Is it legal to own a monkey in Rhode Island?
The short answer
No. Rhode Island prohibits importing or owning any animal of the order Primates without a DEM permit, and those permits are reserved for bona fide researchers, USDA-licensed exhibitors, and AZA-accredited facilities — not pet owners. There's no pet-monkey path.
What Rhode Island law says
Under RIGL 4-18 and DEM rule 250-RICR-40-05-3, primates require a possession permit issued only to researchers, USDA-licensed exhibitors (short-term exhibition), and AZA-certified facilities; private pet possession is not authorized.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Rhode Island
Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & Wildlife is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Rhode Island.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Exotic Animal Possession Permit (institutional), issued by Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & Wildlife (Set by DEM; permit-application dependent). Bona fide researchers, USDA-licensed exhibitors, and AZA-accredited facilities only.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Unpermitted primate possession is a violation under RIGL 4-18 with seizure and fines.
Local city and county rules
Municipalities may further restrict; none create a pet-primate permit.
Legal alternatives in Rhode Island
- Sugar Glider in Rhode Island — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a permit for a pet monkey in Rhode Island?
No — primate permits are reserved for research, licensed exhibition, and accredited zoos.
Are small primates like marmosets allowed?
No — the whole order Primates is covered by the permit requirement.
Sources
More animals in Rhode Island
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Rhode Island?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Rhode Island?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Rhode Island?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island DEM, Division of Agriculture / Fish & Wildlife and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.