Selling animals as pets licence

13 February 2025

Any person or organisation selling animals as pets (or with the expectation of their being later re-sold as pets) in the course of a business, including keeping animals in the course of a business with a view to their being so sold or re-sold.

The business of selling animals as pets does not apply to persons operating an animal welfare establishment (an animal sanctuary or re-homing centre), engaging in other animal re-homing activities or licensed as a dog, cat or rabbit breeder (the breeding licence they hold allows for the direct supply of animals as pets).

Licence fee
Type of licence	Fee
Selling animals as pets	£150

Any veterinary inspection fees are in addition to the fee of £150.

Apply for a licence or renewal

Please complete the application form and submit to licensing@east-ayrshire.gov.uk. On receipt of the application a member of the Licensing Section will contact you for payment.

The licence may be granted for a period of up to three years.

Online via our GLAMIS system

Legislation

Legislation.gov.uk: Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

Guidance

The Scottish Government produced the following guidance:

Scottish Government: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 - guidance for pet sellers

The guidance should be read before applying for a Licence.

Licence conditions

Under the 2021 Regulations there are general conditions attached to the Licence. These are within Schedule 2 of the 2021 Regulations. There are also specific conditions attached to the Licence that are within Schedule 3 of the 2021 Regulations. Both can be viewed below. The Licensing Section may also add additional conditions where necessary.