No, owning a monkey in the Netherlands is prohibited under the Wet dieren (Animal Act) and Besluit houders van dieren (Decree on Animal Keepers), which classify non-human primates as prohibited species. Exemptions for scientific or conservation purposes require permits from the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA), with stringent welfare and enclosure standards enforced.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Netherlands
- Prohibition under primary legislation: The Wet dieren (2015, amended 2023) explicitly bans private ownership of non-human primates, including species like capuchins or macaques, due to zoonotic disease risks and welfare concerns.
- Permit exceptions for specialized entities: Only licensed zoos, research institutions, or conservation programs may apply for a houdervergunning from the NVWA, subject to inspections and compliance with EU Directive 2010/63/EU on animal research.
- Strict welfare and biosecurity standards: Approved holders must adhere to enclosure specifications (e.g., minimum space, enrichment) and mandatory health monitoring, with NVWA conducting unannounced audits under the Wet op de dierenbescherming.
Post-2026, the Netherlands will align with EU-wide restrictions under the Animal Health Law, further tightening import controls and prohibiting cross-border transfers of primates for private ownership. Violations incur fines up to €20,750 or confiscation under the Wet milieubeheer.