From April 2026, anyone keeping primate(s) will need to have a licence.
Licence to keep primates
New regulations for Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) mean that from 6 April 2026 you need a licence to keep primates, these include:
- Apes
- Lemurs
- Spider monkeys
- Night (owl) monkeys
- Marmosets
- Tamarins
- Squirrel monkeys
- Lorisids including bush babies
You will need to apply to us for a licence, if you keep the primate in Rushmoor. You can now apply for a licence, to make sure that you are ready before the April 2026 deadline.
Apply for a licence
You will need to complete our primate licensing application form and send it to us.
You cannot make an application if you are under the age of 18, or if you have been disqualified from keeping primates.
We will update other requirements, as we receive additional guidance from the government.
Fees
You will need to pay a fee when you put in your licence application. You will also as part of your application need to pay a vet inspection fee.
When we grant a licence, you will also need to pay the enforcement fee.
| Type of licence | Application fee | Enforcement fee (payable if we grant the licence) |
|---|---|---|
| New licence (first-time licence application) | £431.91 + vet inspection fee | £119.70 |
| Licence renewal | £388.16 + vet inspection fee | £119.70 |
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