Is it legal to own a monkey in Nevada?
The short answer
Yes. Nevada is one of the few states where pet monkeys are legal with no state permit — primates aren't on the prohibited list and no possession permit exists. Clark County (Las Vegas) and other local governments add their own rules, so check locally.
What Nevada law says
NAC 503.110's prohibited list omits primates entirely, and Nevada created no permit scheme for them. Local ordinances are the only regulatory layer.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Nevada
No state agency regulates monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Nevada — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at the state level; local ordinance penalties where applicable.
Local city and county rules
Clark County and Las Vegas-area jurisdictions regulate exotic animals — verify before acquiring.
Legal alternatives in Nevada
- Sugar Glider in Nevada — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any Nevada permit for a monkey?
No state permit exists. Your county or city ordinance is the deciding layer — Clark County in particular has exotic-animal rules.
Is this why exotic animal owners move to Nevada?
Partly — Nevada's short prohibited list makes it among the most permissive states for primates and exotic cats.
Sources
More animals in Nevada
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Nevada?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Nevada?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Nevada 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.