No, owning a monkey in Maryland is prohibited under state wildlife regulations and local county ordinances, with exceptions nearly impossible to obtain. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classifies non-human primates as “wildlife” under Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. § 10-2A-01, barring private ownership without a scientific or educational permit. Local jurisdictions like Montgomery County further restrict exotic pet ownership via Chapter 5-20 of the county code, which explicitly prohibits primates. Federal agencies, including the CDC and USDA, impose additional barriers, such as the 2026 Animal Welfare Act amendments tightening primate handling standards.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Maryland
- State Wildlife Prohibition: The Maryland DNR enforces Md. Code Ann., Nat. Res. § 10-2A-01, which designates non-human primates as “wildlife,” requiring a permit for possession. Permits are reserved for zoos, research facilities, or educational institutions, not private individuals.
- Local County Restrictions: Counties like Montgomery, Baltimore, and Prince George’s have enacted ordinances (e.g., Montgomery County Code § 5-20) that outright ban primates as pets, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 and confiscation.
- Federal Compliance Hurdles: The CDC’s 2026 updates to the Animal Welfare Act mandate enhanced veterinary oversight and liability insurance for primate owners, effectively pricing out private ownership. USDA licensing requires facilities that meet stringent enclosure and care standards, which residential settings cannot replicate.