If you have been on Social Media lately, you may have seen monkeys exploding in popularity as pets, and it’s not hard to see why. They are cute, they can do tricks, and they are definitely going to be conversation-starters.
However, before you rush to the pet store or google to check out where to get your monkey, you need to make sure you can legally own one as pet.
So, can you have a pet monkey in Texas? You can have a pet monkey in Texas as long as the monkey’s breed is not classified as wild animals in the state laws. For example, Chimpanzees, Bonbons, and Orangutans are classified as dangerous wild animals and must be registered, while Marmosets and Gibbons are not and are legal to own and sell in Texas.
So, as long as the breed of monkey you are getting is not classified as a dangerous wild animal, you can get it without needing a license or even needing to register it. However, there is a little bit more to it and things can vary at the local level, so let’s dig deeper into it.
Contents
Can you legally have a pet monkey in Texas?
It is lawful to keep Great Apes as pets under state law. Some species of apes are defined as “dangerous wild animals,” and their possession is tightly controlled; others are not classified as such and their ownership is almost unrestricted.
For example, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Orangutans are on the list of dangerous wild animals. So, If you want to have a gorilla, chimpanzee, or orangutan as a pet, you must register the animal with the “animal registration agency” in the county where it resides.
Furthermore, owners of those species of apes must have liability insurance for any damage caused by the animals and should adhere to a variety of other care and maintenance standards.
The label “dangerous wild animals” is not used for Bonobos; nevertheless, because they are so closely related to chimpanzees, and are frequently known as “pygmy chimpanzees.” They may also be classified as “chimpanzees” under the “dangerous wild animal” legislation.
As a result, people who want to acquire a bonobo as a pet may be required to fulfill the registration, insurance, and maintenance obligations for “dangerous wild animals.
The Texas Dangerous Wild Animal Act does not mention gibbons. As a result, it is legal to sell and acquire gibbons as pets in Texas.
All Great Apes kept for personal use as pets are protected by Texas’ anti-cruelty laws. It is unlawful for anyone to fail to give a pet ape “sufficient” food, water, care, or shelter. It is also forbidden to abandon, torture, cruelly kill, confine, or transport a pet ape in a cruel or inhumane manner under the state’s Penal Code.
For example, if you can’t properly care for your ape and it dies as a result of your neglect, then you can be charged with animal cruelty.
Can I buy a monkey in Texas?
You can freely buy a monkey in Texas as long as it is not classified as a “dangerous wild animal.” For example, Long-Tailed Macaques can be purchased from breeders and retailers in Texas.
You can learn what are the best monkey breeds as pets here to make your decision easier.
However, once you buy your pet monkey, keep in mind that there may be restrictions on where you can legally house them or even what species of monkeys are allowed to live there.
You can even be too young to own a pet monkey, which I bet is not something that has even crossed your mind. Make sure to check out the legal requirements to own a pet monkey here first.
What exotic pets can you legally get in Texas?
Here are 5 exotic pets you can get completely legally in Texas:
Sloths
Sloths are welcome in Texas. The tamanduas are a distinct family of primates. Because they are merely excluded from bans that solely list monkeys, bears, big cats, wolves, and other species that people are more familiar with, they tend to be less illegal than other exotics.
Sloths are considered to be extremely sensitive to stress and require a great deal of care. Should they be made illegal? Of course not. They’re probably one of the last creatures you’d want to handle frequently, but because they’re so adorable and cuddly, many people consider them pets. Fortunately, because they aren’t readily accessible and beginning
Capybara
The capybara is a large rodent with webbed feet that is legally allowed in Texas. The Guinea pig, which it resembles, is likewise legal in the state. These dog-size swimmers need a deep water source to satisfy their appetite for aquatic exploration.
Capybaras adore their owners and may even be walked on a leash like a pet dog. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to feed and can’t remain in the state of Texas for long periods without a body of water that’s large enough
Kangaroos
In Texas, kangaroos are legal to possess. They need a large and grassy habitat to exercise in, so don’t think about obtaining a kangaroo if you don’t have enough room.
To keep them contained, you’ll need adequate fencing. They can jump over four feet tall and travel 15 feet before leaping. They aren’t exactly legal in most other states, but can be found as pets.
Coatimundi
The coatimundi (Cryptoprocta ferus) is a unique species that can be found in Central and South America. The mountain coati, white-nosed coati, and South American red coati are three types of coatis kept as pets. These mid-sized creatures (about the size of a big house cat) can be quite friendly and can grow accustomed to humans.
Asian Leopard Cat
This is a non-domesticated cat species that, unlike big cats, is permissible in Texas. These are exotic cats, but they do not grow larger than the size of a typical housecat. That said, these are still difficult pets to have and may be wary of human contact. Medium-sized felines with a greater tolerance for human
The Bengal cat breed was developed using Asian leopard cats. This cat breed has very little wild blood in its DNA and is not the same as owning an ALC.
How can you get an exotic pet permit in Texas?
You can obtain a license from the city or county animal control office. If your county does not have an animal control department, you can apply for a permit from the sheriff of the county.
It is generally necessary to show that you are capable of caring for and controlling the animal. The owner must also have at least $100,000 in liability insurance for the pet.
If an exotic animal attacks a person or escapes, the animal control or county sheriff must be notified as soon as possible. It is a Class C misdemeanor to fail to register an exotic pet. Owners will face daily penalties if their animals are not registered.
Related Questions
Can you have a capuchin monkey as a pet in Texas?
Yes, you can have a capuchin monkey in Texas because they are not listed as a wild dangerous animal that can’t be owned.
Are there any restrictions on the number of monkeys I can own in Texas?
There aren’t limitations on how many monkeys you can have, but it is necessary to obtain a permit for exotic pets. You can apply online or visit your local animal control office with proof that you can care for the monkey.
Helpful Resources
Animals and Pets Laws – Texas State Law Library
If you like this article, please share it!
