Is it legal to own a monkey in Arkansas?
The short answer
It depends on the species. Arkansas allows capuchins and common marmosets with a permit, but prohibits apes, baboons, and macaques outright. Any primate not specifically listed is prohibited until AGFC evaluates it.
What Arkansas law says
AGFC Addendum R1.02 places capuchins (Cebinae) and the common marmoset on the permit-required list, while Addendum R1.03 prohibits apes, baboons, and macaques; a separate state law (Ark. Code 20-19-601 et seq.) adds registration and handling rules for pet primates.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Arkansas
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Arkansas.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Wildlife Importation Permit / Wildlife Breeder-Dealer Permit, issued by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Some exceptions apply for veterinary care and pre-existing permit holders.
Penalties and enforcement
Keeping a prohibited primate or an unpermitted permit-required species can bring fines, seizure, and criminal charges.
Local city and county rules
Cities and counties may ban all primates; owners must also register a pet primate with the county sheriff.
Legal alternatives in Arkansas
- Sugar Glider in Arkansas — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in Arkansas — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Is a capuchin monkey legal in Arkansas?
Yes, with the required AGFC permit and county-sheriff registration; apes, baboons, and macaques are banned.
Sources
More animals in Arkansas
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Arkansas?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arkansas 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 Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.