Introduction
The legality of owning a pet monkey in the United States is determined by individual state laws. While some states allow private ownership of monkeys as pets, others have enacted strict regulations or outright bans due to concerns related to public safety, animal welfare, and the potential for the spread of diseases.
States that permit the ownership of pet monkeys include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These states generally have fewer restrictions on owning exotic animals and may require permits or licenses to ensure proper care and compliance with animal welfare standards.
On the other hand, there are several states that prohibit or heavily regulate the ownership of pet monkeys. Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Ohio have implemented various restrictions or outright bans on keeping monkeys as pets.
Pet Monkey Legality by State
| State | Legality of Pet Monkeys |
|---|---|
| Alaska | No |
| California | No |
| Colorado | No |
| Georgia | No |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | No |
| Illinois | No |
| Iowa | No |
| Kentucky | No |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | No |
| Maryland | No |
| Massachusetts | No |
| Montana | No |
| New Hampshire | No |
| New Jersey | No |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | No |
| Ohio | No |
| Oregon | No |
| Pennsylvania | No |
| Rhode Island | No |
| Utah | No |
| Vermont | No |
| Washington | No |
| Alabama | Yes |
| Arizona | Yes |
| Arkansas | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Florida | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes |
| Kansas | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes |
| Mississippi | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes |
| North Dakota | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | Yes |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes |
| Wyoming | Yes |
What States Can You Own a Monkey ?
In the United States, there are several states where individuals are permitted to own monkeys as pets. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. However, it’s important to note that even in these states, there may be specific regulations and permits required for ownership. Prospective monkey owners should thoroughly research and comply with the laws and regulations of their respective states.
The 25 states where it is legal to own a monkey are :
1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Arkansas
4. Connecticut
5. Delaware
6. Florida
7. Indiana
8. Kansas
9. Michigan
10. Minnesota
11. Mississippi
12. Missouri
13. Nebraska
14. Nevada
15. North Carolina
16. North Dakota
17. Oklahoma
18. South Carolina
19. South Dakota
20. Tennessee
21. Texas
22. Virginia
23. West Virginia
24. Wisconsin
25. Wyoming
States Where You Can Own a Pet Monkey
Alabama
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Alabama.
Alaska
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Alaska.
Arizona
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Arizona.
Arkansas
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Arkansas.
California
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in California. The state has strict regulations in place that prohibit private individuals from keeping monkeys as pets. These regulations aim to protect both the welfare of the animals and public safety. California's ban on owning pet monkeys is part of their broader laws governing the ownership of exotic animals. The state recognizes the unique needs and challenges associated with caring for primates, considering factors such as their complex social structures, specialized diets, and potential risks to human health and safety. Therefore, individuals in California should not attempt to own a pet monkey, as it would be in violation of state law.
Colorado
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Colorado.
Connecticut
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Connecticut.
Delaware
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Delaware.
Florida
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Florida. The state allows individuals to have monkeys as pets, although specific regulations and permits may apply. Florida is known for its relatively lenient laws regarding exotic pet ownership, including monkeys. However, it is essential for prospective monkey owners to research and comply with any local or county regulations that might impose additional requirements or restrictions.
Georgia
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Georgia.
Hawaii
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Hawaii.
Idaho
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Idaho.
Illinois
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Illinois.
Indiana
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Indiana.
Iowa
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Iowa.
Kansas
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Kansas.
Kentucky
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Kentucky.
Louisiana
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Louisiana.
Maine
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Maine.
Maryland
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Maryland.
Massachusetts
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Massachusetts.
Michigan
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Michigan.
Minnesota
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Minnesota.
Mississippi
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Mississippi.
Missouri
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Missouri.
Montana
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Montana.
Nebraska
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Nebraska.
Nevada
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Nevada.
New Hampshire
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in New Jersey.
New Mexico
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in New Mexico.
New York
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in New York.
North Carolina
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in North Carolina.
North Dakota
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in North Dakota.
Ohio
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Ohio.
Oklahoma
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Oklahoma.
Oregon
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in South Carolina.
South Dakota
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in South Dakota.
Tennessee
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Tennessee.
Texas
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Texas. Texas permits the private ownership of monkeys as pets, provided certain guidelines and regulations are followed. Prospective monkey owners in Texas should be aware that specific permits or licenses might be required, depending on the species and size of the monkey. It is crucial to research and comply with the state and local laws and regulations to ensure legal ownership and the well-being of the animal.
Utah
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Utah.
Vermont
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Vermont.
Virginia
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Virginia.
Washington
Legality of Pet Monkeys
No
It is illegal to own a monkey in Washington.
West Virginia
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Legality of Pet Monkeys
Yes
It is legal to own a monkey in Wyoming.
FAQs
Can you have a monkey as a pet ?
Yes, depending on the state you reside in and the specific regulations and permits required, it is possible to have a monkey as a pet in some areas of the United States.
Where is it legal to own a monkey ?
It is legal to own a monkey in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Can you own a monkey in Texas ?
Yes, depending on the state you reside in and the specific regulations and permits required, it is possible to have a monkey as a pet in some areas of the United States.
Can you own a monkey in California ?
No, it is not legal to own a monkey as a pet in California.
Need to survey a highly targeted audience?
Talk to our Experts