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 contact.centre@chorely.gov.uk or enquire by post to Civic Offices, Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1AL. 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 £178 (non-refundable) for a primate licence, with a further fee payable on grant of the licence of £120. Please make your payments to Chorley Council by telephoning 01257 515151 and make sure you obtain a receipt number.