FAQs
While a pet monkey is not outright banned, some rules cover the breed of monkey people are allowed to keep. Mississippi, Indiana, and Tennessee have partial restrictions making it illegal to keep an ape as a pet, but not monkeys. In Tennessee, monkeys are allowed except for apes and baboons.
How much does a pet monkey cost? ›
In addition to the high costs of keeping a money as a pet, these animals are also expensive to purchase from reputable sources. Costs will vary based on the type of monkey. For example, capuchin monkeys might cost $5,000 to $7,000, while a chimpanzee might cost $50,000.
How to get a monkey as a pet? ›
The legality of owning a monkey varies, depending on where you live. Some states say absolutely not, whereas other states say it's OK in certain circ*mstances. If it's legal where you live, you're still required to obtain a permit and show proof of an enclosure big enough that the monkey can live and play.
Is it OK to have a pet monkey? ›
Some species of primate can live for 20-40 years, making them a serious long-term commitment. Here are some more reasons why primates don't make good pets. They're potentially dangerous - while they might look cute, they can become aggressive when they mature and have been known to bite and attack their owners.
Can I own a raccoon in Tennessee? ›
Raccoons do not make good pets. Like all wild animals raccoons can carry diseases and parasites. When they reach sexual maturity they can become territorial and aggressive. It is illegal in the State of Tennessee to take a raccoon out of the wild to be kept as a pet.
What is the friendliest monkey you can own? ›
1. Capuchin. Capuchin monkeys are much smaller than chimps, making them easier to care for and far less dangerous.
Do monkeys bond with humans? ›
Both Arnedo and Fuentes gave personal accounts of growing bonds with monkeys they studied in the field. "If you spend enough time with them, it feels like you're part of a group," said Arnedo, but she added that, just like humans, primates are shaped by environmental factors and individual personalities.
What is the lifespan of a pet monkey? ›
For instance, cynomolgus monkeys (a.k.a., crab-eating macaques or long-tailed macaques) are one of the most prevalent species in research and live an average of 38 years in captivity. Vervet monkeys, popular as pets, can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Can you leave a monkey home alone? ›
Monkeys require attention all day, every day, and unlike cats and dogs, they cannot be left at home for extended periods of time. Once your monkey bonds with you, he will want to follow you wherever you go, and if you try to leave him by himself he will become bored, depressed and aggressive.
Is a capuchin monkey a good pet? ›
Capuchins, like other primates, don't make good pets. They're unhappy in a home environment and can become aggressive. They need the company of other capuchins and lots of space for exercise, which they simply can't get in a home environment.
They can live for 10–20 years, so are a long-term commitment for any owner. They're quite shy, flighty and don't enjoy being stroked or handled. Because of this they're are more appropriate for adults than children, and also best for owners who enjoy watching animals instead of handling them.
Can you own a monkey in Tennessee? ›
Tennessee is one of the few states in America where owning a pet monkey is legal. However, owning a baboon or an ape (that doesn't have a tail) is illegal. Monkeys make horrible pets--they're undisciplined, loud and even dangerous--and so are abandoned.
Can you potty train a monkey? ›
House training a very young monkey is almost impossible. Like a small child still in diapers, they will need to urinate often, and they have very little control of their bladder and bowels. The best way to deal with a monkey too young to be house trained is to use small diapers made for children.
Is it hard taking care of a monkey? ›
All primates, big and small, have complex social, physical and psychological needs that require expert care. Monkeys are social creatures that require constant interaction with their own species as part of a large group. They need space to climb and play, a proper diet, and lots of mental stimulation.
Do monkeys live in Tennessee? ›
There are no piranhas in Tennessee's lakes or monkeys in Tennessee's forests - yet, but you never know what the future might bring. Here are five animals that, improbably enough, have found their way into Tennessee in recent years.
Can you have a pet fox in Tennessee? ›
It is legal to keep a red fox as a pet in Tennessee with a permit, as long as the animal is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder. The foxes must be captive born and cannot be taken from the wild. If you want a pet red fox in Tennessee, you must have a Wildlife Possession Permit for Class II animals.
Can I own a capybara in Tennessee? ›
However, they are legal to possess in Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. Even if a state allows it, some cities may not. Capybaras are considered illegal pets in the five boroughs of New York City. It is legal to own a capybara is Texas, Washington, North Carolina, Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Florida, and Tennessee.
Can you own a wolf dog in Tennessee? ›
Wolfdogs are allowed in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.