Is it legal to own a monkey in New Jersey?
The short answer
No. All nonhuman primates are potentially dangerous species in New Jersey, and the individual hobby permit that covers benign exotics expressly excludes them. Institutional permits only.
What New Jersey law says
N.J.A.C. 7:25-4's potentially dangerous list includes all primates; hobby permits are limited to species not on it.
Which agency regulates monkeys in New Jersey
NJ Fish & Wildlife (Exotic and Nongame Wildlife Permits) is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in New Jersey.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Civil and criminal penalties with seizure.
Local city and county rules
Statewide permit scheme controls.
Legal alternatives in New Jersey
- Sugar Glider in New Jersey — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Are small monkeys eligible for New Jersey's hobby permit?
No — the potentially dangerous classification covers all primates regardless of size.
Sources
More animals in New Jersey
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in New Jersey?
- Is it legal to own a serval in New Jersey?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New Jersey?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Jersey 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 NJ Fish & Wildlife (Exotic and Nongame Wildlife Permits) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.