Is it legal to own a monkey in Arizona?
The short answer
No. Nonhuman primates are restricted live wildlife in Arizona, and AZGFD does not issue special licenses for pet possession. Chimpanzees, macaques, spider monkeys, and the rest of the order are all covered.
What Arizona law says
R12-4-406 restricts primates alongside carnivores; possession requires a special license limited to institutional purposes.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Arizona
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Arizona.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Misdemeanor charges, seizure, and fines.
Local city and county rules
Statewide rule controls.
Frequently asked questions
Are small monkeys like marmosets exempt in Arizona?
No — the restriction operates at the order level, so size and species don't matter.
Who can legally hold primates in Arizona?
Zoos, research facilities, educational exhibitors, and rehabilitators under AZGFD special licenses.
Sources
More animals in Arizona
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arizona?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Arizona?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Arizona?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arizona 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.