Renfrewshire Council

Eligibility

Applications for a licence must be made to Renfrewshire Council, and a licence may be issued if the applicant is not disqualified under any of the following acts.

• The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
• The Pet Animals Act 1951.
• The Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954.
• The Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) (Scotland) Act 1934.

How to apply for a licence

Applicants should complete the application form which is available below. On request an application form will be forwarded to the applicant for completion by post. On receipt of the application form the council will arrange for an officer to carry out an inspection of the premises to ensure its suitability for dog breeding. Dependent on the findings of the inspection a licence may or may not be issued.

• Refer to the conditions of licence for required evidence/information.
• Please refer to the Fees and Charges page for current cost of a licence.
• You must contact us immediately with any changes of circumstances.

Where a licence is granted, that licence and any subsequent licence will expire on 31 December of the year to which the licence relates and must be renewed before the date if the premises are to continue as a dog breeding establishment.

Application forms

To apply for a new breeders licence complete the application form found on the 'related media' section of this page.

The licence lasts for one year. Before the renewal date, Renfrewshire Council will write to you informing you that the licence is due to be renewed asking you to complete a licence renewal form.

If you are refused a licence

Any person aggrieved by a refusal to be granted a licence or by any conditions to which a licence is subject may appeal to the Sheriff who may give such directions regarding the licence or its conditions as it thinks proper.

Inspections

There will be an initial inspection on application and annually thereafter carried out by a Public Health Enforcement Officer (Environmental Health).

Thinking of buying a dog/puppy?

There are many important things to consider before you start looking to buy a dog - from finding out if you are ready, to discovering the right breed to suit your lifestyle. Also, do you want to buy a pedigree puppy or get a dog from a breed rescue? Please read the guidance found on the The Kennel Club website.