• Dog Breeding Establishments
• Animal Boarding Establishments
• Horse Riding Establishments
• Pet shops
• Contact Details

Dog Breeding Establishments

Establishments where the carrying on at the premises of any nature (including a private dwelling) of a business of breeding dogs with a view to their being sold requires to be licensed if there is more than 5 breeding bitches. Licenses are renewable annually.

The applicants own vet is required to submit a report from their own vet along with the application. Report forms are provided with the application form.

Animal Boarding Establishments (kennels, catteries)

A license is required where there is a business of providing accommodation for other people’s animals. The licence is renewable annually. Download an application form (PDF format, 2 pages, 89.4 KB) (This link opens in a new window)

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Horse Riding Establishments

A licence is required for carrying on of a business of keeping horses for:

• Being let out on hire for riding
• Providing, in return for payment, instruction on riding

Licenses are renewable annually. View or print an application form (PDF format, 4 pages, 110 KB) (This link opens in a new window)

There are exemptions for premises occupied by the Secretary of State for Defence, for Police purposes or by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Applicants must be:

• Not less than 18 years old or an incorporated body
• Must not be disqualified from keeping stables, dogs, pet shops, kennels etc.
• The stables and horses have to be inspected by an authroised vet
• The applicant to be suitable and qualified by -

1. Experience
2. The holder of an approved certificate or
3. A manager can be appointed who is qualified by either 1 or 2 above

There is a requirement for Public Liability Insurance and for a register of all horses to be kept.

There are certain other offences in the Act e.g. using a horse under 4 years old or a mare heavy with foal.

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Pet shops

A licence is required for keeping animals in a pet shop, which means the carrying on of a business (including from a house) of selling animals as pets but does not apply to keeping or selling pedigree animals by breed, by an applicant or the offspring of an animal kept as a pet.

Licenses are renewable annually.   Download an Application Form (PDF format, 15 pages, 168 KB) (This link opens in a new window)

It is an offence to sell pet animals in any part of the street or public place except at a stall or barrow in a market.

It is an offence for a pet shop owner to sell a pet animal to person whom he has reason to believe is under 12 years of age.

Contact Details

If you are not sure whether or not your establishment requires to be licensed or need more information, please contact the

Animal Services Officer
Environmental Services
The Moray Council
Council Office
High Street
Elgin
Moray
IV30 1BX

Tel:  01343 563345

Email: animal.services@moray.gov.uk

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