Anyone in Nova Scotia who wants to engage in the commercial production of ranched fur-bearing animals.

Note: "Fur-bearing animal" means mink and fox.

THESE LICENCES ARE ISSUED FOR THE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF PELTS ONLY.

Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

Michael Kittilsen
Resource Management Coordinator
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

Tel: 902-956-2707
Fax: 902-893-2757

New fur farm sites, with more than 99 animals in the breeding herd, require an Application for Site Approval Permit to be approved before construction of the fur farm can begin.

When the application is completed, it is submitted to the Department of Agriculture, along with the appropriate fee.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, construction may begin. The approved application will be sent to the applicant by mail. Following construction, an inspection must be completed and passed before a licence will be issued. No mink may be housed on the site until a licence is issued.

Upon completion of a successful site inspection, an Application for Licence to Operate must be completed and submitted to the Department of Agriculture, along with the appropriate fee. The licence will be sent to the applicant by mail.

Application forms can be obtained from the address above or novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/industry-protection.

10 business days
Provided that all the items that must accompany the application have been received.

This licence is valid for 2 years covering the period from June 1 of one year to May 31 of the second year, and can be renewed. The Department will send a renewal form to the licence holder before the licence expires.

Application for Site Approval Permit

• New Site Approval: $515.00 + HST
• Revised Site Approval: $515 + HST
• Other Change: $51.50 + HST

Application for License to Operate

• New Licence: $103.00 + HST
• Renewal Licence: $103.00 + HST
• Amend Licence: $103.00 + HST
• Transfer Licence: $103.00 + HST

Please pay by cheque or money order made out to the Department of Agriculture.

1. Applicants should check with their local municipality to ensure that the area where the ranch is to be located is zoned properly.
   
   
2. Applicants are required to obtain any other permits required in order to construct the fur farm (ie. Building permits etc.).

1. Every person who keeps fur-bearing animals in captivity shall submit to the Minister reports, as the Minister, from time to time requires.
   
   
2. A person who keeps fur-bearing animals in captivity for the purpose of preserving or breeding from them shall permit the Minister or another acting under the directions of the Minister at all reasonable times to inspect the animals and the places in which they are kept.

Agriculture and Marketing Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 6

Fur Industry Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 2010, Chapter 4