Can You Have a Pet Monkey in Arizona?

Arizona is home to a diverse array of wildlife, but it is illegal to own a pet monkey in the state. This is due to several concerns, including the potential for disease transmission, the risk of escape, and the difficulty in providing these animals with appropriate care.

What Are the Laws Regarding Pet Monkeys in Arizona?

Arizona's Department of Agriculture regulates the ownership of exotic animals, including monkeys. The state's Administrative Code prohibits the possession of "any wild animal which has the potential to cause serious physical injury to humans or other animals." This includes monkeys of any species.

Specifically, the code states that "no person may keep a monkey as a pet or companion animal." This means that it is illegal to buy, sell, trade, or possess a monkey in the state of Arizona, regardless of whether the animal is native or exotic.

Why are Pet Monkeys Illegal in Arizona?

There are several reasons why monkeys are illegal as pets in Arizona. First, these animals are vectors for a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including yellow fever, monkeypox, and herpes B. Second, monkeys can be aggressive and unpredictable, and they have the potential to cause serious injury to humans.

Third, providing monkeys with the proper care is often difficult and expensive. These animals have specific dietary, social, and environmental needs that most people are not equipped to meet. As a result, pet monkeys are often kept in cages that are too small or unsanitary, and they may not receive the proper nutrition or socialization.

What are the Penalties for Owning a Pet Monkey in Arizona?

The penalties for owning a pet monkey in Arizona are severe. A person who is convicted of violating the state's ban on pet monkeys may be fined up to $25,000 and/or sentenced to up to six months in jail. The animal may also be seized by the authorities and placed in a sanctuary or zoo.

What if I Already Own a Pet Monkey in Arizona?

If you already own a pet monkey in Arizona, you must surrender the animal to the authorities immediately. The Arizona Department of Agriculture will work with you to find a suitable placement for the monkey in a sanctuary or zoo.

What are the Alternatives to Owning a Pet Monkey?

If you are interested in having a pet that is similar to a monkey, there are several alternatives that are legal to own in Arizona. These include marmosets, tamarins, and bushbabies. These animals are smaller and more docile than monkeys, and they are generally easier to care for.