Can You Own a Monkey in Washington State? What the Law Actually Says

Washington State draws a hard line when it comes to keeping monkeys and other non-human primates as pets — and the law is far less flexible than many people assume. Whether you’ve been eyeing a marmoset, a capuchin, or a spider monkey, the answer from state law is the same across the board.

Before you start searching for breeders or pricing enclosures, it’s worth understanding exactly what Washington’s statutes say, which agencies enforce them, and what happens if you choose to ignore the rules. This guide walks you through every layer of the law so you can make an informed decision.

Is It Legal to Own a Monkey in Washington

In Washington State, it is illegal to possess potentially dangerous wild animals, such as monkeys, bears, tigers, and venomous snakes. This is not a gray area or a matter of interpretation — the prohibition is written directly into state statute and applies to every county in the state.

In 2007, the state legislature passed the Dangerous Wild Animal Act (DWA), making it illegal for many individuals and facilities to import, possess, and breed all species of apes. The DWA extended to all non-human primates, not just great apes, meaning smaller monkey species fall under the same prohibition.

A person shall not own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the state, or have custody or control of a potentially dangerous wild animal. By definition, a potentially dangerous wild animal includes, among others, lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, wolves, bears, hyenas, non-human primates, elephants, rhinoceroses, certain reptiles, and venomous snakes.

Key Insight: Washington uses an “exclusionary” legal system for exotic pets — meaning the law spells out which animals are prohibited rather than listing what is allowed. Non-human primates are explicitly named in the prohibited category, leaving no room for interpretation.

To summarize, there are four categories of animals prohibited: animals that can carry or infect others with rabies; wild animals including native species; animals that can cause harm to the local environment or that may be invasive; and animals that are considered dangerous to humans, livestock, or pets. Monkeys can fall under more than one of these categories simultaneously, which is part of why the ban is so firm.

If you’re curious about other animals that are similarly restricted in the state, you can also read about whether it’s legal to own a raccoon in Washington for a comparable look at how the state handles exotic mammal ownership.

Which Monkey Species Are Allowed or Banned in Washington

There is no species of monkey that is legal to own as a private pet in Washington State. The prohibition covers all non-human primates without exception at the state level.

The Revised Code of Washington’s list of dangerous wild animals includes non-human primates alongside lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, wolves, bears, hyenas, rhinoceroses, elephants, venomous snakes and reptiles, crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gavials.

This means the following species — all commonly sought as exotic pets in other states — are banned in Washington:

• Capuchin monkeys — popular in other states for their trainability and small size
• Marmosets — among the smallest primates, sometimes marketed as “pocket monkeys”
• Squirrel monkeys — often sold in states with more permissive laws
• Macaques — including rhesus and Japanese macaques
• Spider monkeys — learn more about this species at our spider monkey overview
• Chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, and gibbons — all great apes are explicitly banned

In Washington, all gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gibbons are classified as “potentially dangerous wild animals” that pose “serious health and safety risks” to the community.

One additional public health concern worth noting: the most dangerous zoonotic disease associated with primates is Herpes B virus, formally known as Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1. Herpes B is enzootic in macaques, the genus that includes rhesus monkeys, one of the most commonly bred species in the exotic pet trade. According to the CDC, 70 to 90 percent of adult macaques carry the virus. They typically show no symptoms, so there is no way to tell whether a macaque is infected by looking at it.

If you’re interested in learning about Washington’s broader wildlife, including the many species that do live freely in the state, explore our guides on woodpeckers in Washington and eagles in Washington State.

Important Note: Even if a monkey is captive-bred rather than wild-caught, it is still illegal to own in Washington. The law does not distinguish between wild-caught and captive-bred primates when applying the prohibition.

Permit and License Requirements for Monkey Ownership in Washington

Unlike some states that offer exotic animal permits to private individuals, Washington does not provide a pathway for ordinary residents to legally obtain a monkey through any permit or licensing process.

Limited exemptions to Washington’s exotic animal laws are available, but they are not intended for private pet owners. Eligible entities include circuses temporarily operating in the state for 21 days or fewer.

Other exemptions under RCW 16.30 apply to institutions authorized by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to hold deleterious exotic wildlife, institutions accredited or certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, duly incorporated nonprofit animal protection organizations, animal control authorities, law enforcement officers, holders of a valid wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, wildlife sanctuaries as defined under RCW 16.30.010(5), and research facilities as defined by the Animal Welfare Act.

In plain terms, the only entities that can legally possess a monkey in Washington are:

1. Accredited zoos and aquariums (AZA-certified)
2. Licensed wildlife sanctuaries meeting strict nonprofit criteria
3. Federally registered research institutions
4. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators (for temporary care only)
5. Out-of-state circuses passing through for 21 days or fewer

Washington’s Dangerous Wild Animal Act does not include a blanket exemption for all USDA-licensed breeders, dealers, and/or exhibitors. According to the legislative history, this omission was deliberate because the legislature was concerned that unscrupulous owners would obtain USDA licensure to circumvent the state-wide ban, a practice that occurs throughout the nation.

This is a critical point: simply obtaining a USDA breeder or exhibitor license does not make it legal to keep a monkey as a pet in Washington. The state intentionally closed that loophole.

Pro Tip: If you contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) about a primate permit for personal pet ownership, expect to be told none exists. Verifying this directly with the agency before making any purchase decision is strongly advised.

Local Laws That May Still Apply in Washington

Even setting aside the state-level ban, local ordinances add another layer of restriction across Washington. Cities and counties have the authority to pass their own animal control laws, and many have done so.

Local laws add another layer. Even in states with no state-level restrictions, individual cities, counties, and homeowners associations can ban exotic pets on their own. A monkey that is legal under state law may still be illegal on your block. In Washington, where monkeys are already banned at the state level, local ordinances simply reinforce or extend those restrictions further.

Bellingham’s municipal code provides a clear example of how local governments handle this. No person shall have, keep, or maintain any exotic or wild animal unless specially permitted. A permit to own and maintain any wild or exotic animal will be issued only if it can be demonstrated that public safety is not at risk and proper animal enclosures exist to ensure the public’s safety.

Although there are many local ordinances in Washington that regulate the possession and use of apes, almost none of those ordinances actually set specific minimum standards for the care of apes. This means that even in the rare institutional context where a primate is legally held, local enforcement can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Key points to keep in mind about local laws in Washington:

• County animal control offices enforce both state and local ordinances
• Homeowners associations may have their own pet restrictions in addition to city and county rules
• Rental agreements can prohibit exotic animals regardless of what local law says
• Local animal control officers, law enforcement agents, and county sheriffs enforce the Dangerous Wild Animal Act.

Washington’s wildlife is rich and diverse without the need for exotic pets. If you’re interested in exploring what naturally inhabits the state, check out our articles on owls in Washington State and hawks in Washington State.

Where You Can Legally Buy a Monkey in Washington

The direct answer is that there is nowhere in Washington State where you can legally purchase a monkey for private ownership. Because possession itself is illegal for private residents, the sale of monkeys to individuals is equally prohibited.

With the internet, exotic animals are easier than ever to obtain. In addition, pet stores that sell these animals have no obligation to verify the legality of private ownership with buyers. This means you may encounter online sellers or out-of-state breeders willing to ship primates to Washington residents — but accepting delivery of the animal would still be a violation of state law the moment the animal crosses into the state or enters your possession.

Federal law also protects all endangered species from sale and possession. You cannot own any endangered species. Many monkey species — including several spider monkey species, woolly monkeys, and certain macaques — appear on the federal endangered species list, adding a second legal prohibition on top of the state ban. You can read more about spider monkey species to understand which fall under federal protection.

Common Mistake: Some people assume that buying a monkey from a USDA-licensed breeder in another state and transporting it to Washington makes the transaction legal. It does not. The moment the animal enters Washington in your custody, you are in violation of RCW 16.30.030 regardless of where the purchase occurred.

Entities that can legally possess primates in Washington — such as accredited zoos or research facilities — obtain animals through highly regulated institutional channels that are not accessible to the general public. These facilities work directly with other accredited institutions, species survival programs, and federally licensed sources under strict documentation requirements.

If you’re genuinely passionate about primates, consider supporting a Washington-based wildlife sanctuary or learning more about monkey species through educational resources rather than pursuing ownership.

What It Actually Costs to Own a Monkey in Washington

While owning a monkey in Washington is illegal for private residents, understanding the costs involved is still relevant — both to appreciate why the black market exists and to understand the financial exposure someone faces if they attempt illegal ownership. In states where primate ownership is legal with a permit, the costs are substantial.

Here is a realistic breakdown of what primate ownership costs in states where it is legally permitted:

Cost Category	Estimated Range	Notes
Purchase price (small species, e.g. marmoset)	$1,500 – $4,000	Captive-bred from licensed breeder
Purchase price (larger species, e.g. capuchin)	$5,000 – $10,000+	Prices vary widely by age and source
Initial enclosure / habitat setup	$2,000 – $15,000	Must meet space and enrichment standards
Exotic animal veterinary care (annual)	$1,000 – $5,000+	Few vets specialize in primates; costs are high
Diet and enrichment (annual)	$1,000 – $3,000	Varied diet of fruits, proteins, and supplements
Liability insurance (annual)	$1,000 – $3,000+	Required in many permit states
Permit fees (where applicable)	$50 – $500+	Varies by state; not available in Washington

Beyond the financial cost, there are serious welfare considerations. Exotic animals, even those bred in captivity, still possess innate social and physical needs and require mental stimulation that cannot be provided in private homes. Many animals naturally live in colonies, yet are kept as single pets. They are unable to express normal behaviors like grooming one another, foraging for food, mating, and rearing young that would occupy their time and attention in the wild.

If you’re drawn to smaller, more manageable exotic animals, our guide to small monkey breeds explains the species commonly kept in legal states — and why even the smallest primates present significant long-term care challenges. You might also want to explore Washington’s fascinating native wildlife, such as the salamanders and venomous animals found throughout the state.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Monkey in Washington

Washington treats violations of the Dangerous Wild Animal Act seriously, and the consequences extend well beyond a simple fine. If you are found to be illegally possessing a monkey or any other prohibited primate, you face a combination of civil, criminal, and practical consequences.

Convictions for breaking the exotic animal law in Washington State vary from fines to loss of the pet, even criminal charges — all based on the severity of the offense.

Here is what enforcement under RCW 16.30 can look like in practice:

1. Animal confiscation — Animal control authorities or law enforcement officers can seize the animal if they have probable cause to believe the animal was acquired after July 22, 2007, in violation of RCW 16.30.030, or if the animal poses a public safety or health risk.
2. Criminal charges — Illegal possession of a dangerous wild animal can result in misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges depending on circumstances, with potential jail time and fines.
3. Civil fines — Any violation of source certification or acquisition policy requirements is considered an unfair or deceptive business practice and may result in a maximum $2,500 fine.
4. Federal violations — If the animal crosses state lines, federal statutes including the Lacey Act may apply, significantly increasing the legal exposure.
5. Permanent loss of the animal — A potentially dangerous wild animal that is confiscated under this section may be returned to the possessor only if the animal control authority or law enforcement officer establishes that the possessor had possession of the animal prior to July 22, 2007, and the return does not pose a public safety or health risk. For anyone who acquired an animal after that date, return is essentially off the table.

Important Note: The grandfather clause in Washington’s DWA only protects individuals who legally possessed a primate before July 22, 2007, and who have maintained proper documentation ever since. Anyone acquiring a monkey after that date has no legal protection under this provision.

There are also significant public health implications to illegal primate ownership. Washington’s health laws declare that any pet ape that may reasonably be suspected of having a communicable disease that is contagious to humans — such as herpes B, monkeypox, Ebola virus, malaria, hepatitis, rabies, tuberculosis, and others — is a public health nuisance and may be destroyed by the Secretary of the Department of Health. This means that beyond losing your animal to confiscation, the animal itself could face euthanasia if health authorities determine it poses a communicable disease risk.

The bottom line is clear: the legal, financial, and public health risks of illegally keeping a monkey in Washington State are severe and not worth the attempt. If you’re interested in Washington’s actual wildlife, browse our content on beetles in Washington, moths in Washington, and the many other fascinating native species that call the Evergreen State home — all without the legal risk. You can also learn about the health concerns associated with primates, including monkeypox, which remains a relevant public health consideration when it comes to primate contact.