Primate Licences

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)

If you are unsure if you need to be licensed you must contact us to discuss: animal.licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk 

You should apply for a primate licence as early as you can. Doing so will mean that you have a longer period to adapt to the changes that will become law in April 2026.

An application form can be found on the main page. Completed forms are to be sent to Animal Licensing, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts, WD6 1WA or via email to: animal.licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk 

Once received you will be emailed a link to make the required payment. 

You can find the conditions that you will need to meet in Schedule 1 of the regulations. All applicants will need to meet the conditions.

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. 

We are currently awaiting further guidance to come through from DEFRA. Once the fee structure has been set it will be published here.

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. 

Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years but you can request a shorter period if necessary.

The regulations require the following paperwork to be kept as part of the licence.

So we can deal with your application as quickly as possible, you should submit them as part of your application.

Your policies and procedures should detail how you meet all of the licence conditions.

• A plan of the premises
• A register of all primates kept on the premises, including:
  • its name;
  • its sex;
  • its microchip number;
  • its date of birth or, if not known, its approximate date of birth;
  • its species;
  • its colour and markings;
  • the name and contact details of its previous keeper (where applicable);
  • the date and cause of its death (where applicable); and
  • where the primate is permanently transferred to other premises, the name and contact details of the new keeper (where applicable) and the address of the place to which it has been relocated;
• A written emergency plan, covering:
  • the measures to be taken for the removal of the primates should the licensed premises become unsafe or uninhabitable;
  • the arrangements for the care of the primates during and following an emergency; and
  • an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police.
• A written procedure for special circumstances, including plans in the event of:
  • the temporary isolation of any primate including arrangements for ensuring that the welfare needs of any primate that is being temporarily isolated are met during the period of its isolation.
  • the death or escape of a primate; and
  • the care of the primate(s) following the revocation of the licence or the death of the licence holder.
• The individual diet plans for each primate.
  • This must be created based on guidance from a vet or primate dietary expert.
• A written hygiene protocol, covering:
• Cleaning and disinfecting
• Prevention and control of the spread of disease
• A written transportation procedure covering the welfare of the primate(s) while being transported.