Six Best Monkeys To Have As Pet: Legality, & Care

Monkeys are social animals and therefore make the best pets when part of a matched, compatible pair. Different species of monkeys need different types of care, space, food, and in some cases, even playthings. It’s very important to fully research which type of monkey you will be adopting so that you can provide for its special needs.

Monkeys like humans are social animals and therefore need large amounts of quality and frequent social interaction. A pet monkey that is not showered with enough time, attention, and love could lead to such an animal developing some unusual behavioral issues like screaming, biting, and destroying things all in the bid to get your attention.

This article discusses what you need to know about keeping a monkey as a pet. We’ll even include a list of the best pet monkeys to buy so that you can get the perfect one for your needs.

Is Pet Monkey A Good Companion?

Yes, some monkeys can be quite sweet for a time. But the reality is these creatures cause too much harm and need too much care. Many people who keep monkeys as pets may assume that their primate companions are docile and friendly. But wild animals are wild because they have to be: if these creatures were not wary of humans, they would probably get eaten by them.

Even domesticated animals can be unpredictable, which means having a pet monkey is a dangerous proposition. If you decide to adopt a monkey as a pet, you’ll find that even the neediest dogs pale in comparison. While dogs just need some attention and love, monkeys will require an enormous amount of space, along with constant care and interaction.

As a pet, your monkey will need to live in an enclosure. It is important that the enclosure provide everything the animal requires for its physical and psychological well-being.

Monkeys can suffer from cage shock if after spending a lifetime roaming around you suddenly confine them to a cage or room. A dog or cat would have no idea what was going on if you put it inside a box and then stuck that box months later in another one.

Monkeys are very intelligent animals and have behavioral patterns that allow them to understand exactly where they are at all times. This includes their sleeping area, feeding areas, and exercise areas among others.

Challenges of Keeping Money as a Pet

The challenges of raising and training a monkey as a pet are usually enormous because caring for a pet monkey is not the same as caring for a dog or cat or even a rabbit.

Even though monkeys might share some genes with humans, they require a full commitment for the 20 to 40 years they might spend alive if they are well taken care of, meaning they need to care for their whole lives. These animals do not mature and grow up as human babies do which makes them children for life.

They could also become prone to sudden displays of aggression, regardless of size, especially at the age of sexual maturity. At this stage, a monkey may destroy everything in the house and bounce off the walls in fits of agitation. They might also develop psychological problems which are even worse because it could be quite difficult to find a cure for them. Primates have special and specific needs that need to be taken care of and great thought needs to be given to considering taking a monkey as a pet.

Another challenge is that monkeys who are pets tend to get used to their owners so much and could get jealous and possessive when new additions are made to the house such as a newborn child or a new spouse. It is also not very possible to leave your pet monkeys at home to go for vacations, nor can they be kept with neighbors or family members, and in some other countries keeping monkeys as pets is prohibited.

How Much Is It For A Pet Monkey?

Owning a monkey as a pet is indeed legal in most states. The cost of owning a pet monkey depends on the type of monkey you get and its age. A typical Barbary macaque (the most common pet monkey) will cost between $4,000 and $6,500 each. The younger monkeys are slightly cheaper starting at $2,000 or so.

Not all monkeys are going to be as expensive, depending on what kind of monkey it is. Obviously, a pet capuchin is going to be the cheapest because they are very small and not extremely demanding of their owner.

In addition, a chimpanzee will be about $70,000. That’s because a chimp can live to be 50 years old and their care throughout the years costs quite a lot more than taking care of a smaller pet monkey.

Places Where Pet Monkeys are Legal

There’s a question many pet owners and lovers ask themselves; is it legal to keep a monkey as a pet?

Monkeys are pets in several states of the United States, including Washington state and Montana. The ASPCA lists invasive primates as animals to avoid as pets because they can carry diseases like Herpes B, tuberculosis, and parasites. The CDC identifies one disease known as monkeypox which can be deadly for humans with no cure. Several countries have banned pet monkeys entirely, including Malaysia, Australia, Barbados, and Egypt.

Keeping a monkey as a pet may seem like a common occurrence, but it’s only legal in certain areas. Residents of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Nevada, Florida, Arizona, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as well as West Virginia, are allowed to own pet monkeys.

Monkeys You Can Have As Pets

Monkeys generally are a very difficult species of animals to keep as pets. Even though as babies, they might appear so sweet, irresistible, and helpless as babies, they often grow to become very stubborn and difficult animals as adults and make it difficult for the owners to keep up. Some examples of small monkey breeds that could be kept as pets after serious consideration include:

#1. Capuchin

Capuchin
capuchin monkey

The capuchin monkey is said to be the most intelligent of the monkey species. But even with their smartness, they never seem to know where the toilet is and keep on messing the whole place up. They typically weigh about 5 to 7 pounds and, after the socialization and training process, they allow people who have severe disabilities like quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries, and mobility issues to maintain their independence. This species of monkey also tends to be mischievous and highly territorial.

Read Later: Capuchin Monkey Habitat and Social Grooming Behavior

#2. Macaque

Macaque
Macaque monkey

Macaque monkeys are native to Asia and are very small monkeys compared to the capuchin. Their size could get up to 40 pounds with a life span of about 30 years. They also need to wear diapers throughout their lifetime.

#3. Tamarin

Tamarin
Tamarin monkey

Tamarins are tiny New World monkeys that weigh less than a pound but will live about 15 years in captivity. Despite their small mouths, they can still give nasty bites. They need a very secure cage with small bar spacing; if not, they will escape or get stuck in the bars. For an indoor cage, you can house one in a 7-feet square enclosure. However, they will need access to a larger outdoor enclosed space for highly needed vitamin D for their growth and development.

#4. Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel monkey

Squirrel monkeys are acrobats. They live up to 25 years, use their tails to hang on branches, and need a lot of space and hanging branches for clinging and moving around. They will also wear diapers for their entire life. They have extensive dietary requirements and require a wide variety of foods.

#5. Marmoset

Marmoset
Marmoset Monkey

Marmosets share many similarities with the tamarin monkeys in terms of size and the necessary features required for their housing. The only difference is the nutritional needs of the Marmosets which include insects, fruits, the sap of trees, and some smaller animals. It is not really easy to train or handle a Marmoset monkey due to its special feeding habits and temperament.

#6. Guenon

Guenon
Guenon Monkey

Guenons are monkeys found majorly in the Sub-Saharan forests of Africa. When turned into pets, they can manage to live for about 25 years. They weigh nearly 10 pounds. Guenons are maintenance animals that survive and thrive better in large groups. Therefore, to successfully keep this animal as a pet, it will also be required to keep a large number or troop of them.

Read Later: Getting Monkey Permit: The Cost and Requirements

How To Care For A Pet Monkey

Monkeys are intelligent, social creatures. They are great pets for adults and children alike. It is important to know what makes monkeys good pets and how to keep them safe and happy.

1) Get a Good Cage

Monkeys need a good cage that allows them to move freely and display their innate behaviors. Ventilation is another factor to consider when building or buying a monkey cage. A well-ventilated cage helps eliminate odors and prevent airborne diseases.

A cage of at least two feet wide and three feet tall (or larger) is good for a start. A two-story cage will work best, they’ll be able to climb up and down with relative ease.

2) Feed Monkey a Balanced Diet Every day:

Monkeys need to be fed a high-quality diet that’s appropriate for their size. They should be given fruit in the morning and at night, along with vegetables like carrots and celery sticks. Monkeys love banana peels and will eat them right out of your hand.

You can find monkey food in most pet stores or online from reputable companies like Petco or Amazon. Ensure you check the nutritional composition of the food before buying; this tells what the monkeys will derive from eating the food.

3) Clean their cage regularly

Cleaning the cages regularly helps keep the monkeys fit and resist any diseases. The leftover food should be removed before serving a fresh one. Monkeys need clean air and fresh water every day.

Monkey cages should be cleaned at least once per week by using mild soap and warm water so that they don’t get sick from dirty conditions inside their home away from home,

4) Provide Enough Space

Monkeys will need plenty of space to move around in, both inside their home as well as outdoors. They also need a variety of toys so they don’t get bored. Some monkeys enjoy physical play such as wrestling or throwing things; other monkeys enjoy mental stimulation such as puzzles or card games; still, others prefer just sitting quietly alone in their cage with nothing but each other for company.

5) Give them lots of toys.

Monkeys love toys, they keep their minds active and help keep their energy levels up during long periods without food or water.

6) Protect Their Territory

Keep them away from other pets or animals that may cause harm to your monkey’s health or temperament. For example, if you have a cat, make sure there are no strings between the two animals’ cages or areas where they could get tangled together—this could lead to injury for both pets involved.

7) Show Affection

The most important thing for you as a human is to treat your pet right by offering lots of love and affection throughout the day (and night).

Final Notes

While the idea may seem exciting, owning exotic animals has its inherent dangers. With their wild nature, there is always the risk of unpredictable behavior and even damage to yourself or your property. Taming animals that are within the confines of your property can be difficult, especially those of larger sizes.

Although the exact number of injuries from pet primates is not certain, outbreaks of disease and physical attacks by these animals have been documented throughout the years. Some reported incidents of poor living conditions and animal neglect are not uncommon with these pets as well.

13 thoughts on “Six Best Monkeys To Have As Pet: Legality, & Care”

  1. I live n west Virginia I been wanting a baby female monkey for over 7 years I really can’t afford to pay slot of money but I DO have plenty of love for my baby please respond back to me soon I been wanting one for over 7 years I’m 53 years old I pray that I will be able to purchase a baby female monkey for under 300 dollars can’t wait to hear from U.

    Reply
  2. I have been wanting a female macaque for ever since I can remember. I have read pretty much all there is out there about them. I am finally at a place in life where I can own one and give it everything it needs and that includes my time and undivided attention. If anyone out there finds this post and can help me obtain my life’s wish, please email me. Thank you

    Reply
  3. I’m so in love with candy that’s go be my monkey name,I so need her all my children are out the house I need my baby candy

    Reply

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