Can You Own a Monkey in New Hampshire? What State Law Actually Says

If you have been wondering whether you can own a monkey in New Hampshire, the short answer is no — not as a private pet. The Granite State places all non-human primates in a restricted category that effectively bars ordinary residents from keeping them at home, regardless of the species or how tame the animal may seem.

That said, the law has layers worth understanding. There is a narrow path for licensed exhibitors, a federal layer that sits on top of state rules, and local ordinances that can tighten restrictions even further. This guide walks through every part of the legal picture so you know exactly where you stand before making any decisions.

Is It Legal to Own a Monkey in New Hampshire?

No, it is not legal for a private individual to own a monkey as a pet in New Hampshire. State law is clear: “It is unlawful for persons to possess exotic animals, such as felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates, unless they are exhibitors.” That single phrase — “unless they are exhibitors” — is the only doorway that exists, and it is a narrow one.

The laws and regulations governing exotic animal ownership in New Hampshire are outlined in Title XIX – Fish and Game, Chapter 212-A: Sale of Exotic Animals. This statute makes it illegal for a person to possess, sell, import, or transport certain listed exotic animals without the proper permits from the state’s Director of Fish and Game. Monkeys fall squarely on that list.

A legislative proposal that sought to allow Granite Staters to own kangaroos and certain other animals as pets failed to win the support of lawmakers, who expressed concerns about the impacts such wildlife could have on the state’s animal shelters and public safety. That bill would also have allowed private ownership of monkeys, raccoons, foxes, otters, and skunks — but it did not pass. As of June 2026, the ban on private primate ownership remains fully in effect.

Important Note: Even if you believe your situation is unique — a rescue animal, an inherited pet, or a service animal — New Hampshire law does not create exceptions for private residents. Contact the NH Fish and Game Department directly before taking any action involving a primate.

If you are curious about other animals that face legal restrictions in the state, the dangerous animals in New Hampshire guide covers a broader range of species and the regulations that apply to them. You may also find it useful to read about whether it is legal to own a raccoon in New Hampshire, since raccoons face similarly complex rules.

Which Monkey Species Are Allowed or Banned in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not ban one or two specific monkey species — it bans the entire primate order from private ownership. Primates fall under permittee category 5 and include the chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, baboon, spider monkey, squirrel monkey, capuchin, marmoset, guenon, celebes macaque, and rhesus. Under the permittee categories, great apes are lumped together with monkeys and other species of lesser primates.

In practical terms, this means that whether you are thinking about a small small monkey breed like a marmoset or a larger species like a capuchin, the same prohibition applies. No species of monkey is available to you as a household pet under New Hampshire law.

The state’s wildlife classification system is worth understanding because it determines what kind of permit — if any — could theoretically be issued:

• Non-controlled species — species such as aquarium fish, amphibians, reptiles (except alligators, crocodiles, and venomous species), many pet birds, and small pet mammals like gerbils and hamsters — require no permit.
• Controlled species — including many wild turtles and salamanders, alligators, crocodiles, badgers, bears, cougars, coyotes, elephants, kangaroos, big cats, and large primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas — require a permit, but that permit is restricted to exhibitors for primates.
• Prohibited species — no person shall be issued a permit to possess wildlife designated as prohibited, which includes species such as zebra mussels, non-indigenous crayfish, and walking catfish.

Monkeys occupy the controlled category, but the exhibitor-only restriction on permittee category 5 makes them functionally off-limits to private pet owners. If you want to learn more about types of spider monkeys, that resource covers their biology and behavior — though keeping one in New Hampshire is not a legal option.

Permit and License Requirements for Monkey Ownership in New Hampshire

Section 802.01 of the New Hampshire code limits permittee category 5 to exhibitors. The definitions section of the statute further limits “exhibitors” to any person “engaged in the showing, displaying or training of wildlife for the purpose of public viewing.” This is not a category that applies to someone who simply wants a monkey as a companion animal at home.

Under NH state law, animals on the controlled list can be owned or sold only by individuals with a permit from the Fish and Game Department. Permits are issued at the discretion of the executive director, who is supposed to consider whether the animal would pose a threat to other wildlife, the public, or to New Hampshire’s ecosystem if released.

Beyond the state-level exhibitor permit, federal requirements also apply. In order to import or possess a great ape, an individual must possess a permit issued by the USDA. This federal layer applies to apes and, in many cases, to other primates as well, since the USDA regulates the transport and exhibition of warm-blooded animals under the Animal Welfare Act.

The permit application process itself has procedural requirements. Application for a permit to possess shall be submitted no less than 30 days in advance of the requested date of possession, and health certificates shall meet standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to 9 CFR, 2.78 and/or the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture.

Key Insight: Even if you operate a petting zoo, educational program, or wildlife sanctuary, you still need to qualify as an “exhibitor” under the statutory definition and obtain both a state permit and, in most cases, a USDA license before any primate can legally be on your property.

There already is a path under New Hampshire law for people to demonstrate their ability to care for such animals and secure an exhibitor’s permit — but this path is designed for professional operations, not private households.

Local Laws That May Still Apply in New Hampshire

State law sets the floor, but cities and towns in New Hampshire can go further. Municipal ordinances may impose additional restrictions on exotic animals beyond what the Fish and Game statutes already prohibit. This means that even in a hypothetical scenario where state law were to change, your town or city could still ban monkey ownership outright.

Several New Hampshire cities have animal control ordinances that address exotic or wild animals broadly. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and other population centers typically include language that restricts or outright bans wild animals — a category that would encompass all primates. You should contact your local animal control office or town clerk to review any municipal code that applies to your specific address.

Zoning rules can also play a role. A property zoned for residential use may be subject to restrictions on the types of animals kept there, independent of state wildlife law. If you live in a homeowners association, covenants may add yet another layer of prohibition.

It is also worth noting that federal law operates above both state and local rules. The Endangered Species Act protects many primate species at the federal level, and the USDA’s Animal Welfare Act governs interstate transport and exhibition of primates regardless of what any individual state permits. These federal frameworks do not disappear even if local rules were somehow more permissive.

Where You Can Legally Buy a Monkey in New Hampshire

Because private ownership of monkeys is not permitted in New Hampshire, there is no legal channel through which a private resident can purchase a monkey for personal keeping within the state. Sellers — whether breeders, dealers, or private parties — cannot legally transfer a primate to a non-exhibitor in New Hampshire.

The statute makes it illegal for a person to possess, sell, import, or transport certain listed exotic animals without the proper permits from the state’s Director of Fish and Game. This applies to the seller as much as the buyer. A breeder in another state who ships a monkey to a New Hampshire resident without the appropriate permits is also in violation.

USDA-licensed and accredited breeders charge premium rates since they invest heavily in proper facilities, diets, enrichment, and veterinary care. Their monkeys also undergo strict quarantine and screening. Even those breeders, however, can only legally sell to permitted exhibitors in New Hampshire — not to private pet owners.

If you are genuinely interested in primates from an educational standpoint, visiting accredited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, or primate rescue organizations in New England is the appropriate and legal way to interact with these animals. There are some exceptions for accredited zoos and research institutions under state law, but those entities operate under strict oversight and licensing frameworks that are entirely separate from private pet ownership.

Pro Tip: Purchasing a monkey in another state and transporting it into New Hampshire does not make the arrangement legal. Importation without a permit is a separate violation under state law and may also trigger federal charges.

What It Actually Costs to Own a Monkey in New Hampshire

While owning a monkey is not legally available to private residents in New Hampshire, understanding the financial reality helps illustrate why the law’s caution is not unfounded. The costs involved are substantial, and they extend across decades.

The purchase price alone is significant. Capuchin monkeys can cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Spider monkeys may range from $6,000 to $12,000. Marmosets are typically on the lower end, costing around $2,000 to $4,000. Some rarer species push well beyond those figures.

Enclosures represent another major upfront expense. Indoor cages have prices starting at $600 to $900 depending on size and quality. If you prefer an outdoor enclosure, expect to pay anywhere from $1,600 to $3,500. Enrichment items — ropes, swings, nesting boxes, and toys — add further costs on top of the enclosure itself.

Ongoing monthly expenses are equally demanding. Monthly care costs run between $200 and $1,000 for years to come, depending on the species you own. Food alone can account for a meaningful portion of that figure. Expect to spend around $100 to $200 per month on fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialized monkey food.

Veterinary care is where costs can become unpredictable. Regular veterinarians often cannot offer a pet monkey the necessary health care, which means owners may have to find a vet specializing in treating primates. Health care costs can rise to over $500 per veterinarian visit or more when specialized treatment is needed.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Frequency
Purchase price (species-dependent)	$2,000 – $12,000+	One-time
Enclosure / habitat	$600 – $3,500+	One-time (plus upkeep)
Food and diet	$100 – $200	Monthly
Veterinary visits	$300 – $500+	Annually (minimum)
Emergency veterinary fund	$1,000 – $5,000+	As needed
Enrichment and supplies	$50 – $100	Monthly
Permits and compliance costs	Varies by jurisdiction	Annual renewal

Monkeys can live 20 to 40 years, depending on the species — a long-term commitment that must be carefully considered before purchasing one. Estimated ongoing annual costs run $2,500 to $10,000 or more, with higher-year emergency costs factored in. Over a 30-year lifespan, the total financial commitment can easily reach six figures.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Monkey in New Hampshire

New Hampshire takes violations of its exotic animal laws seriously. The consequences of illegally owning a monkey extend beyond a simple fine — they can include criminal charges, confiscation of the animal, and lasting legal exposure.

Violations of this law can result in fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalty depends on the specific statute violated and the circumstances of the case. Possession, importation, sale, and transport are each treated as separate potential offenses under Chapter 212-A, meaning that a single situation could result in multiple charges.

The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game has regulations in place to address cases of mistreatment, abuse, or neglect toward exotic animals in private ownership. These regulations include requirements for proper care and housing of exotic animals, as well as inspections and permits. In cases where mistreatment or abuse is suspected, the department may conduct investigations and work with local law enforcement. Offenders may face fines, confiscation of the animal, and potentially criminal charges depending on the severity of the situation.

Animal cruelty statutes add another layer of exposure. State animal cruelty laws are broad and sweeping, including all domestic animals, household pets, and wild animals in captivity. If an illegally kept monkey is found to be suffering from inadequate care — which is common when owners lack the specialized knowledge primates require — cruelty charges can be added on top of the possession violation.

Permits, inspections, and zoonotic disease paperwork can cost $0 to $1,000 or more depending on jurisdiction, and potential fines, confiscation, and relocation costs if ownership violates local law create significant financial and legal exposure.

Beyond the legal penalties, there is the practical reality that a confiscated monkey faces an uncertain future. Primate sanctuaries are limited in capacity, and animals that have been kept as pets often struggle to integrate into sanctuary environments. The harm is not only to the owner — it falls heavily on the animal as well.

If you are interested in wildlife laws in New Hampshire more broadly, the articles on roadkill laws in New Hampshire and rooster crowing laws in New Hampshire offer useful context on how the state approaches animal regulation at various levels. For those simply curious about the wildlife that does live in the state legally and naturally, resources on types of owls in New Hampshire, types of woodpeckers in New Hampshire, and brown birds in New Hampshire are worth exploring.

The bottom line is straightforward: owning a monkey in New Hampshire as a private resident is not a legal option under current state law, and the penalties for attempting to do so are meaningful. If you have questions about a specific situation, consulting an attorney familiar with New Hampshire wildlife law is the most reliable step you can take. You can also review the regulations directly through the Animal Legal and Historical Center’s summary of NH Fish and Game Part FIS 804 or the Citizens Count overview of exotic pet permits in NH.