New regulations for Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) mean that from 6 April 2026 you need a licence to keep primates, these include:

• Apes
• Lemurs
• Spider monkeys
• Night (owl) monkeys
• Marmosets
• Tamarins
• Squirrel monkeys
• Lorisids including bush babies

You will need to apply to us for a licence, if you keep the primate in Epsom & Ewell Borough. You can now apply for a licence, to make sure that you are ready before the April 2026 deadline.

Apply for a licence

You will need to complete our primate licensing application form and send it to us. To request an application form please e-mail licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

You cannot make an application if you are under the age of 18, or if you have been disqualified from keeping primates.

We will update other requirements, as we receive additional guidance from the government.

Fees

You will need to pay a £450.00 application fee when you apply for a licence. You will also as part of your application need to pay a vet inspection fee.

When we grant a licence, you will also need to pay a £100.00 enforcement fee.