I’m looking to connect with exotic animal dealers, mainly for monkeys and amphibians, but I’m based in Massachusetts. Can anyone here guide me on where to find ethical sources for this? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!
You’re not going to be able to own monkeys in Massachusetts.
The only way to do this legally is to get a permit from your state’s fish and wildlife service, and typically, they don’t give permits just for owning a pet. Permits are usually for rehabilitators who care for rescues or similar situations. Monkeys aren’t meant to be pets in the U.S., and in fact, it’s illegal in many states. You’ll also face difficulties finding a breeder that operates ethically. It’s often either poaching or shady practices. Monkeys shouldn’t be kept as pets.
For amphibians, though, it depends on the species you’re interested in.
@Whitney
You’re right, it’s much more accepted to keep amphibians and reptiles as pets than monkeys. Unfortunately, Massachusetts is one of the states where keeping monkeys as pets isn’t legal. Only 26 states allow it, and some need permits while others don’t.
@Chen
Where did you find this info about which states allow monkeys as pets? I’ve had trouble finding clear laws. A lot of websites claim to have the facts but aren’t very reliable. I’ve seen a lot of conflicting information.
@Chen
Actually, Massachusetts isn’t one of those 26 states where monkeys are allowed as pets.
Whitney said:
@Chen
Actually, Massachusetts isn’t one of those 26 states where monkeys are allowed as pets.
Well, if you want to keep a monkey as a pet, that’s unfortunate. I’m not in Massachusetts, but you can still express your opinion. If you’re against exotic pets, why participate in this forum? It’s for exotic pets enthusiasts after all.
@Chen
I never said I’m against all exotic animals as pets, but I believe monkeys shouldn’t be pets. Talk to people at rescue centers that work with primates and ask them their thoughts. They’ll tell you that these animals shouldn’t be in private homes. Many people who want monkeys can’t provide them with the right care or space, and those who can are rare and usually avoid keeping them as pets.
Monkeys, bears, and kangaroos should not be kept as pets. Not all exotic animals are suitable for private ownership.
@Whitney
Based on your comment, it seems like you’re against keeping anything that isn’t a traditional pet like dogs or cats. That’s fine, but why come to this forum?
Chen said:
@Whitney
Based on your comment, it seems like you’re against keeping anything that isn’t a traditional pet like dogs or cats. That’s fine, but why come to this forum?
I’m a known and reputable breeder of exotic animals, not against all exotic pets.
I support exotic pet ownership, but I also believe certain animals like monkeys, bears, or tigers are inappropriate for private care. There are lots of species that are fine as pets, but monkeys and similar animals shouldn’t be. It’s not about sticking to just traditional pets. I don’t see why anyone would want to keep monkeys, bears, or kangaroos when they can’t give them the right environment. I’m just applying common sense here.
@Whitney
So, what kinds of exotic pets do you think are okay to keep?
Chen said:
@Whitney
So, what kinds of exotic pets do you think are okay to keep?
Haha, well, basically anything that isn’t a dog, cat, or livestock is considered exotic, right?
Monkeys and bears shouldn’t be kept as pets because it’s impossible to provide the right environment for them. They can survive in bad conditions, but that doesn’t mean they’re thriving. If you’re talking about things like gerbils, rats, mice, bearded dragons, those are fine. But you’re not going to give a tiger or monkey the proper care in a private setting. That’s why they shouldn’t be allowed as pets.
@Whitney
What about domesticated Russian silver foxes? Color morphs of the red fox?
Chen said:
@Whitney
What about domesticated Russian silver foxes? Color morphs of the red fox?
This comment is empty, admin should fix
@Whitney
Since you’re a breeder, how would you recommend finding a reputable breeder? If someone really wanted to ethically adopt a monkey, how could they find a legal and ethical source? Would an exotic veterinarian be a good resource for recommendations? I’m just doing some research and everything I’ve found so far looks shady.
@Dru
The best thing you can do is get involved with a rescue or rehab center for exotic animals. Monkeys are not bred ethically in the U.S. because it’s not seen as okay to keep them as pets. These animals are often rescued from terrible situations. Even zoos have trouble breeding them, so it’s really hard to find reputable breeders. If you want to help, supporting rescues or rehab centers is the best route. You won’t find ethical breeders in the U.S. when it comes to monkeys.
@Whitney
Thanks for your reply! This is pretty much what I expected. Anyone really trying to care for these animals and prevent wildlife trafficking is likely to discourage keeping them as pets. Appreciate the info!
Can you ship exotic pets like monkeys to the UK?
Tate said:
Can you ship exotic pets like monkeys to the UK?
Why would you want to ship a monkey?