Can You Own a Monkey in Wyoming? Permits, Costs, and What the Law Actually Says

Wyoming has a reputation for keeping government out of people’s business, and that reputation extends — at least partially — to exotic pet ownership. If you have been wondering whether you can legally keep a monkey in the Cowboy State, the short answer is yes, but with conditions attached that you need to understand before you bring a primate home.

The longer answer involves state permits, federal oversight, local ordinances, and real financial costs that catch many prospective owners off guard. 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 Wyoming?

With the right permit, it is legal to own a monkey in Wyoming. That means owning a primate in the state is a genuine possibility — unusual by national standards, but lawful when done correctly.

There is no federal law that bans Americans from owning a monkey. The Captive Primate Safety Act, which would prohibit private possession and interstate commerce of pet primates, has been introduced in Congress multiple times but has never passed. That means legality depends entirely on the state you live in, and the answers vary widely.

Nationwide, only four states allow private monkey ownership with no permit or license: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Nevada, and Tennessee. Another 14 states allow ownership with a permit, while the remaining 32 states and Washington, D.C., ban it outright. Wyoming falls into the permit-required category, which puts it in a relatively permissive position compared to most of the country.

Wyoming has no law that restricts possession or use of a great ape by any person or entity. Typical uses of apes in the U.S. include private possession as a pet, placement at a traditional or roadside zoo, sanctuary care, or scientific research. That said, the absence of a specific restriction does not mean the process is paperwork-free — the Wyoming Game and Fish Department still governs how you go about it.

Important Note: Laws governing exotic animal ownership can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before acquiring any primate.

Which Monkey Species Are Allowed or Banned in Wyoming

Wyoming does not publish a simple approved-species list for primates the way some states do. Instead, the state’s approach centers on what is explicitly prohibited and what requires a permit. Wyoming has no law that restricts or otherwise mentions great apes specifically, and the state does not even have a state endangered species provision providing additional protection for endangered or threatened species. The only possible reference that could include great apes is the definition for “exotic species” under the general fish and game code definitions.

However, there are no accompanying restrictions on possession or importation of those exotic species under that definition alone. This creates a relatively open framework for primates compared to states with explicit bans.

What Wyoming does prohibit clearly are native game and trophy animals. There shall be no private ownership of live animals classified in this act as big or trophy game animals or of any wolf or wolf hybrid. Monkeys are not native wildlife and do not fall under these categories, which is why they remain accessible with a permit.

Species commonly kept as pets that Wyoming owners have pursued include capuchin monkeys, marmosets, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. If you want to learn more about different primate options, this overview of small monkey breeds covers size, temperament, and care needs across popular species. For a deeper look at one popular group, the guide to types of spider monkeys is worth reading before you commit to a species.

Key Insight: Even if a species is not explicitly banned at the state level, it may still be protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Always check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before importing or purchasing any primate.

Permit and License Requirements for Monkey Ownership in Wyoming

Prior to importing, possessing, or transporting live wildlife in Wyoming, a permit is required. This applies to primates, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department administers the process under its Chapter 10 regulations for warm-blooded wildlife.

There are specific permits and licenses required to own and exhibit exotic animals in Wyoming. The state has laws and regulations regarding the ownership and exhibition of exotic animals, including monkeys and other non-native species. Individuals or organizations wishing to own or exhibit these animals must obtain a license from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Additionally, they may also need to secure permits from local governments or follow federal regulations if the animal is protected under the Endangered Species Act.

On the federal side, in 2003, the CDC banned the importation of nonhuman primates into the United States for the pet trade under 42 CFR Part 71.53. That means every legally sold pet monkey in the country must be captive-bred domestically, and the breeding is concentrated in the small number of states where it is legal. You cannot import a monkey from another country for personal ownership — your animal must come from a domestic, USDA-licensed breeder.

If wildlife is to be used for scientific research, education, or a special purpose deemed beneficial to conservation or management goals of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the wildlife may, upon approval, be possessed with a Chapter 33 permit. Private pet ownership falls under Chapter 10, not Chapter 33, so confirm which application applies to your specific situation when you contact the department.

Permit Type	Governing Body	Purpose
Chapter 10 (Warm-Blooded Wildlife)	Wyoming Game and Fish Department	Private possession of live wildlife including primates
Chapter 33	Wyoming Game and Fish Department	Scientific research, education, conservation purposes
USDA Animal Welfare Act License	Federal (USDA)	Required for dealers and exhibitors; may apply to owners
USFWS Import/ESA Compliance	Federal (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)	Required if species is federally protected

Local Laws That May Still Apply in Wyoming

State-level permission is only part of the picture. While the Wyoming Game and Fish Department may allow the possession or importation of various wildlife species, local laws, ordinances, and covenants may be more restrictive. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.

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. This is not a technicality — it is a real enforcement reality that has resulted in animals being confiscated from owners who believed they were fully compliant.

Before you apply for a state permit, contact your county government and your city or town clerk to ask whether any local ordinance prohibits primate ownership. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, review the HOA covenants as well. Primate ownership can be regulated by any level of government.

Wyoming’s largest cities — Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie — each maintain their own municipal codes. Urban areas tend to carry stricter animal control rules than rural counties, so your physical address matters significantly. If you are curious how Wyoming handles other unusual ownership questions, the article on raccoon ownership laws in Wyoming shows how local rules often diverge from state-level guidance.

Where You Can Legally Buy a Monkey in Wyoming

Because the CDC prohibits importing nonhuman primates for the pet trade, you must source your monkey from a domestic breeder. You should never purchase baby monkeys from a non-certified breeder. Reputable breeders hold USDA and state certifications and have all animals tested by a USDA veterinarian and properly cared for by knowledgeable staff.

Wyoming does not have a large concentration of licensed primate breeders within its own borders, given the state’s population and climate. Most buyers in Wyoming source from breeders in states like Florida, Texas, or Indiana where primate breeding operations are more established. When evaluating any seller, confirm they hold a current USDA license under the Animal Welfare Act — this is the baseline credential for any legitimate domestic primate dealer.

• Ask for the breeder’s USDA license number and verify it through the USDA APHIS public database
• Request veterinary health records for the specific animal you are considering
• Confirm the animal was captive-bred in the United States — not imported
• Ask whether the breeder will assist with Wyoming’s state permit paperwork
• Avoid any seller who does not ask about your state’s legal requirements before agreeing to sell

Primate rescue organizations are another avenue, though they rarely place animals in private homes due to welfare concerns and liability. Some zoos and accredited sanctuaries occasionally facilitate transfers, but these are uncommon. If you want to understand the health risks that can come with primate contact — for both you and the animal — the article on monkeypox provides useful background on zoonotic disease transmission.

What It Actually Costs to Own a Monkey in Wyoming

The purchase price of a monkey is just the beginning. A capuchin monkey typically costs $5,000 to $7,000, and even a small marmoset runs $1,500 to $4,000. At the higher end of the market, when buying a monkey from a breeder, the cost can range from $1,500 to over $60,000 depending on species, age, socialization, and breeder reputation.

As of 2025, the average pet finger monkey (pygmy marmoset) cost ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, reflecting their rarity and the specialized care they require.

Beyond the purchase price, ongoing costs are substantial. The monkey will need a cage, habitat, food, veterinary care, and diapers if it is going to be in the same area as humans. Cages often cost over $1,000 and can reach $3,500. Monkeys also need bedding, feeding bowls, exercise equipment, and toys, which often range between $100 and $200. Diapers cost roughly $65, and veterinary care can run above $200 per visit.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Frequency
Purchase price (capuchin)	$5,000 – $7,000	One-time
Purchase price (marmoset)	$1,500 – $4,000+	One-time
Enclosure / cage	$1,000 – $3,500	One-time
Bedding, toys, enrichment	$100 – $200	Recurring
Diapers	~$65/month	Monthly
Veterinary care	$200+ per visit	Recurring
Wyoming state permit	Varies (contact WGFD)	Annual or periodic
Specialized primate diet	$50 – $150/month	Monthly

Finding a veterinarian willing and qualified to treat a primate in Wyoming adds another layer of difficulty. Most general-practice vets do not have primate experience, and exotic animal specialists are sparse in a state with Wyoming’s population density. You may need to travel to a larger metro area for routine and emergency care, which adds transportation costs to an already significant budget.

Pro Tip: Contact an exotic animal veterinarian in your region before purchasing a monkey. Confirming that qualified care is accessible near you is as important as confirming the legal requirements.

Primates are long-lived animals. Capuchin monkeys, for example, can live 40 years or more in captivity. That lifespan means you are committing to decades of food, housing, veterinary care, and enrichment — a financial and lifestyle commitment that goes far beyond what most people anticipate. For a broader look at the dangerous animals in Wyoming and the risks they pose, that article offers helpful context on how the state approaches wildlife generally.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Monkey in Wyoming

Operating without a required state permit in Wyoming is not a minor oversight. Prior to importing, possessing, or transporting live wildlife in Wyoming, a permit is required. Failure to review and comply with all applicable regulations before attempting to possess wildlife in Wyoming means you are in violation of state law, and certain species will result in a permit not being issued at all.

Under Wyoming Statute § 23-6-202, violations of the Game and Fish code can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and the confiscation of the animal. The state treats unpermitted possession of wildlife as a criminal matter, not just a civil one. Fines can reach hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation, and repeat offenses carry escalating consequences.

Should you decide to obtain a monkey in a state that does not allow it — or without the required permits — you will find yourself with a broken heart when authorities come and have the monkey removed from your home. In Wyoming, confiscation is a real enforcement tool, and the animal is unlikely to be returned once seized.

Federal penalties apply separately if you violate the CDC’s primate importation ban or the Animal Welfare Act. Importing a nonhuman primate for personal use from outside the United States is a federal offense with its own set of fines and potential criminal liability. Violating the Endangered Species Act — for example, by possessing a species listed as threatened or endangered without proper federal authorization — carries fines up to $50,000 and potential imprisonment under 16 U.S.C. § 1540.

• Unpermitted state possession: misdemeanor charges, fines, and animal confiscation under Wyoming Game and Fish statutes
• Illegal importation: federal violation of 42 CFR Part 71.53 (CDC primate import ban)
• ESA violation: up to $50,000 in civil fines and potential criminal charges under federal law
• Animal cruelty: Wyoming’s cruelty statutes apply to all animals including primates, regardless of permit status

Wyoming’s cruelty law is broad enough to include great apes. There are no exceptions under the cruelty statutes for scientific research or testing. This means that even if you hold a valid permit, how you house and care for the animal is still subject to state oversight.

If you are interested in how Wyoming handles ownership and legal questions for other animals, the articles on hedgehog ownership laws in Wyoming, pit bull laws in Wyoming, and goat ownership laws in Wyoming each show how the state balances individual freedom with public safety across different animal categories.

Owning a monkey in Wyoming is legally possible, but it demands serious preparation. You need a state permit from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, a USDA-licensed domestic source, local ordinance clearance, and the financial and logistical capacity to care for an animal that may live longer than most dogs. Taking those steps in order — before the animal arrives — is the only way to stay on the right side of both state and federal law.