Primate ownership laws vary widely by state, county, and city, and change over time. This guide summarizes the general framework for the states we currently serve — always verify current local ordinances before purchasing, and confirm details with your county clerk or state wildlife agency.
| State | Status | Notes | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Permit | Texas allows private primate ownership with local permitting in many counties; regulations vary by county/city. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Ohio | Permit | Ohio requires a Dangerous Wild Animal permit through the Ohio Department of Agriculture for most primates. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| North Carolina | County | North Carolina has no statewide primate ban; regulation is left to individual counties and municipalities. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Nevada | Permit | Nevada requires a permit from the Department of Wildlife for most primate species. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| South Carolina | Permit | South Carolina requires registration of wild/exotic animals including primates with local authorities. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Wisconsin | County | Wisconsin has no statewide exotic pet law; primate ownership rules are set at the county/municipal level. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Alabama | Permit | Alabama requires a permit through the Department of Conservation for certain primate species. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Missouri | Permit | Missouri requires registration of large primates with local animal control within 10 days of acquisition. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Indiana | Permit | Indiana requires a permit from the Department of Natural Resources for wild animal possession. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
| Arkansas | Permit | Arkansas requires a Game and Fish Commission permit for captive wildlife including many primates. | View Monkeys / How to Buy |
Permit Required: The state allows private primate ownership contingent on obtaining a wildlife or dangerous-animal permit, typically through a state department of agriculture, wildlife, or natural resources.
County-Regulated: No statewide law governs primate ownership; regulation is left entirely to county or municipal ordinance, so requirements can differ block by block.
Restricted/Banned: The state prohibits private primate ownership outright, with narrow exceptions for licensed exhibitors, researchers, or sanctuaries.
Independent of state law, federal regulations — including the Captive Wildlife Safety Act and CITES for certain species — can restrict interstate transport and sale regardless of state permit status. Exotic Monkeys verifies buyer eligibility against both state and federal requirements before finalizing any sale.