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

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

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.

Licence period
1 year (for the first year)
Fees

One year licence £207.50

Application to vary the licence  £167.50 

Registered charities are eligible for a 50% reduction

Guidance

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).