Responsible dog ownership
If you own a dog you have a legal duty to care for it properly.
You must make sure your dog:
- has a proper diet and fresh water
- has somewhere suitable to live
- gets the right amount of exercise
- is either kept with or away from other animals, depending on its needs
- can express itself and behave normally
- is protected from illness, injury and suffering
You must also:
- microchip your dog by 8 weeks old
- keep its microchip details up to date
- keep it under control at all times
- make sure it wears a collar with your name and address in public
- clean up after it in public
If you do not look after your dog properly it could be taken away from you.
You could also be:
- taken to court
- banned from owning, keeping or working with animals
Licences
You do not need a licence to own or keep dogs in Scotland.
You may need a licence from your local council if you:
- breed 3 or more litters of puppies in any 12‑month period
- run a business that involves boarding or selling dogs
Find out how to get a dog breeding licence.
Banned breeds of dogs
It’s a crime to keep certain types of dogs without a valid Certificate of Exemption. These are:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- XL Bully dogs
Check what to do if you own an XL Bully dog in Scotland.
Check the rules on banned breeds of dogs on the GOV.UK website.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance can help you save money on unexpected vet bills if your dog is injured or becomes ill. It can also protect you if your dog injures someone or damages their property.
Policies vary, so before choosing one check:
- what type of care and conditions are covered
- any limits the policy has
- how much you’ll need to pay if you make a claim
Most policies do not cover routine care, such as:
- check-ups
- vaccinations
- neutering
- dental work
If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get help with vet costs from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
Neutering
Neutering your dog is an important decision. Speak to your vet for advice on:
- whether neutering is the right approach for your dog
- the best age for the procedure
Benefits of neutering your dog
Neutering can prevent unwanted litters. Neutered female dogs cannot develop pyometra, a serious womb infection. They’re also less likely to develop mammary tumours.
Neutering prevents testicular cancer in male dogs and may reduce behaviours such as:
- roaming
- aggression
- scent marking
- inappropriate mounting