Animal Rehoming Activities - Licence and permit applications

Download our Animal Rehoming Activities licence application fee

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 made 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

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

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
 

Please note that anyone supplying an animal to a person in Scotland to be kept as a pet, regardless of country of origin, will require a licence, providing that:

The animal is not a fish
The animal was not bred by the supplier
The person being supplied with the animal receives it from the supplier or someone delivering it on the suppliers behalf
At least four other animals are supplied as pets to persons in Scotland in any 12 month period

This does not apply if you are selling an animal as a pet, operating an animal welfare establishment or if you are solely delivering an animal on behalf of the supplier.

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

The Scottish Government have produced guidance for Animal Rehoming Activities. You should click on the link below and ensure you read the guidance notes before you apply for a licence:

Animal Rehoming Activities 

Download an application form

You must upload your completed application form, all required supporting documentation and make payment using our online submission form

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 Animal  Rehoming Activities. 

You can view the General and specific conditions by clicking the links below:

general conditions for all Animal Activities licences
specific conditions for engaging in rehoming activities (other than in the course of operating an animal welfare establishment)