Is it legal to own a monkey in New Mexico?
The short answer
No. New Mexico's Director's Species Importation List classifies all non-human primates as Group IV, whose importation is prohibited for the general public and reserved for scientific, zoological, and similar institutional uses.
What New Mexico law says
Under 19.35.7 NMAC, a director's permit is required to import any live non-domesticated animal; the importation list places all non-human primates (Monkeys) in Group IV, prohibited for the public and allowed only for scientific study, zoological display, or a qualified expert.
Which agency regulates monkeys in New Mexico
New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in New Mexico.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Group IV importation may be allowed for scientific, zoological, or qualified-expert use - not pets.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Unlawful importation/possession penalties with seizure.
Local city and county rules
Statute 77-18-1 also authorizes health-department regulation of subhuman primates; local bans may apply.
Legal alternatives in New Mexico
- Sugar Glider in New Mexico — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Are any monkeys legal to import to New Mexico as pets?
No - all non-human primates are Group IV, prohibited for the general public.
Sources
More animals in New Mexico
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a serval in New Mexico?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New Mexico?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Mexico 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 New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.