From April 2026 the regulations will require any person who keeps a primate to hold a primate licence.

Existing and prospective keepers of primates will be required to be licensed by the local authority for the area in which the primate is or is proposed to be kept.

Only a person and not an organisation can keep a primate under this primate licence.

Applying for a Primate Licence

To apply for a primate licence please email info@southribble.gov.uk or enquire by post to Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH. An application form can then be sent to you.

Before applying for any animal licence, you may wish to discuss your business proposal with us first.

We aim to process applications within 21 days.

Primate Licence Criteria

The licence conditions set out a range of requirements on the care and management of primates to protect their welfare. These include the need:

• for a suitable environment
• for a suitable diet
• to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
• to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

Cost of a primate licence

There is an application fee of £181 (non-refundable) for a primate licence, with a further fee payable on grant of the licence of £122.

Please make your payments using the South Ribble Council automated payments line on 01772 625625, please make sure you obtain a receipt number.