Animal rehoming: licence requirements
- Published
- 19 February 2026
- Directorate
- Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Find out if you need a licence to rehome animals in Scotland and how to apply. Includes a list of currently licensed providers.
If you rehome animals as pets to people in Scotland, you may need a licence. This applies to rescue centres, rehoming organisations and similar businesses or charities.
Who needs a licence
You need a licence if you rehome 5 or more animals as pets in any 12-month period, unless the animal is a fish or was bred by the supplier.
Rehoming animals without a licence is illegal. This is set out in The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.
Where to apply
If you live in or have business premises in Scotland, apply to your local council or the council in which the business is sited.
If you are based outside of Scotland, email animalrehominglicence@gov.scot to apply to the Scottish Ministers.
Read the animal rehoming guidance for more information.
Organisations based outside Scotland
These organisations are based outside Scotland but are licensed by the Scottish Ministers to rehome pets in Scotland.
|
Organisation |
Country of origin |
Licence number |
Licence issued |
Licence expiry |
|
Cyprus |
SGRH-008 |
16 June 2025 |
16 June 2026 |
|
|
Pooches Promise |
Romania |
SGRH-009 |
7 November 2025 |
7 November 2026 |
|
Romania |
SGRH-010 |
7 November 2025 |
7 November 2026 |
|
|
Cyprus |
SGRH-011 |
25 November 2025 |
25 November 2026 |
For organisations licensed by local councils, check the relevant council’s website.