Is it legal to own a monkey in Utah?
The short answer
No. Utah's bird-and-mammal classification table lists the entire order Primates as prohibited and states plainly that personal possession will not be authorized. Only institutional certificates of registration exist.
What Utah law says
Under Rule R657-3b and its Bird and Mammal Classification Table 3b-1, all non-human primates are prohibited with a note that personal possession will not be authorized; CORs are limited to scientific, educational, or exhibition uses.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Utah
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Utah.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Institutional CORs (research, education, exhibition) - not pets.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Class B misdemeanor with seizure of the animal.
Local city and county rules
State classification controls statewide.
Legal alternatives in Utah
- Sugar Glider in Utah — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Utah — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Are small monkeys like marmosets legal in Utah?
No. The prohibition covers the entire order Primates, small species included, and personal possession is expressly not authorized.
Sources
More animals in Utah
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Utah?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Utah?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Utah?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Utah 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 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.