet business activities

Let’s begin.

Required documents

The application can be done online via DBKL’s eLesen portal, and needs these documents:

• Copy of business registration (Form 9 & 49 or Form D along with business and owner information)
• Copy of MyKad / passport

This means you first need to:

1. Register an Enterprise or incorporate a Sdn Bhd, and
2. Find and rent suitable premises

DBKL premise requirements

DBKL has general premise requirements that apply to all businesses, and specific premise requirements that apply to certain businesses.

As a business premise license must be renewed annually, it’s important to follow these rules! 

Your pet store can be inspected at any time by DBKL officers and rule violations could result in fines or even license revocation.

General requirements

All premises must:

• Only carry out business activities stated in the license
• Only do business within the premises
• Always clearly display the license in the premise
• Keep the premise exterior and interior clean
• Provide adequate trash bins approved by Kuala Lumpur City Hall
• Place trash in plastic bags before disposing of in the bins

Unless with permission, premises must not:

• Use the sidewalk or open areas around the premises for business activities
• Modify or renovate the premises
• Cause disturbance or pollution to the environment

Specific premise requirements for pet store

DBKL’s only real requirement for a pet store is that it cannot operate next to these businesses:

• F&B outlets
• Clinics 
• Education centres
• Residences 

Premise license fee

DBKL’s official guide states the fee for a pet shop premise license is RM200 annually, renewable via eLesen.

Keep in mind local councils periodically revise their fees, so get in touch with us for an up-to-date answer. 

Note: You’ll need a signboard, so see our full DBKL signboard license breakdown! 

Additional licenses

Once you have a premise and signboard license from DBKL, time to apply for the following licenses depending on what business activities you plan to carry out.

Live animal sales

This one is pretty much mandatory.

To sell live animals in cages, you need a license from the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). This applies to not just to dogs and cats, but even hamsters and fish, as all animals besides wild animals are covered under the Animal Welfare Act 2015.

The license costs RM100 for first-time applications and is valid for a year, with annual renewals at RM50.

Pet grooming

If you offer pet grooming services, you’ll need a groomer’s license from an industry body such as the Malaysia Cat Groomers Association (MCGA).

Pet hotel

If you offer pet accomodation services, you’ll need a pet hotel license from DVS.

Veterinary services

Veterinary services require an Annual Certificate of Practice along with a separate premise license from DVS.

Importing pets and pet food

Businesses involved in importing live pets or pet food must obtain DVS livestock / animal feed import permits.

You’ll also need an approval letter from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) if importing the following restricted dog breeds:

• Bull Mastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Doberman
• German Shepherd / Alsatian
• Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd
• Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary Dog)
• Rottweiler

For safety reasons, some popular dog breeds are restricted in Malaysia. 

If you want to import restricted breeds, you’ll need a letter of approval from the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS).

Selling local wild animals

If you intend to deal in exotic local wildlife, you’ll need special permits from the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)

2 offences to avoid

Running a pet shop is not easy, so avoid these common mistakes to save you unnecessary trouble!

1. Selling pets to children under 12

While it’s quite easy to sell a couple of goldfish to a kid who walks into your shop, be warned!

Under Section 28 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015, it is illegal to sell animals to anyone under 12 years old unless they are accompanied by an adult.

If caught, you could face a fine between RM15,000 and RM75,000, up to two years in prison, or both.

2. Selling banned dog breeds

Certain dog breeds are banned in Malaysia, meaning they cannot be sold, imported, or owned.

• Akita
• American Bulldog
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Braziliero
• Japanese Tosa
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull

As huge Akita fans, we’re super bummed, but we kind of understand the mastiff ban.

All the best with your pet shop ambitions, and remember we’re always here to help 🐶

Let MISHU help with your DBKL pet shop license 🐾

Our business license team has assisted hundreds of business owners with getting their premise and signboard license applications from DBKL, and we’d love to help you too!