Is it legal to own a monkey in Louisiana?
The short answer
No. Louisiana's LAC 76:V.115 bans importing, possessing, purchasing, or selling all non-human primates (along with big exotic cats, bears, and wolves). Pet monkeys are prohibited at the state level.
What Louisiana law says
La. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt. V, 115 makes it unlawful to import or privately possess all non-human primates.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Louisiana.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Narrow exemptions exist for certain zoos, research, and grandfathered/registered holders under the rule.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Wildlife violation; fines and confiscation of the animal.
Local city and county rules
Parish ordinances may add penalties, but the statewide primate ban already prohibits pet monkeys.
Legal alternatives in Louisiana
- Serval in Louisiana — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
- Fennec Fox in Louisiana — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I own a monkey in Louisiana?
No. LAC 76:V.115 bans all non-human primates from private possession.
Are there any exceptions?
Only narrow ones for qualifying zoos/research facilities and certain grandfathered holders.
Sources
- LA - Captive Wildlife - §115 (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- La. Admin. Code tit. 76, § V-115 (Cornell LII)
More animals in Louisiana
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Louisiana?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Louisiana?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.