The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. In most states, you will need to take classes and become licensed to own the monkey. They have extensive dietary requirements and require a wide variety of foods. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our Even if you raise the animal from birth, it is still a wild creature that can lose control at any minute and harm you.

In these states, the only people who could keep a pocket monkey would be those running a sanctuary or some sort of animal exhibit. They can get up to 40 pounds and can live up to 30 years.

Tamarins are tiny New World monkeys that weigh less than a pound but will live about 15 years in captivity.

While there are some cases where a monkey is well-trained and lives out its entire life without causing harm, the risk is too high in most cases. New York and New Jersey, for example, have strict laws regarding the possession of all types of wild animals, including primates, as pets.
Pygmy marmosets -- also known as "pocket monkeys" or "finger monkeys" -- are one the world's tiniest primates. Macaques are smaller monkeys that hail from Asia. Their natural diet is insects, fruit, tree sap, and other small animals. New York and New Jersey, for example, have strict laws regarding the possession of all types of wild animals, including primates, as pets. All primates are a potential risk to you and your family. The hedgehog. They need a very secure cage with small bar spacing; if not, they will escape or get stuck in the bars. They need a large, secure cage so they don't get lost in your house or run outside and climb up electric poles. Smaller monkeys may become aggressive, bite you, or become destructive in your home or their enclosure. While ownership of marmosets is usually allowed in most jurisdictions, an inspection from an animal-control officer may be required to determine that you have created a satisfactory habitat for the animal.

Monkeys look adorable and almost seem relatable since humans share genetic material with these creatures, but the Even though these are smaller primates, they require massive enclosures that are at least 30 square feet. To keep this animal as a pet, you would need to keep a troop of them. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Permits must be obtained from the state Department of Agriculture and can be difficult and lengthy to process. Monkeys or apes need a varied, fresh diet, and several hours of daily enrichment and interaction with you. Applying for a permit is no guarantee that you'll get it.Some states won't allow you to keep a pocket monkey -- or any monkey, for that matter -- as a pet, no matter the circumstances. Of those primates, only seven are usually kept as pets.

These are generally not suited as pets for their particular diet and UV light needs. They feel that because the little kid behavior that monkeys show is a threat. Why anyone would want to keep a wild animal like a tiger, monkey or bear as a pet is beyond me. Overall, primates Similar to tamarins in size and housing requirements, marmosets are squirrel-like monkeys from South America. Some states won't allow you to keep a pocket monkey -- or any monkey, for that matter -- as a pet, no matter the circumstances.

North Carolina doesn't have a statewide law regarding the possession of primates, leaving it in the hands of municipalities to make a decision. But, they will need access to a larger outdoor enclosed space for highly needed vitamin D for their growth and development. They thrive in large groups. Guenons are also high maintenance. Also, pygmy marmosets are highly sociable animals who do better when they live in a group, so keeping a single one as a pet is not ideal.Tammy Dray has been writing since 1996. Pygmy marmosets can become aggressive as they get older, especially if they're not provided with the environment they need to thrive. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals.

Native to the rainforests of South America, pocket monkeys can be found in the United States only in captivity. Nevada is one of the more liberal states when it comes to private ownership of exotic animals.