Licences to keep primates
From 6 April 2026, it is an offence for anyone to keep a primate in England without a valid licence.
If you own or plan to own a primate, you must obtain a licence from the council. This is a requirement under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024
These regulations bring in strict rules ensuring that only private keepers who can provide high welfare standards will be able to keep primates.
All applicants must meet all the conditions Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1)
Private primate keepers will be subject to a strict inspection regime to ensure welfare and licensing standards are upheld. Failure to comply with the licence conditions could result in an unlimited fine, removal of the primate(s) or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.
The licence is valid for 3 years.
Exemptions
The regulations do not apply to any premises licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act or places specified in a licence under section 2C of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
What types of primates need to be licensed?
Any primate that is being kept by a private keeper must be licensed. These include, but are not limited to:
- Marmosets
- Tamarins
- Squirrel Monkeys
- Spider Monkeys
- Capuchin Monkeys
- Lemurs
- Lorisids (also known as bush babies)
Certain primates also require a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence. To check if your primate is classed as a DWA and requires this additional licence, please review DEFRA's Schedule of DWA's.
If a primate you keep is listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, you will need to obtain a dangerous wild animal licence and a primate licence.
If you are unsure if you need to be licensed, you must contact us to discuss.
How much does a licence cost and what will happen after I apply?
You must pay a fee, please see our fees list. The cost of the vet’s time will also be recharged to the applicant. Once a valid application is received, a licensing officer will arrange to inspect your premises, accompanied by a vet. The Inspectors will assess your premises against the conditions specified in the regulations.
How long do licences last?
Primate licences where the primate is not listed as a dangerous wild animal will last for a maximum of 3 years, but you can request a shorter period if necessary.
Primate licences where the primate is listed as a dangerous wild animal will last for a maximum of 2 years and will run alongside a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence.
You must apply to renew your licence 10 weeks before your current one ends.
What paperwork do I need to submit with my application?
The regulations require the paperwork in the list below to be kept as part of the licence.
So we can deal with your application as quickly as possible, you should submit all the required paperwork as part of your application, along with your completed application form:
- A plan of the premises
- A register of all animals kept on the premises, including:
- its name;
- its sex;
- its microchip number;
- its date of birth or, if not known, its approximate date of birth;
- its species;
- its colour and markings;
- the name and contact details of its previous keeper (where applicable);
- the date and cause of its death (where applicable); and
- where the primate is permanently transferred to other premises, the name and contact details of the new keeper (where applicable) and the address of the place to which it has been relocated;
- A written emergency plan, covering:
- the measures to be taken for the removal of the primates should the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable;
- the arrangements for the care of the primates during and following an emergency; and
- an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police.
- A written procedure for special circumstances, including contingencies in the event of:
- the temporary isolation of any primate including arrangements for ensuring that the welfare needs of any primate that is being temporarily isolated are met during the period of its isolation.
- the death or escape of a primate; and
- the care of the primates following the revocation of the licence or the death of the licence holder.
- The individual diet plans for each primate.
- This must be created based on guidance from a vet or primate dietary expert.
- A written hygiene protocol, covering:
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Prevention and control of the spread of disease
- Monitoring and ensuring health and welfare procedure
- A written transportation procedure covering the welfare of the primate while being transported.
If the Primate is also a listed Dangerous Wild Animal under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, you will be required to provide the following additional documents:
- If in a premises of multiple occupancy, i.e., a HMO, block of flats or a row of terraced properties, you must have an emergency plan in the event of an escape to protect public safety.
- If in rented accommodation, evidence of permission from the landlord to keep a DWA must be supplied.
- A risk assessment for keeping a dangerous wild animal.
Your policies and procedures should detail how you meet all of the licence conditions.
What if the licence holder dies?
The licence will temporarily transfer to their personal representative. They must notify us within 28 days. The licence will expire after 3 months unless extended.
What if I transfer or sell a primate?
You must ensure the new keeper has a valid licence before transferring the primate. You remain legally responsible until they do.