Primate keeper licence
New regulations mean that from 6 April 2026, you will need a licence if you keep one or more primates. A primate is an animal of any species other than human beings that belong to the primate order of mammals. This includes but is not limited to, any species of monkey, ape, lemur, loris or tarsier.
The only exemptions from the requirement to hold a licence under these regulations will be licensed zoos and medical/research facilities authorised under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
The regulations bring in a licensing scheme, setting strict rules to ensure that only those who can provide zoo-level welfare standards will be able to keep primates.
Existing private primate keepers can apply for a primate licence from April 2025. Primate keepers who already hold a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence or a licence under The Animal Welfare (Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 will require a primate licence in addition to these other licences.
From 6 April 2026, all private primate keepers and people proposing to keep a primate will be required to hold a licence, valid for a maximum of three years, and undergo reassessment to renew their licence to keep their animals.
From April 2026, a person keeping a primate without a primate keeper licence will be committing a criminal offence. Conviction for unlicensed keeping of a primate carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term of up to six months, an unlimited fine, or both.
While it doesn't become a legal requirement to hold a licence to keep primates until 6 April 2026, we would encourage all primate keepers to make their applications as early as possible to allow plenty of time for inspections to take place and for decisions to be made. Any licences issued before 6 April 2026, will be granted to take effect from that date.
Legislation
The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024
Fees
The application fee is payable at the time of application. Any veterinary inspectors' fees will be invoiced to you after the inspection as these are based upon the time taken by the vet and are not included in the application fee.