Animal rehoming: licence requirements

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
STAR - Stronger Together Animal Rescue	Cyprus	SGRH-008	16 June 2025	16 June 2026
Pooches Promise	Romania	SGRH-009	7 November 2025	7 November 2026
Barking Mad Dog Rescue	Romania	SGRH-010	7 November 2025	7 November 2026
Saving Souls Animal Rescue	Cyprus	SGRH-011	25 November 2025	25 November 2026
Oldies Club	England	SGRH-012	30 March 2026	30 March 2027
Spinone Overseas For Adoption	Italy	SGRH-013	23 April 2026	23 April 2027

For organisations licensed by local councils, check the relevant council’s website.