Is it legal to own a monkey in South Dakota?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. South Dakota requires an Animal Industry Board possession permit for any nondomestic mammal of the order Primates - the permit costs $10 per animal (capped at $100), must be renewed annually by January 1, and the Board must find your facilities adequate for human and animal safety. Imported monkeys also need an entry permit and a certificate of veterinary inspection.
What South Dakota law says
ARSD 12:68:18:03(5) lists the order Primates among mammals requiring a possession permit; ARSD 12:68:18:03.03 sets the $10-per-animal fee and ARSD 12:68:18:06 requires annual application and inventory reporting.
Which agency regulates monkeys in South Dakota
South Dakota Animal Industry Board is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in South Dakota.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
Yes — the Possession Permit for Captive Nondomestic Mammals, issued by South Dakota Animal Industry Board ($10 per animal, maximum $100). Nonprofit exhibitors may operate under a zoo permit instead.
Penalties and enforcement
Permit denial, suspension, or revocation; escaped animals may be impounded or destroyed at the owner's expense.
Local city and county rules
City ordinances (notably Sioux Falls) restrict primates regardless of the state permit - verify locally.
Legal alternatives in South Dakota
- Sugar Glider in South Dakota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in South Dakota — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does South Dakota's monkey permit cost?
$10 per animal up to a $100 maximum, renewed annually by January 1 with an inventory report to the Animal Industry Board.
Sources
More animals in South Dakota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in South Dakota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in South 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 South Dakota Animal Industry Board and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.