Is it legal to own a monkey in Minnesota?
The short answer
No. Minnesota's regulated animal statute bans private possession of all nonhuman primates — the statutory list runs from lemurs and marmosets to chimpanzees. Owners who had animals before January 2005 could register and keep them; that window is long closed.
What Minnesota law says
Minn. Stat. §346.155 defines 'regulated animal' to include all nonhuman primates and prohibits new possession, with narrow institutional exceptions (USDA exhibitors, research, sanctuaries).
Which agency regulates monkeys in Minnesota
Local animal control / Minnesota Board of Animal Health is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Minnesota.
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 to gross misdemeanor charges, seizure, and cost recovery.
Local city and county rules
The statewide ban controls; Minneapolis and St. Paul add their own rules.
Legal alternatives in Minnesota
- Fennec Fox in Minnesota — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
- Sugar Glider in Minnesota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Are small monkeys like marmosets exempt in Minnesota?
No — the statute names marmosets, tamarins, lemurs, and lorises expressly. All primates are covered.
Can I register a monkey now?
No. Registration only preserved animals owned before January 1, 2005.
Sources
More animals in Minnesota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Minnesota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Minnesota?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Minnesota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Minnesota 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 Local animal control / Minnesota Board of Animal Health and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.