Are pet monkeys legal in the USA?

Not a good pet. Skye Gould/Tech Insider Yes, tiger cubs are adorable. Monkeys too, and bear cubs — of course. But they aren't domesticated animals, no matter how much we might wish they were. read more

Laws vary in different states. Counties or cities often have their own rules. Generally, monkeys are not legal in most places. read more

In the absence of a federal law on the subject of simian sidekicks, state laws prevail. So whether it is legal or illegal to have monkeys as pets depends on where you want to engage in monkey-keeping. If you live in California, you may be out of luck. read more

Some states have no laws prohibiting the keeping of monkeys as pets. For example, you're allowed to own a pocket monkey without the need for any special permits or paperwork in states like Alabama, Nebraska and South Carolina. read more