Apply for a Primate Licence

Under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024  (opens new window) you must have a licence if you keep one or more primates, including: 

• marmosets 
• tamarins 
• squirrel monkeys 
• spider monkeys 
• capuchin monkeys 
• lemurs 
• lorisids (also known as bush babies) 

A licence is not required by licensed zoos and medical and research facilities authorised under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. 

Will tacit consent apply? 

No, tacit consent does not apply. We will aim to respond to your application within 10 working days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please get in contact. We must process your application before the licence can be granted. 

Register of licensed primate keepers  

The register covers all licences under The Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 in our Borough. 

If you believe anyone is keeping primates without a valid licence, report this to us via email at regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk and we will investigate. 

All premises will be inspected before your licence can be granted. The inspector will check the applicant has the following: 

• knowledge in the animals they are caring for and a clear understanding of its needs. This includes the animal's mental and physical health and feeding.
• the applicant should be able to show that they have researched and followed guidance to carry out their role 
• understanding the risks involved in caring for the animal. Including a risk assessment and policies and procedures that are reviewed regularly. These documents should be available for the inspector 
• training in place to make sure staff know what is expected of them, and good supervision of staff 

We will visit you after your application is submitted. 

A primate keeper licence can be granted for a maximum of three years. 

The fee for a new primate keeper licence is £726. 

The fee to renew a primate keeper licence is £726. 

How to pay 

• call our customer service centre on 01483 505050 to pay with a debit/credit card over the phone, once you have emailed or posted your application documents to us  

How to apply 

Download and complete the primate keeper application form. (PDF, 357 KB)

Check the requirements 

Before you submit, ensure you have all the required documents ready to supply with the application form: 

• completed application form 
• Basic DBS Certificate (dated within 3 months)  
• proof of Right to Work (passport, birth certificate)  
• plan of the premises  
• public liability insurance (minimum £5 million cover)  
• standard operating procedures  
• emergency response plan  
• infection control procedure  
• staff qualifications and training records  
• register of primates  
• proof of fee payment  

If any of the primates are a listed dangerous wild animal (opens new window) you must also submit:  

• risk assessment
• emergency plan in the event of an escape, if in a premises of multiple occupancy  
• evidence of permission from the landlord to keep a DWA, if in rented accommodation 

Submit your application 

Submit all the required documents to us by email: regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk. 

Additional information 

Further information and guidance on keeping primates can be found on the GOV.UK website..

Email regulatoryservices@guildford.gov.uk if you have any further queries.