What paperwork will I need to submit with my application?

The regulations require the following paperwork to be kept as part of the licence. To make sure we deal with your application promptly, you should submit them as part of your application. Your policies and procedures should provide an overview of your business and detail how you meet all the licence conditions. If you do not submit all the required information your application will not be processed.

The application must specify such other information, and be in such form, as the local authority may reasonably require, such as:

• the name and address of the applicant
• the species of primate, and the number of primates of each species to be kept under the licence
• the premises where the primates are to be kept
• the date from which the applicant proposes that the licence should have effect; and
• where the applicant requests the licence to be granted for a period of less than three years, the date on which the applicant requests the licence to expire

The following paperwork must be submitted as part of your application:

• a plan of the premises

In relation to each primate proposed to be kept on the premises you must specify the following details:

• its name
• its sex
• its microchip number
• its date of birth. If this isn't known, its approximate date of birth.
• its species
• its colour and marking
• the name and contact details of its previous keeper, where applicable
• the date and cause of its death, where applicable
• 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 it has been relocated

A written emergency plan covering:

• 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
• an up-to-date list of emergency contact details that includes the fire service and police

A written procedure for special circumstances, including contingencies in the event of:

• the temporary isolation of any primate, including arrangements for making sure that the welfare of any primate that is being temporarily isolated is met during the period of its isolation
• the death or escape of a primate
• the care of the primate following the licence's revocation or the licence holder's death

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 while being transported.

The individual diet plans for each primate. This must be created based on guidance from a vet or primate dietary expert.

How long does a licence last?

Primate licences last for a maximum of 3 years, but you can request a shorter period if necessary. You must apply to renew your licence 10 weeks before your current one ends.

What conditions will I need to meet to be licensed?

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

Are there any exemptions from the need to be licensed?

The regulations do not apply to any premises under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 or places specified in a licence under Section 2C of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Do I need public liability insurance?

Yes, as part of the licence conditions, you are required to ensure that you have adequate Public Liability Insurance which provides cover for the primate(s) which you have on your premises.

You must ensure that any policy you take out provides sufficient cover against any damage which may be caused by the primate should it escape. The level of insurance will depend on many factors which may include the species and number of primates you wish to keep.