How To Get A Pet Monkey: The Complete Guide

Owning an exotic pet like a monkey can sound exciting, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. If you’re considering getting a pet monkey, read this comprehensive guide first to learn if it’s the right choice for you and how to properly care for a primate.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Getting a pet monkey is extremely challenging – it’s illegal in most places, requires special permits, and monkeys need lots of special care and space that most people cannot provide.

In this nearly 3,000 word guide, you’ll learn all about what’s involved with owning a pet monkey, including understanding monkey behavior, creating a proper habitat, obtaining permits, finding a vet, diet and nutrition needs, health risks, expected costs, ethical concerns, and alternatives to owning a primate as a pet.

Is It Legal to Own a Monkey?

When it comes to owning unusual or exotic pets like monkeys, the laws can be quite complex. There are local, state, and federal regulations that must be considered before bringing home a monkey.

Local and Federal Laws

Many local governments have laws prohibiting owning certain exotic animals, including primates like monkeys and apes. Some areas ban ownership completely, while others require permits or place restrictions on the types and sizes of monkeys allowed as pets.

At the federal level, the Animal Welfare Act regulates the handling and care of captive wild animals, but does not explicitly prohibit private monkey ownership. However, importing primates and other animals may be restricted under international trade laws enforced by the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Required Permits and Regulations

Even if local laws do not prohibit owning a monkey, most states call for specific exotic pet permits, veterinary certifications, and strict housing and care requirements. Failure to obtain proper licensing can lead to major penalties, including confiscation of the animal, fines, or even jail time.

For example, California laws require a Restricted Species Permit for monkeys and other exotic pets. Permit holders must have extensive knowledge and experience caring for the species, and agree to home inspections, escape recovery plans, microchipping, and more.

Restrictions apply to how the monkeys are acquired, transported, housed, handled, and maintained.

Due to concerns over public health and safety, very few private owners can meet all state and federal requirements to legally own monkeys in the United States. Those wishing to care for monkeys may find it easier to volunteer at a zoo or sanctuary rather than attempting to keep them as pets.

Understanding Monkey Behavior

Social and Intelligence Needs

Monkeys are highly intelligent and social animals that thrive when their needs for mental stimulation and social bonding are met (AWA, 2021). In the wild, monkeys live in complex social groups and spend much of their time foraging, playing, grooming each other, and interacting (Bradshaw, 2022).

As pets, monkeys need adequate space, toys, and activities to engage their minds and opportunities to bond with their owners through daily playtime and positive interaction.

According to primatologists, monkeys have cognitive capacities comparable in some ways to a human toddler. They can use tools, solve problems, and develop close social bonds (Bradshaw, 2022). Denying them proper mental enrichment and chances to socialize can cause them distress and behavioral issues like aggression or self-harm (AWA, 2021).

Providing puzzles, foraging opportunities, and toys is key to keeping pet monkeys psychologically healthy.

Destructive Tendencies

In the wild, monkeys spend hours each day foraging, climbing, jumping, and engaging in social play—activities unsuitable for a human home. When these needs go unmet as pets, monkeys often turn to destructive behaviors, driven by frustration, boredom, and pent-up energy (HSUS, 2020).

They may chew woodwork, tear up furnishings, ransack wastebaskets, snap branches off houseplants, and more (Bradshaw, 2022). These destructive habits can be extremely difficult to manage.

Primatologists note that monkeys are also innately curious creatures who learn by touching, poking, biting, and dismantling items in their environment (AWA, 2021). This investigative nature fuels their drive to dismantle parts of their living space.

Leaving a monkey alone and unsupervised for any period almost guarantees property destruction.

Aggression and Biting Risks

Most monkey species maintained as pets become more aggressive as they reach sexual maturity, around age 5-8 years (AWA, 2021). Their hormone changes fuel erratic, sometimes violent, behavior like biting or attacking their owners and others.

Estimates suggest nearly 1 in 3 pet monkeys engaged in unprovoked attacks on human owners or visitors (Bradshaw, 2022).

This aggressive tendency stems from their wild nature as territorial pack animals defending social hierarchies and resources. Biting is how they establish dominance in their groups and fend off perceived threats in the wild (HSUS, 2020).

Without proper space or socialization, pet monkeys often fail to adjust this innate behavior to live amiably alongside humans.

Expert primatologists overwhelmingly agree that monkeys do not make good pets for household or companion purposes (AWA, 2021; HSUS 2022). Their complex physical, mental, and social needs simply cannot be adequately met without expert handlers using sanctuary or zoological settings optimized for their species (AWA, 2021).

Furthermore, the safety risks their aggression poses to people usually necessitates euthanizing pet monkeys once they reach sexual maturity and become unmanageable for owners.

Creating a Safe and Enriching Habitat

Enclosure Size and Layout

When creating a habitat for a pet monkey, larger is always better. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommends an indoor enclosure of at least 225 square feet for monkeys like squirrel monkeys and marmosets. This gives them adequate space to climb, jump, and move around.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate swings, ropes, branches, and other climbing structures. Many primate experts recommend connecting the indoor habitat to a larger outdoor space if possible, to provide even more room for exploration and activity.

The layout of the enclosure is also important. Horizontal space is good, but vertical space is even better for arboreal monkeys. Install climbing shelves, ropes, branches, and swings at different heights to encourage climbing and exercise.

Place food, water, and toys in spots that require effort to reach. Scatter and hide treats to stimulate natural foraging behavior. Include private, cozy nesting spots for sleeping and resting.

Environmental Enrichment

An enriching habitat keeps pet monkeys engaged and entertained. Bored monkeys may develop neurotic behaviors like rocking, pacing, or self-harming. To prevent this, provide lots of interactive toys and puzzles, like treat-dispensing balls, foraging boxes, and rags or cardboard for shredding.

Rotate novel objects like empty boxes, plastic bottles, paper towel tubes, and toilet paper rolls to pique their curiosity. Social enrichment is also vital, so house monkeys in compatible pairs or groups whenever possible.

It’s also important to recreate elements of their natural habitat. Place sturdy live or artificial plants, branches, vines, and rocks throughout the enclosure for climbing and hiding spots. Install a sprinkler or mister to simulate rainfall.

Provide substrate like bark, mulch, or sand for digging and foraging. Play nature sounds to mimic their wild environment. Just be sure to research the specific needs of your monkey species to tailor the habitat appropriately.

Safety Concerns

Any enclosure housing primates requires special safety considerations. Monkeys are intelligent and agile, so enclosures must be escape-proof. Use solid walls made from wood, glass, or steel mesh. Locks and latches should be sturdy and secure. Check for potential escape routes and weak spots regularly.

Consider a double door entryway to prevent accidental escapes.

Safety applies to materials used inside the enclosure too. Make sure substrates, plants, toys, perches, and furnishings are non-toxic if ingested. Don’t use lead-based paints or varnishes. Check that there are no sharp edges or points that could cause injury.

Position heat lamps and electrical devices safely to avoid burns, shocks, or fires. Always supervise monkeys when they are out of the enclosure as well.

Finding an Exotic Pet Veterinarian

Primate Medical Care Specialists

When getting a pet monkey, it’s crucial to find a veterinarian who specializes in primate medicine and has experience treating monkeys. Primates have very specific medical needs that general veterinarians may not be equipped to handle.

A primate vet will understand things like appropriate diets, housing, preventative medicine, and common health issues in monkeys.

Many zoos and universities have primate medical specialists on staff. Contact local zoos, primate sanctuaries, or university research facilities to get referrals. There are also national primate veterinary associations, like the Association of Primate Veterinarians, that can help you find a qualified exotic pet vet in your area.

Preventative Care and Checkups

Wellness exams and preventative care are extremely important for pet monkeys. Primates are susceptible to many contagious diseases, intestinal parasites, and dental problems. Regular vet visits (at least annually) allow early detection and treatment of any issues.

Preventative care may include:

Physical exam
Bloodwork
Fecal testing for parasites
Dental cleaning
Vaccinations

A primate vet can also advise you on proper nutrition, environmental enrichment, and socialization for your monkey. Establishing a relationship with a knowledgeable exotic vet will help set your pet monkey up for a long, healthy life.

Emergency Planning

It’s important to be prepared for any emergencies that could arise with your pet monkey. Know where the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic is located and have a plan for getting there quickly if needed.

Primate owners should also keep basic first aid supplies on hand, as well as contact information for a specialized vet and local wildlife authorities. Common primate emergencies include trauma, difficulty breathing, seizures, or severe lethargy.

Being prepared to handle these situations quickly can help save your monkey’s life.

Pet health insurance is also recommended to assist with costs from any major medical treatment or hospitalization. Policies specifically for exotic pets, rather than domestic pets, are required to cover primate care.

Diet and Nutrition for Pet Monkeys

Types of Food and Proper Nutrition

Monkeys are omnivores, meaning they need a varied diet consisting of plants, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and vitamins to stay healthy (1). In the wild, monkeys forage for berries, seeds, leaves, buds, nuts, flowers, roots, and bark.

They also eat eggs, smaller mammals, and insects to obtain protein. As pets, monkeys should be fed a balanced commercial primate diet made for their species and size.

Some good complete diets for pet monkeys include Mazuri Primate Browse Biscuits, Zupreem Primate Dry Food, and Purina Primate Chow. These provide the right ratios of nutrients monkeys require. According to veterinary guidelines, about 25% of a monkey’s diet should come from quality commercial monkey chow (2).

This ensures they get enough vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Meal Planning and Amounts

The other 75% of a pet monkey’s diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and limited proteins. Feed a variety for completeness. Good fruits to offer are apples, oranges, grapes, melons, berries, and bananas.

Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, and squash are great choices. Cooked whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley are better alternatives to seed mixes (3). Monkey diets should be thoughtfully planned and measured for optimal health.

As a general rule, pet monkeys should be fed about 3-5% of their body weight per day. For example, a 10 lb monkey would eat around 300-500 calories daily. Split this into multiple small meals, as monkeys tend to graze throughout the day.

Provide enriching food puzzles and foraging activities too for mental stimulation.

Supplements

In addition to a well-rounded diet, certain supplements can benefit monkeys. A standard primate vitamin and mineral supplement helps fill any nutritional gaps. Many monkey owners also provide probiotics to support healthy gut flora.

Some monkeys may need extra calcium, fatty acids, or digestive enzymes as well. Always check with an exotic vet first before giving any supplements to ensure safety and proper amounts for your pet’s needs (4).

With proper nutrition consisting of diverse whole foods, supplements, and enriching feedings, pet monkeys can live long, active, happy lives in human care.

References:

Health Risks of Monkey Ownership

Diseases Transmissible to Humans

Pet monkeys like macaques and capuchins can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, including viral diseases like herpes B-virus, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (CDC).

According to the CDC, over 40 cases of herpes B-virus have occurred in humans as a result of macaque bites and scratches. This dangerous virus can lead to severe brain damage or death if left untreated. Additional bacterial diseases like tuberculosis and salmonella are also risks.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites are very common in monkeys. While some parasites like pinworms and whipworms rarely cause illness in the monkey host, others like Entamoeba and Giardia can lead to chronic diarrhea over time.

These parasites can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected monkey feces. An infected human may be asymptomatic or develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastro-intestinal symptoms.

Injury Risks

Despite their small size, monkeys are incredibly strong animals capable of severely injuring or biting humans. Larger monkeys like macaques have extremely powerful jaws and sharp teeth. According to estimates, over 2,000 monkey bites occur in the United States each year.

Most incidents involve smaller monkeys like capuchins on the hands, fingers, and face with sometimes serious injuries like lacerations, ripped and torn skin, damaged tendons and nerves, and bone fractures.

Additionally, monkeys can harbor aggressive tendencies from past abuse making bites more likely.

Estimated annual monkey bites in the US	Over 2,000
Common bite locations	Hands, fingers, face
Potential bite injuries	Lacerations, skin damage, tendon/nerve damage, bone fractures

Costs of Owning a Pet Monkey

Purchase Costs

Owning a pet monkey can be an expensive endeavor. Purchase costs alone can range from $4,000 to $8,000 for a young monkey from a reputable breeder. Older monkeys may be less expensive, but often come with more health problems.

The high initial cost is due to the extensive care and controlled breeding required to raise healthy pet monkeys. Exotic pet laws also restrict the supply of pet monkeys, driving costs up. While a “discount” monkey may seem tempting, it likely will incur more expenses down the road.

Housing and Enclosure

Providing proper housing for a pet monkey is critical for its health and happiness, but the expenses add up quickly. An outdoor enclosure should have strong fencing and measures to prevent digging and climbing, costing $2,000-$5,000 to construct properly.

Indoor housing needs enough space for climbing, playing and sleeping, so expect to dedicate an entire room to your monkey. Proper housing materials, toys and perches can cost $500-$1,000. And don’t forget monthly utility costs to heat, cool and light your monkey’s home!

Adding an outdoor play area allows time outside the enclosure but requires supervision for safety.

Food

Feeding your pet monkey a nutritious diet is vital for their health. A diet of fruits, vegetables, special primate biscuits and treats costs $150-$300 per month. Infant formula is also required for young monkeys, adding more to your grocery bill.

Meal prep takes time too – food must be chopped, cooked and supplemented with vitamins. Water must always be fresh and clean. Having an exotic veterinarian review your monkey’s diet is recommended. Failure to feed them properly can lead to serious health issues.

Vet and Medical Care

Routine and emergency vet care is essential, but access to qualified exotic pet vets is limited. Annual exams, vaccines and checkups average $200-$500. Medical issues requiring exams, lab work, x-rays and treatment can cost thousands.

Exotic pet insurance is available but premiums are high, from $200-$500 per month. Dental cleanings require anesthesia and cost $800-$2,000. Monkeys are susceptible to obesity, diabetes and gastrointestinal issues if not cared for properly.

Lifetime medical expenses for a pet monkey often exceed $20,000.

Ethical Concerns of Primate Pets

Captivity Impact on Monkeys

Keeping monkeys as pets can have severe negative impacts on their well-being. Primates are highly intelligent, social animals that have complex needs that are difficult to meet in captivity (Humane Society).

When monkeys are removed from their natural habitats and social groups, they often develop self-destructive behaviors like pulling out their hair or biting themselves. Being confined alone in a cage can cause social deprivation and psychological trauma.

Captive monkeys also commonly suffer from illness, injury, and malnutrition.

Some studies have shown that primates confined in isolation develop symptoms of depression resembling those seen in humans, like anhedonia and social withdrawal (Lutz). Captive primates often engage in stereotypical behaviors like pacing and rocking due to stress and boredom.

Housing primates in small cages with no social stimulation profoundly impacts their well-being in ways we are only beginning to understand.

Promoting Exotic Pet Trade

When people purchase monkeys from breeders or pet stores, they are financially supporting the exotic pet trade. Most captive monkeys in the US come from commercial breeding facilities, not from rescues or sanctuaries (In Defense of Animals).

The exotic pet trade is largely unregulated, resulting in animal cruelty and major public health risks. Buying pet monkeys fuels the exotic animal industry and takes business away from legitimate sanctuaries that provide monkeys with lifetime care.

Breeding monkeys for pets also has conservation impacts. Some species like cotton-top tamarins are endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade (Avaaz). Reducing demand for pet monkeys helps protect wild populations that are already under threat.

Public Health Risks

Keeping monkeys and other primates as pets poses serious disease risks to owners and the public. Non-human primates can transmit dangerous diseases to humans that may have minor effects on them but be potentially fatal for people.

Herpes B virus is common in macaque monkeys and can be spread through scratches, bites, or contact with body fluids (CDC). It can cause severe neurological disease or death in humans.

Tuberculosis is another contagious disease spread between non-human primates and humans. The FDA has banned the sale and transport of pet monkeys across state lines due to disease risks (FDA). Owning a monkey puts the owner’s health at risk, as well as anyone else who comes into contact with the animal.

Proper quarantines and medical care for pet monkeys is challenging and expensive.

Alternatives to Owning a Pet Monkey

Other Pets That Are Easier to Care For

Owning a pet monkey may seem exciting, but it requires an enormous amount of time, money, and responsibility. For most people, there are much better pet options that are easier to care for. Here are some great alternatives to pet monkeys:

Dogs – Man’s best friend makes a loyal, loving pet. Dogs can be trained and enjoy activities like walking, playing fetch, etc. Care is much easier than a primate.
Cats – For those seeking a more independent pet, cats are a great option. They are lower maintenance than dogs and often happy with food, sleep, and playtime with toys or laser pointers.
Small mammals – Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets can make fun, interactive pets. They require much less space and supervision than monkeys.
Birds – Parrots and other birds can be taught to talk and do tricks. A birdcage and regular feedings are easier than building an enclosure for a monkey.
Reptiles – For exotic pet lovers, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and more are an easier alternative. Their care needs are very specific but more manageable than a primate.
Fish – A fish tank with tropical fish or goldfish can provide relaxing pet interaction with very low maintenance.

These are just a few examples of pets that are easier to own and care for than monkeys. Be sure to research the specific needs of any pet you are considering bringing home.

Volunteering at a Zoo or Sanctuary

For those who love primates, volunteering at a zoo or sanctuary is a great way to interact with monkeys and apes without owning one. At reputable facilities, you can:

Feed and help care for resident primates under staff supervision
Observe and learn about natural behaviors up close
Gain experience working hands-on with species that interest you
Provide enrichment through toys, activities, and social interaction
Help clean enclosures and prep food according to strict health guidelines
Interact with and educate visitors to inspire conservation

Volunteering allows you to bond closely with monkeys and other animals while supporting organizations that work to protect threatened species. According to the World Wildlife Fund, 60% of primate species are threatened with extinction.

Zoo and sanctuary volunteers play a crucial role in caring for endangered primates and promoting public awareness.

Check for volunteer opportunities at reputable zoos, sanctuaries, and primate rescue centers near you. Giving your time to help monkeys can be incredibly rewarding without the demanding commitment of personally owning one as a pet.

Conclusion

Owning a pet monkey is an enormous commitment fraught with challenges and ethical dilemmas. While their intelligent and energetic nature can make monkeys seem like appealing companions, fulfilling their complex needs in captivity requires specialized care, permits, habitat construction and huge expenses that prove unrealistic for most owners.

If you still feel strongly about owning an exotic pet primate, seriously research all that it entails, comply with all laws in your state, and ensure you can provide an enriching environment for the monkey.

Often times, the best way to interact closely with monkeys and support primate wellbeing is to volunteer with reputable zoos and wildlife sanctuaries instead.