The Animal Welfare (Primates Licences) (England) Regulations 2023 came into force on 6th April 2025. The Regulations require that any private keeper of primates in England must hold a licence to do so by 6th April 2026 to be fully compliant.
These regulations bring in strict rules ensuring that only private keepers who can provide high welfare standards will be able to keep primates.
Private primate keepers will be subject to a strict inspection regime to ensure welfare and licensing standards are upheld. From 6 April 2026 it will be an offence for anyone to keep a primate without a relevant licence. Failure to comply with the licence conditions could result in an unlimited fine, removal of the primate(s) or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months.
What's next?
Existing primate keepers have until 6 April 2026 to reach compliance with the required welfare and licensing standards. If you currently keep a primate in London Borough of Hounslow it is strongly recommended that you apply for a licence as soon as is practicable to ensure that a licence can be put in place before the deadline.
If you are a primate owner or considering purchasing a primate and would like any further guidance at this time please email animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk
What types of primates need to be licensed?
Any primate that is being kept by a private keeper must be licensed by 6th April 2026. These include:
- Marmosets
- Tamarins
- Squirrel Monkeys
- Spider Monkeys
- Capuchin Monkeys
- Lemurs
- Lorisids (also known as bush babies)
Certain primates also require a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. To check if your primate is classed as a DWA and requires this additional licence you can check DEFRA's Schedule of DWA's.
Exemptions
The regulations do not apply to any premises licensed under the Zoo Licensing Act or places specified in a licence under section 2C of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.
If a primate requires a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) licence then you will need to have both licences in place.
How much does a licence cost and what will happen after application?
This page will be updated soon with licence costs.
Once an application has been processed we will be in touch to arrange your inspection alongside a veterinarian or a suitably qualified person who specialises in the required species. The cost of the vet/specialist is charged to you after the inspection.
Please note: no licence will be granted unless there has been a veterinary inspection. You will need to pay the cost of all inspections carried out by our authorised vet/specialist. All payments are to be made prior to the grant of a licence.
How long do licences last?
Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years but you can request a shorter period if necessary, e.g. to coincide with a DWA licence.
