Is it legal to own a monkey in North Dakota?
The short answer
Yes, with a license. Primates are Category 3 nontraditional livestock in North Dakota - the 'inherently dangerous' tier - so you need a nontraditional livestock license from the State Board of Animal Health before acquiring one. Facilities must be built and inspected first, imports need health certificates, and annual inventory reports are due every January.
What North Dakota law says
NDAC 48.1-09-01-02(3) places primates in Category 3; NDAC 48.1-09-01-03 requires a board-issued license, approved facilities, and annual reporting before acquisition, and chapter 48.1-09-06 adds housing and care requirements.
Which agency regulates monkeys in North Dakota
North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in North Dakota.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Nontraditional Livestock License (Category 3), issued by North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health (Fee set under NDCC § 36-01-08.1; contact the Board (701-328-2655)). USDA-licensed zoos, research and education facilities coordinate directly with the state veterinarian.
Penalties and enforcement
Civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation, infraction charges, and orders to remove, slaughter, or destroy noncompliant animals.
Local city and county rules
Fargo, Bismarck, and other cities impose their own exotic-animal bans on top of state licensing - check municipal code.
Legal alternatives in North Dakota
- Sugar Glider in North Dakota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in North Dakota — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Category 3 license involve?
Build approved housing first, pass a board inspection, obtain the license before acquiring the animal, then file annual inventory reports by January 31.
Sources
More animals in North Dakota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in North Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in North Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in North Dakota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in North Dakota 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 North Dakota Department of Agriculture - State Board of Animal Health and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.