Licence and permit applications - Breeding of animals (dogs, cats or rabbits) licence

The requirement to be licensed applies regardless of whether the breeder sells or otherwise an animal as a pet to another person.

You will need a licence if you breed:

• 3 or more litters of cats in any 12 month period
• 3 or more litters of dogs in any 12 month period
• 6 or more litters of rabbits in any 12 month period.

Any person may make an application for a Dog Breeder's Licence providing they have not been convicted of an offence in terms of Regulation 13 of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. 

Before applying you should check if you require permission to run the business from the Planning and Building Control Services, and from your landlord or mortgage provider.

If you are intending to run the business from your house you should also check your title deeds to ensure that this is allowed.

Your premises will be inspected by an Environmental Health Officer and a Veterinary Officer prior to issuing your licence. They will check that the premises and your animal welfare arrangements are suitable.

Download application form (PDF)

• environmentalhealth@midlothian.gov.uk
• 0131 271 3345