Every intending monkey pet owner needs an honest opinion and ideas on whether or not to consider owning a pet monkey. It is not entirely fair to make a decision for someone. I humbly disagree, however, I appreciate giving a guide on what to expect and how best to prepare ahead. And that’s exactly why you are here.
This article covers the realities of pet monkey ownership, including costs, the best pet monkey species for beginners, housing needs and permit requirements. We aim to provide an honest look at the responsibilities involved so you can make an informed decision before bringing home a primate companion.
Is a Pet Monkey Right for You?
Owning a pet monkey can sound exciting, but requires careful consideration. While monkeys are intelligent and social animals, they have very complex needs compared to more traditional pets like cat and dogs. Monkeys are wild animals that need specialized diets, housing, vet care and enrichment to thrive in captivity. They also live long lifespans comparable to humans.
Before acquiring a pet monkey, you should thoroughly research proper monkey care and be prepared to make a decades-long commitment. Monkeys require lots of attention, training, and supervised time out of their enclosure each day. Their intelligence requires some physical activities and environmental enrichment to prevent boredom and frustration. These two situations can exhume the wildness in them.
While pet monkeys can form bonds with their owners, they retain wild instincts from their ancestors. Meaning, a monkey may become territorial, destructive, or even aggressive if not properly socialized and cared for. Monkeys are also infamous escape artists and can wreak havoc if let loose in your home. But wait, don’t decide just yet!
Best Monkey Species for Beginners
When choosing your first pet monkey, it’s important to select a species that is relatively easy to care for. Some of the best options for beginner owners include:
1. Capuchin Monkeys: Small, intelligent, and playful. Can be trained to assist with daily tasks. Require lots of stimulation and social interaction.
2. Squirrel Monkeys: Energetic and affectionate. Enjoy being held and cuddled. Need large enclosures with branches for climbing and swinging.
3. Marmosets: One of the smallest primate species kept as pets. Friendly and social. Need to be housed with other marmosets. Require specialized diet.
4. De Brazza’s Monkeys: Affectionate and bond closely with owners. Relatively quiet and low energy. Need lots of toys and activities to prevent boredom.
5. Macaques: Very smart and social. Require strict rules and lots of training. Can be aggressive, so not ideal for first-time owners.
Of these options, capuchin and squirrel monkeys are generally considered as the best pet monkeys for beginners. They are small enough to handle, yet intelligent enough to bond with their owners and learn tricks. Just be prepared for lots of activity and mischief. This is not a threat, just expectations.
Proper Cage Requirements
The cage for housing a pet monkey should be large enough for the monkey to move around, climb, swing, and play. As a general rule, the cage should be at least 6 feet high and 8 feet wide for smaller monkeys. Larger monkeys require even bigger enclosures.
The cage should have horizontal bars for climbing and perching. Stainless steel material is ideal as it is easy to clean and sanitize. The floor of the cage should be solid, not wire, for comfort and safety. The cage should be lined with bedding or wood chips for insulation purpose and easy cleaning.
The cage should contain vertical climbing surfaces, horizontal perches, swings, ledges, and toys. This allows for natural movement and enrichment. The cage should be secure with a double door entry system to prevent escape.
Diet of Pet Monkey
Naturally, monkey loves greens and nuts. A balanced commercial monkey diet is recommended for pet monkey; it provides all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed. Supplement with fresh fruits, particularly banana, and vegetables daily for additional nutrition and enrichment.
Favorite treats include bananas, grapes, green beans, and leafy greens. Mealworms, nuts, seeds and other snacks can be fed to pet monkey in moderation. For enhanced nutrition, you can go extra mile to research the specific dietary needs of your monkey’s species. Overfeeding pet money treats can lead to obesity and other health issues, you should give treats in moderation.
Toys and Activities
In order to boost the mental stimulation of your pet monkey, you should:
- Provide sturdy wooden, plastic, and rubber toys for playing, chewing, and swinging.
- Provide rotate toys to prevent boredom.
- Puzzle feeders encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- Allow supervised playtime outside the cage daily. Monkeys are highly active and need space to run and climb.
Social monkeys benefit from cage-mate companionship. Solo monkeys require extra interaction and playtime with owners. Grooming is an important social activity. Nail trims may be needed if not worn down naturally.
Lifespan of Pet Monkeys
The lifespan of pet monkeys can vary significantly depending on the species. Some of the most common pet monkey species include capuchin, squirrel, macaque, and marmoset monkeys.
On average, capuchin monkeys live 15-25 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, some capuchins may live up to 40 years or longer. Squirrel monkeys have an average lifespan of 15-20 years as pets. The oldest reported captive squirrel monkey was 32 years old.
Macaque monkeys generally live about 25-30 years on average when kept as pets. However, their maximum lifespan is closer to 40 years. The oldest reported captive macaque was 43 years old. Marmoset monkeys are one of the shorter-lived primate pets, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years in captivity. However, with exceptional care, marmosets may live up to 22 years of age.
In general, most pet monkey species live between 15-30 years on average. Proper housing, diet, veterinary care, and environmental enrichment are essential for maximizing a pet monkey’s longevity and quality of life in captivity.
Cost of a Pet Monkey
The cost of purchasing a pet monkey can vary greatly depending on the species and source. On average, expect to pay $4,000-$8,000 for a young, healthy pet monkey from a reputable breeder. Smaller monkeys like marmosets can be purchased for $1,500-$4,000, while larger monkeys like capuchins have a higher price tag of $8,000-$12,000.
Where To Buy a Pet Monkey
While it may be tempting to find a pet monkey for sale online or from questionable sources, it’s important to go through proper channels when acquiring a pet primate. The best option is to locate reputable, regulated breeders that specialize in monkeys and can ensure the animal comes from a healthy lineage. Some things to look for in a responsible breeder:
- They should be licensed by the USDA and adhere to regulations for housing, care and breeding practices. Unlicensed sellers may have unsanitary facilities or engage in unethical breeding.
- They will ask you questions about your ability to properly care for a monkey and may require proof of permit. Responsible breeders want to ensure good homes for their animals.
- They will provide veterinary records, microchip the monkey, and offer health guarantees. An ethical seller will stand behind the health of their monkeys.
- They will socialize the monkeys appropriately and begin training them before placement. Proper early socialization reduces behavior issues.
- They will educate buyers on proper diet, housing, enrichment and handling for that species. Good breeders want owners prepared.
Avoid buying monkeys at swap meets, flea markets, or through ads from unknown individuals. Purchasing from a USDA-licensed, reputable breeder is highly recommended for beginners seeking a healthy, well-adjusted pet monkey. Be wary of “too good to be deal” prices or sellers making outlandish claims. Our recommended online platforms are: Primate Store and Pets4You.
Cost of A Monkey Permit
Owning a pet monkey requires obtaining a permit in most states. The permit helps regulate ownership and ensure proper care and housing for the animals. Permit requirements and costs vary by location.
In general, permits range from $25 to $250 per animal annually. You need to demonstrate that you can properly care for the monkey by providing details on housing, enrichment, veterinary care and more. Of course, you should expect facility inspection from the licensing team. Some states like California prohibit private ownership of monkeys altogether unless special exemptions apply.
Municipalities also implement their own restrictions, so it’s crucial to check both state and local laws before acquiring a monkey as pet. The USDA may additionally require a permit if the monkey is an endangered species. Failure to obtain proper permitting can lead to the confiscation of the animal and criminal penalties in some jurisdictions.
The permitting process helps minimize public health and safety risks. But it also reflects the significant commitment involved in properly caring for a primate. Be sure to thoroughly research the demands of meeting permit requirements before deciding if a pet monkey is suitable for your situation.
Read More: Getting Monkey Permit: The Cost and Requirements
Can You Own a Monkey in Florida?
Florida has very strict laws regarding the ownership of exotic animals like monkeys. It is illegal for a private individual to own, possess, or sell apes, baboons, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, orangutans, and siamangs per Florida Administrative Code 68A-6.002. Additionally, Florida residents are prohibited from acquiring, selling, trading, transferring, or possessing monkeys such as capuchins, marmosets, and squirrel and spider monkeys. This is per the Florida Wildlife Code which identifies these species as Class III wildlife.
While limited exceptions may exist for certain research facilities, zoos, animal exhibitors, etc., it is essentially illegal for the average person to privately own a pet monkey in Florida. Those caught owning prohibited exotic animals face penalties, confiscation of the animal, and misdemeanor or felony charges. Unless you operate an authorized facility like a zoo, you cannot legally own monkeys like capuchins, chimpanzees, marmosets or other species as a pet in Florida. The laws aim to protect public safety and the welfare of the animals.
Is It Legal to Own a Monkey in Texas?
Texas has strict laws regarding the ownership of exotic animals like monkeys. The state defines exotic animals as those that are non-native to Texas. This includes primates like monkeys, apes, lemurs, etc. The regulations banning private monkey ownership were passed in Texas relatively recently in 2007.
It is illegal for private citizens to own, possess, or have custody of any non-human primates like monkeys in Texas. Only facilities like zoos, research institutions, and wildlife sanctuaries that are licensed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may legally own exotic primates. There are no permits or licenses available for private ownership of monkeys in Texas. Anyone who owns a monkey in Texas is in violation of state law. Violators can face seizure of the animal, fines up to $10,000 per primate, and even felony charges depending on the circumstances.
Read More: 24 States That Allow Monkeys As Pets In The US
Lastly, pet monkeys require an immense amount of care, responsibility, and commitment. Monkeys are wild animals that retain their instincts and natural behaviors regardless of how they are raised or domesticated. While monkeys form strong bonds with their owners and can be fun to interact with, their complex needs often make them unsuitable pets, especially for beginners.