Is it legal to own a monkey in Alabama?
The short answer
Yes. Alabama is one of the more permissive states for primates. Rule 220-2-.26's prohibited list covers native furbearers, injurious-wildlife species, and specific fish and reptiles, but not monkeys, so there is no state permit requirement for a pet monkey.
What Alabama law says
Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 lists the animals barred from possession/importation; non-human primates are not among them and are not otherwise restricted at the state level.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Alabama
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Alabama.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at state level for lawful primate possession; violating any local ordinance carries local penalties.
Local city and county rules
Many Alabama municipalities and counties ban primates; local ordinances are the main hurdle here.
Legal alternatives in Alabama
- Sugar Glider in Alabama — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in Alabama — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a state permit for a pet monkey in Alabama?
No. Monkeys aren't on the state restricted list, so no state permit is required.
Can my city still ban it?
Yes. Local ordinances often prohibit primates even where the state allows them.
Sources
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- Exotic Animal Laws by State (FindLaw)
More animals in Alabama
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Alabama?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Alabama page, or compare every state on the pet monkey laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.