Is it legal to own a monkey in Oregon?
The short answer
No. Oregon defines nonhuman primates as exotic animals and stopped issuing new exotic pet permits in 2010. Only owners holding grandfathered permits could keep existing animals; new pet primates are banned.
What Oregon law says
ORS 609.305–.335 requires an Oregon Department of Agriculture permit for exotic animals, and the 2009 legislation ended new pet permits effective 2010, leaving institutional uses only.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Oregon
Oregon Department of Agriculture is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Oregon.
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 penalties and seizure.
Local city and county rules
Statewide framework controls.
Legal alternatives in Oregon
- Sugar Glider in Oregon — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get an Oregon exotic animal permit?
Not for a pet — new permits ended in 2010. Grandfathered owners kept existing animals until those permits lapsed.
Sources
More animals in Oregon
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Oregon?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Oregon?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Oregon?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Oregon 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 Oregon Department of Agriculture and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.