Dog, cat, rabbit breeding
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.
- One year licence £228
- Renewal £228
- Application to vary the licence £184
Guidance on the 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 Dog Breeder, Cat Breeder and Rabbit Breeder licences and which must also be met by the licence holder are contained within Schedules 6, 7 and 8 respectively of the Regulations (see link above).