Breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits
Licence summary
In Scotland, the breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits is regulated under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
You need a licence from Falkirk Council if you breed:
- Dogs: 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12-month period
- Cats: 3 or more litters of kittens in any 12-month period
- Rabbits: 6 or more litters of kits in any 12-month period
This applies whether you sell the animals or give them away as pets.
You do not need a licence if:
- dogs are bred to be trained and used as assistance dogs
- rabbits are bred for personal consumption or commercial meat production
What you should do
- check how many litters you breed over a 12โmonth period
- apply for a licence before advertising or supplying animals if you meet the thresholds
Before you apply
You must not be disqualified from keeping animals, running an animal-related business, transporting animals, or working with animals under relevant animal welfare law.
Read the licence conditions and guidance before you apply. Check that your premises, procedures and record keeping meet the required animal welfare standard.
Legislation and guidance
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021
The Scottish Government has issued guidance notes for breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits:
Fees
Application fees are non-refundable and conditions will be attached.
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits licence | £320.30 |
| Breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits licence (Renewal) | £152.30 plus Vet's fee if required |
How to apply
To apply, change or renew a licence for animal welfare establishment, you can complete the form below and return it to us by email:
Licence period
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 allow the Council to grant licences for a period of 1, 2 or 3 years.
New applications will normally be granted a one-year licence. Longer licence durations are typically considered at renewal, based on risk and compliance history.
In determining the duration of a licence, the Council must be satisfied that the period granted is appropriate, having regard to:
- the risk of the applicant breaching licence conditions (including any specific conditions attached to the licence)
- the likely impact of any such breaches on the welfare of animals; and
- whether the applicant demonstrates standards of animal welfare that exceed the minimum licence requirements.
If you do not hear from us
There is no automatic approval. If you have not heard from us after submitting your application, contact us for an update.
If your application is refused or conditions are added
Contact us first if you want advice about a refusal or about conditions added to the licence.
You may also be able to appeal through the Sheriff Court.