Animal licence guide
Animal Welfare Licences
Licenses are required for the following activities:
breeding of dogs - 3 or more litters per 12 months
breeding of cats - 3 or more litters per 12 months
breeding of rabbits - 6 or more litters per 12 months
pet sellers – replaces Pet Shop and Animal Dealers licenses
The above licensing regimes fall under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of activities involving animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
Animal Boarding
Which includes:
- commercial operations
- home boarding
- day care facilities
Animal Boarding is legislated by the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
Find out more and apply for an animal boarding licence
Riding Establishments
The term ‘riding establishment’ means the carrying on of a business ‘of keeping horses to let them out on hire for riding, or for use in providing instruction in riding for payment, or both’
The Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970 govern this licensing regime.
Find out more and apply for a riding establishemnt licence
Performing Animals
For the purposes of the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925, this licensing regime is for any person who exhibits or trains animals. The expression ‘animal’ does not include invertebrates.
Find out more and apply for a performing animals licence
Dangerous Wild Animals
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 aims to ensure that where private individuals keep dangerous wild animals, they do so in circumstances which create no risk to the public. This Act does not apply to those animals kept in zoos, circuses or pet shops.
Find out more and apply for a dangerous wild animal licence
Zoos
Zoos are defined as any establishment where animals of wild species are exhibited to the public. A Zoo is open to the public, with or without charge, on seven or more days in a 12-month period. The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 requires the licensing of zoos.
Find out more and apply for a zoo licence