Is it legal to own a monkey in Delaware?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit — on paper. Delaware's Dept. of Agriculture issues individual exotic-animal permits by class, and 'Primate' is one of the recognized classes, so a monkey isn't categorically banned statewide. But the process requires dual-enclosure inspection and a knowledge review, and county 'dangerous animal' ordinances (e.g., Kent County) can bar nonhuman primates locally.
What Delaware law says
Under 3 Del. C. §§7201–7203 and 3 Del. Admin. Code 903, exotic (non-native) mammals require an individual permit from the Dept. of Agriculture; primates are a defined permit class, so a pet monkey needs a permit plus enclosure inspection.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Delaware
Delaware Dept. of Agriculture, Poultry & Animal Health is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Delaware.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Individual Exotic Animal Permit (Primate class), issued by Delaware Dept. of Agriculture, Poultry & Animal Health ($25 for 3 years). AZA zoos, exhibitors, and rehabilitators have their own permit classes.
Penalties and enforcement
Possession without a permit is punishable under 3 Del. C. §7203, with seizure possible.
Local city and county rules
County codes matter: Kent County bans nonhuman primates as 'dangerous animals,' and New Castle County restricts wild animals — a state permit doesn't override them.
Legal alternatives in Delaware
- Sugar Glider in Delaware — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Delaware — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware really a state where I can permit a pet monkey?
Statewide, yes — primate is a permit class — but county ordinances (like Kent's) may prohibit it where you live.
What does the permit involve?
A $25 three-year permit, plus a home inspection of primary and secondary enclosures and an owner-knowledge check.
Sources
More animals in Delaware
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Delaware?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Delaware?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Delaware?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Delaware 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 Delaware Dept. of Agriculture, Poultry & Animal Health and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.