Can You Own a Monkey in NY (New York)
Do you love exotic animals and want to know if you can own a monkey in New York? New York has specific laws when it comes to keeping monkeys as pets. These laws have been outlaid to protect exotic animals against any cruelty involved in owning them.
Monkeys don’t make excellent pets as they need lots of social interaction, and when they get bored, they might even become destructive or mischievous.
In New York, you can’t own monkeys as pets as they’re considered unpredictable wild animals that can cause immense harm and damage to your loved ones and your property.
Only licensed authorities like zoos can have monkeys in New York. In addition to exhibitors, these animals can be used for educational or scientific purposes. So, instead of thinking about owning monkeys as pets in New York, you can adopt cats and dogs that need loving homes.
Let’s look at the laws outlaid in New York regarding the ownership of monkeys and what other exotic pets you can own in the state.
In What States Can You Own a Monkey?
If you’re wondering if you can own a monkey in NY (New York), then the answer would be a straightforward “NO.” If anyone is found to own an exotic animal without a license in New York, their animal could be seized, and they may have to pay a heavy fine.
But there are a few states where it is legal to own monkeys as pets. There are 24 states in the US wherein you can own monkeys as pets.
These states include Alabama, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Tennessee, Indiana, South Carolina, Connecticut, Nevada, Texas, Minnesota, Arkansas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, Wyoming etc.
These states have set up agencies that check whether you’re eligible to own exotic animals. They issue permits to only qualified owners considered capable of handling exotic pets.
Applicants need to submit various documents to provide some details to the state agencies about the exotic pets they want to own. Some of these important details include:
- Proof of liability insurance
- Colored photograph of the exotic animal
- Proof that a vet has checked the animal and it is not suffering from any chronic condition
- Ways to identify the exotic animal physically, including their color, species, height, sex, species, and age.
- Address and describe where the exotic animal will be housed or kept.
All these states have different regulations regarding the ownership of exotic pets depending on the situation and needs of that state. It’s important to understand all these regulations before even considering owning monkeys as pets. Remember, if you don’t follow these regulations, you may face serious consequences.
Exotic Pets You Can Own in New York State
Let’s take a look at the exotic pets that you can own in New York.
1. Coatimundi
Coatimundis are cute creatures native to Central America, the southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America. They are related to raccoons and have excellent climbing skills. They are very intelligent and can live up to ten years in captivity.
It would be best if you got a permit from the concerned authorities to keep Coatimundis as a pet in New York. It is also important to ensure you can meet their dietary and housing requirements so that the coatimundis can live happily.
2. Fennec Fox
The only Big 5 species that you can own in New York is Fennec Fox. This can be quite surprising as New York City has strict rules and regulations regarding the ownership of wild animals. But the local people have played a big role in this decision. When the authorities were thinking about banning the ownership of Fennec Fox in the state, many of the owners brought their Fennec Fox to meet legislators.
They described how hassle-free and safe it is to own this exotic animal. The authorities had to change their minds after these positive encounters. But apart from Fennec Fox, you can’t keep any other fox species as pets in the state.
3. Wallaby
Another exotic animal that you can keep as a pet in New York is the Wallaby. They are the relatives of kangaroos and have been deemed harmless to humans. Their temperament can differ, so it becomes difficult to assess their needs and find out how they’re feeling. These exotic marsupials require a spacious enclosure, fresh grass, and more care and attention than your average pets.
So you should only commit to owning a wallaby if you have lots of time and resources. It would be best to get a proper permit to keep a wallaby as a pet.
4. Kinkajou
It is illegal to own all kinds of primates in the state, but if you still want to make a similar-looking replacement, then Kinkajou can be a good choice. Kinkajous are related to raccoons and act and look like primates because of their tree-climbing capabilities and long tails.
You must provide them with large enclosures as they prefer lots of space to jump around and stay active. Never allow children to play with kinkajous as these animals can bite and cause harm to the little ones.
5. Kangaroo
Are you planning to own an exotic marsupial in New York? If yes, you can go for the Kangaroo. It is legal to own exotic marsupials in New York as they are considered harmless. Kangaroos are very friendly and loving and can make great pets. They are herbivores and eat grasses and leaves.
Kangaroos need lots of space to jump, run, and play, so you must keep them in an open space or a large backyard where they can move around freely. Kangaroos also need lots of exercise, so you should only consider owning them if you lead an active lifestyle.
6. Porcupine
Porcupines make good pets as they are low maintenance and can be easily trained to follow your instructions. However, not all species of porcupines are legal to be kept as pets in New York. You can only keep prehensile-tailed porcupines, African Crested, and Palawan porcupines in the state.
The ownership of North American porcupines is not legal in New York. So, you should be very careful while choosing the porcupine species, as you can fall into legal trouble if you make the wrong selection. Keep a check on your porcupine, as it likes to chew on things and can ruin your household items and furniture.
7. Capybara
Capybaras are also known as giant guinea pigs. They are friendly, smart, and like to live in groups and pairs. They are the largest rodents, weighing up to one hundred and seventy pounds. Since they are very large, you must provide them with optimum space and food.
If you have always been fascinated by these creatures, then you’ll be glad to know that you’re allowed to own them in New York. But despite the state legislation, some cities have banned the ownership of Capybara. Capybaras are considered illegal in New York City’s five boroughs. So, you must check your city’s regulations regarding the ownership of these animals before owning them.
8. Exotic Squirrels
Are you considering catching a squirrel to domesticate or rescue it and keep it as a pet in your home? Since there are different species of squirrels, you’ll have to check the city and state regulations regarding their ownership.
Remember, the ownership of only a few species of squirrels is legal in the state. You’re not permitted to keep fox and gray squirrels, but you can possess Siberian Chipmunk and Guayaquil Squirrel as pets in the state.
9. Hyena
Hyenas are often compared with wild dogs and tigers, so it can be shocking to hear that ownership of this dangerous animal is legal in New York.
There is a loophole in New York’s laws regarding the ownership of Big 5 as the state has exempted the members of hyaenidae, including the striped hyena, aardwolf, and spotted hyena. Because hyenas don’t belong to canine or big cat families, you can legally own a hyena in New York State. But it would be best if you did not even think about owning them as they are life-threatening.
Conclusion
Monkeys can only be owned by licensed authorities like zoos and circuses in New York. But you can own many other exotic animals known to be harmless to humans. From Kinkajou to Kangaroo and Wallaby, there are many exotic animals that you can own in the state.
Check your city laws regarding the ownership of these animals as often; even when the state permits them, the laws in your city might differ. You can check out the list of animals mentioned above if you’re facing difficulty in choosing the ideal exotic animal that you can keep as a pet in your home.
