Privately Owned Primate Licence
Keeping Primates requires a licence.
All Privately owned primates now require a licence under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024.
Licences remain valid for three years from the date of inspection and renewal, unless a shorter period is requested.
"Primate" means an animal of any species, other than human beings, that belongs to the primate order of mammals.
The most commonly kept primates include marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, tamarins and lemurs, but the Regulations apply to all primates.
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
You must also hold a Dangerous Wild Animals licence if the species of primate you keep is listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
How to apply
Download and complete the application form below. You will need to include a valid public liability insurance certificate.
Before issuing a licence we ask a vet to inspect the premises and animals and report their findings. We also inspect the premises to ensure other conditions are met. If all conditions are met a licence will be granted and issued together with the conditions.
The licence requires the owner to keep the animal in suitable and safe conditions, for the welfare of the animal and protection of the public. Licences can be refused or issued subject to conditions.
