Primate licence

From April 2026 you will need a licence if you wish to keep a primate.

The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 brings in a licensing scheme to protect the welfare of primates kept in England. This sets strict rules to ensure that only private keepers who meet new welfare and licensing standards will be able to keep primates, to provide greater legal protection for pet primates. 

The measures come into force from 6 April 2026 when all primates in England will need to be kept to these zoo-level standards.

Cost

The current cost of a primate licence is £187.18, plus the cost of the veterinary inspection which you are obliged to pay whether a license is granted or not.

Documents

• Information for applicants
• Application form (PDF, 253 KB)
• GOV.UK: Licensing process for keeping primates
• GOV.UK: Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1)

Contact us

Trading Standards
Gateshead Council
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HH

0191 433 4807
[email protected]