From 6 April 2025, anyone keeping a primate (monkey or ape) in England must hold a primate licence. This law has been introduced to ensure all privately kept primates are cared for at zoo level welfare standards.
The primates may be kept on a domestic or non-domestic premises. If you display your primates check the guidance on zoo Licences to make sure you don’t fall into that licence category.
A licence application is legally required because:
If you keep any primates such as marmosets, tamarins, capuchins or macaques, you will need a licence.
You do not need a primate licence if your primate is kept under a ASPA Licence (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986)
If you have a primate which is listed on Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 you will need to obtain both a Primate licence and a Dangerous Wild Animals licence.
You may also require an Exhibition Licence if you allow the public to visit your premises for less than 7 days in any one 12-month period. If you allow the pubic to visit your premises for more than 7 days in any one 12-month period, you will require a Zoo Licence, whether you charge for entry or not. If you need help determining which licence you need to apply for, please contact us.
A primate licence costs £590. This is to be paid online, after completing the application form.
There is then an additional charge for a qualified person with primate expertise to accompany our inspector at the premise inspection. You will be invoiced for the additional fees at a later date.
A licence will not be granted until fees are paid in full. If no licence is granted only the licence fee will be refunded.
In the circumstance where an applicant withdraws their application, the time spent by the officer to process the application will be charged at the hourly rate.
After we have examined your application and supporting documents your premises will be inspected by a suitable person (often a vet or primate specialist) and a Dorset Council Animal Inspector to assess compliance with welfare standards. We are keen to ensure that you are compliant, but you may find that some of our discussions do not meet how you currently believe you should care for your primate(s).
The legislation aims to provide a suitable and natural environment for your primate(s) to be able to exhibit the appropriate behaviour, for their species. The conditions are listed in the legislation under Schedule 1. Your vet should have sufficient knowledge and experience to support you as well.
If approved, your licence will set out:
Renewals follow the same process and must be completed before expiry.
You should read the:
You will need the following to complete this application:
You will need to register for an account on our licencing website before you can apply.
If you already have an account, you can login and apply.
You will be prompted to pay for your permit at the end of this application.
