- Licence type
- Animal Welfare Establishment Licence
- Who should apply?
- any persons or organisations operating animal welfare establishments (such as animal sanctuaries or animal rehoming centres) where 8 animals (excluding fish) or 5 dogs or 5 equines are kept at the same time by the operator of the animal welfare establishment must be licenced.
- Definitions and more
- Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, any persons or organisations operating animal welfare establishments (such as animal sanctuaries or animal rehoming centres) where 8 animals (excluding fish) or 5 dogs or 5 equines are kept at the same time, for their care by the operator require a licence
- Cost
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Download our Animal Welfare Establishment application fees
Please note we do not accept paper application forms, postal application forms, cash or cheque payments. We only accept electronic licence application forms and payments submitted using our electronic submission form
You should upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form
Please also note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk - Additional costs
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The application process may involve an inspection by a Veterinary Surgeon appointed by the Council. The full cost of this must be met by the applicant before a licence will be issued. The cost will vary depending on individual circumstances
- What you need to supply
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A fully completed application form
The correct application fee
A copy of your Public Liability insurance document, and where necessary a copy of your Employers Public Liability insurance document
A copy of your current Risk Assessment
- Additional information
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Please note that you do not meet the criteria for licensing an Animal Welfare Establishment if the animals you keep are kept:
as pets.
at premises used for the care or treatment of animals by a person who is a veterinary surgeon.
by or are in the care of a local authority.
as part of farming or for use in the course of a business.
temporarily by persons licensed under the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963.
solely for military, police or sporting purposes.
for exhibition for the purposes of education or entertainment.
to be trained as assistance dogs.
Please also note that all licence application fees are non refundable, you can download our refunds policy for more information. Any requests for a refund due to exceptional circumstances should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, 249 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ or by email to: licensing@edinburgh.gov.uk - Application pack
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The Scottish Government have produced guidance for Animal Welfare Establishment licences. You should click on the link below and ensure you read the guidance notes before you apply for a licence:
Download an application form
You must upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form - Standard conditions
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The Animal (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 provide general conditions to be attached to all Animal Activities licences. The Regulations also provide specific conditions to be attached to operating an Animal Welfare Establishment .
You can view the General and specific conditions by clicking the links below:
general conditions for all Animal Activities licences
specific conditions for operating an Animal Welfare Establishment