Is it legal to own a monkey in Maine?
The short answer
No. Maine classifies nonhuman primates as restricted wildlife, and the only permits are for accredited research, exhibition, or rehabilitation — not private pet owners. There is no realistic path to a pet monkey. Species that can seriously injure people or carry disease sit in the strictest tier.
What Maine law says
12 M.R.S. §12152 and IF&W Rule Chapter 7 require permits for restricted species; primates fall into Category 1 (capable of serious injury or disease), for which only exhibitor, rehabilitator, or USDA-registered research permits are issued.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Maine
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Maine.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. AZA/USDA research facilities, licensed exhibitors, and rehabilitators only.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Possession without qualifying credentials is a wildlife violation with fines, seizure, and possible criminal charges.
Local city and county rules
Municipal ordinances may add further restrictions; none loosen the state rule.
Legal alternatives in Maine
- Sugar Glider in Maine — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Maine — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Are any monkeys legal as pets in Maine?
No. Primate permits are institutional, not for private companionship.
What if I already own one from another state?
You cannot import it for pet purposes without a qualifying restricted-species permit, which pets don't get.
Sources
More animals in Maine
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Maine?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Maine 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 Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.