Animal welfare establishment
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021
Regulations came into force on 1st September 2021 which introduced a revised licensing regime for some animal-related businesses. The purpose of the Regulations is to provide for the licensing of persons who, in Scotland, carry on activities of:
- selling animals as pets
- rehoming animals as pets
- operating animal welfare establishments (including sanctuaries and rehoming centres) and
- the breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits
This means that any pet shops, animal breeders and sanctuaries or rehoming centres require to be licensed under these Regulations.
Legislation
Applying for a licence
A licence cannot be issued to anyone disqualified in terms of the Regulations.
Where a licence is granted the licence will initially remain in force for one year and can be renewed thereafter for one, two or three years.
1 year (for the first year)
Up to 3 years – Renewal
- One year licence £228
- Renewal £228
- Application to vary the licence £184
Registered charities are eligible for a 50% reduction
View guidance on gov.scot website
The General conditions that all licences are subject to are contained within Schedule 2 of the Regulations (see link above).
The Specific Conditions relating to Animal Welfare Establishments licences and which must also be met by the licence holder are contained within Schedule 5 of the Regulations (see link above).