From 6 April 2026, a licence will be required to keep a primate.
Under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, all primate keepers must meet zoo‑level welfare standards and will be subject to regular inspections.
Licensable activity
Under Regulation 4, a primate licence is not required to keep a primate in England if the primate is kept under a zoo licence or an ASPA licence. It is the responsibility of the primate keeper to apply for the appropriate licence.
In all other cases, only individuals authorised under a primate licence may keep primates. Holders of primate licences may also require a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (DWA) or a licence under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals (England) Regulations 2018 (LAIA), depending on the species of primates they keep and the activities the primates are involved in.
Keeping a primate without a valid licence is an offence and may result in an unlimited fine, removal of the animal, and or up to six months’ imprisonment.
Relevant guidance
The relevant guidance is as follows and must have been read and understood prior to applying for a licence:
- The Licensing process for keeping primates - GOV.UK
- Licence conditions for primate keepers (Schedule 1) - GOV.UK
Before you apply
You must contact us by emailing animal.control@gravesham.gov.uk before getting the primate, providing the following information:
- Your name and address
- The number and species of each primate you intend to keep
- The purebred status of the primate (for example, is it a hybrid, crossbreed or purebred)
- Enclosure arrangements for the primate
We can offer advice and guidance, and if appropriate we will give you an application form.