Monkeys can be a lot of fun. They can make you laugh, they can entertain you, and in some cases, they can even help teach children about responsibility. But many people don’t know that owning a monkey in New York is definitely not as easy as it looks for Ross in Friends.
Let’s start with the most important part; is it even legal?
Can you own a pet monkey in New York? You can not own a monkey legally in New York. Monkeys and all other primates are illegal to own in the state of New York without a special license. Pet Monkeys are restricted in New York because the state considers them dangerous to people as they can cause injuries and spread diseases.
However, if you want to own an exotic pet, there are some other, very interesting options to consider. To find out why are monkeys banned in New York and what other pets should you consider, keep reading.
Contents
Why are monkeys illegal in New York?
In New York, it is illegal to possess a primate without a special permit. Although they appear cute, primates can be dangerous and cause serious injuries and virus infections. Monkeys are dangerous in New York because they may transmit dangerous infections and inflict significant damage if enraged.
You can learn more about the risks and dangers of pet monkeys here.
Can you get a monkey from another state to New York?
Although monkeys are legal to own in some states such as Texas, it can be illegal to bring a pet monkey in New York. There is no exception to this rule even if you are moving from another state or country.
If you are even temporarily passing through the state, you must notify the authorities and the animal can not stay in New York for more than 10 days. You can learn more about the state’s laws and regulations on animals here.
What happens if you are caught with a pet monkey in New York?
If you are caught with a pet monkey, it will be confiscated unless you can provide all necessary documents and licenses then the primate can be returned to your possession temporarily. The state of New York does not encourage people who want pets that require special attention or care.
What if you already have a pet monkey in New York?
If you are in possession of an illegal animal as a pet in NYC, you should deliver it to an Animal Care Center. You will not get a ticket for delivering the animal, even those marked as illegal.
Here are the locations of some animal centers in New York.
- Brooklyn – 2336 Linden Boulevard, between Shepherd Avenue and Essex Street
- Bronx – 464 East Fordham Road, between Fordham University boundary and Washington Avenue
- Staten Island – 3139 Veterans Road West, Route 440 South to Exit 1N, Arthur Kill Road
- Manhattan – 326 East 110th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues
What animals are allowed as pets in New York?
You can keep the usual dog, cat, rabbit, horse, parrot, small birds, chickens, pigs, ad hamsters as pets in New York, and even some reptiles and non-snapping turtles that are larger than 4 inches. You can also keep honeybees as pets in New York.
You probably know about all of these, but here are some more that you probably didn’t think are legal to keep in NYC but are actually perfectly legal.
Kangaroos
Do you have enough room for a kangaroo? The price tag is rather hefty, starting at $2,000. You can’t dispute that they’re adorable, but they’re not a pet that you can keep in your home.
In the United States and Canada, red and grey kangaroos are also raised for pets and sold to zoos and wildlife parks, according to the Kangaroo Protection Coalition. Kangaroos cannot be trained to use a litter box or interact with domestic animals; they can acquire diseases from them.
Honey Glider
Sugar gliders are tiny, adorable, and distinctive marsupials native to Australia and Indonesia. They are entertaining, inquisitive, and sociable pets. However, to keep them docile, they need to be handled frequently as well as plenty of space for exercise. They also require a unique diet.
Non-Venomous Reptiles
You can legally own non-venomous reptiles in New York, which includes some snakes and lizards. Some of the legal reptiles you can are the Bearded Dragon, the anole, and the Leopard gecko.
The Black Throated Monitor Lizard is also allowed as a pet in New York state. They are not venomous but can emit an odor when they become stressed or frightened and can grow up to six feet long!
Fennec Fox
The Fennec Fox is the only legal fox in New York State, according to the state’s law. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be the owner of one, according to Legal Exotic Pets. They are always getting into mischief and enjoy digging.
Wallabies
You may have pet wallabies, but are they really worth it? They have huge hind legs that are utilized for leaping to great heights and long distances. A male reaches a height of 3 feet and weighs up to 60 pounds; females grow to 2 1/2 feet tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds. Their lifespan is around 17 years.
Some of them are friendly and docile, while others are nervous and jumpy. It’s usually best to raise them in a group to make them more docile.
Capybaras
This is a huge exotic pet that needs a large enclosure and an accessible pool of water. They’re intelligent, sociable creatures. Capybaras are popularly known as big guinea pigs, although they aren’t quite as simple to care for as the tiny ones. Capybaras are the world’s biggest rodents, weighing up to 170
Porcupine
If you can handle the sharp quills that might hurt you, this may be a viable option for you. When you take it for a walk, people will make way for you. lol… A porcupine’s weight can reach up to 20 pounds and its length is up to 3 feet long, making it a long-term commitment. According to Legal Exotic Pets, they can be very entertaining and are easy to care for. They can also stay playful throughout their lives.
Sloth
I have saved the best for last. It’s perfectly legal to own a sloth in New York, even though there are many other states that have laws against keeping this kind of exotic animal.
Conclusion
While you can’t legally have a pet monkey in New York City, you can still have other exotic animals that are even more interesting than monkeys.
