Is it legal to own a monkey in Washington?
The short answer
No. It is illegal to own a monkey — or any other nonhuman primate — as a pet in Washington. RCW ch. 16.30 lists nonhuman primates among the 'potentially dangerous wild animals' that private individuals may not possess. Animals owned before the law took effect in July 2007 could be grandfathered, but that window closed long ago and no new pet primates may be acquired.
What Washington law says
RCW 16.30.010 defines 'potentially dangerous wild animal' to include all nonhuman primates, and RCW 16.30.030 makes it unlawful for a person to own, possess, keep, harbor, or bring into the state any animal on that list. There is no permit system for private pet ownership — the law is a ban, not a licensing scheme.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Washington
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) / local animal control is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Washington.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Accredited zoos and aquariums, USDA-licensed research and exhibition facilities, licensed veterinarians providing treatment, and wildlife sanctuaries. Animals lawfully possessed before July 22, 2007 could be kept for the animal's life if requirements were met — that grandfather clause does not allow new acquisitions.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Violation of RCW ch. 16.30 is a gross misdemeanor, and the animal is subject to immediate confiscation by animal control or law enforcement, with the owner liable for the costs of seizure and care.
Local city and county rules
Many Washington cities and counties ban primates independently under local exotic-animal codes, but no local rule can override the statewide prohibition.
Legal alternatives in Washington
- Sugar Glider in Washington — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Washington — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I own a small monkey like a marmoset in Washington?
No. RCW 16.30.010 covers all nonhuman primates regardless of size — marmosets, tamarins, and capuchins are just as prohibited as chimpanzees.
Can I get a permit to keep a monkey in Washington?
No. RCW ch. 16.30 is a ban with narrow institutional exemptions, not a permit system. There is no application pathway for private pet ownership.
Sources
More animals in Washington
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Washington?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Washington?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Washington 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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) / local animal control and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.