No, owning a monkey in Switzerland is illegal under federal wildlife protection laws unless exemptions are granted for scientific or conservation purposes. The Federal Act on the Protection of Animals (TSchG) and the Ordinance on the Keeping of Wild Animals (VTHS) prohibit private ownership of non-domesticated primates. Exceptions require permits from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), which are rarely approved for personal ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Switzerland
- Federal Prohibition: The TSchG (Art. 12) bans the keeping of wild animals, including monkeys, without a permit. Private ownership is treated as a welfare risk under the law.
- Permit Requirements: The FSVO may grant exceptions only for zoos, research institutions, or conservation programs. Applicants must prove specialized facilities and ethical justification.
- Cantonal Enforcement: Local authorities (e.g., cantonal veterinary offices) enforce compliance, with penalties including confiscation and fines up to CHF 20,000 under the VTHS.
Recent 2026 amendments to the VTHS tighten restrictions further, explicitly listing primates as “high-risk species” requiring enhanced welfare standards that most private owners cannot meet. The FSVO’s 2025 guidance clarifies that “exotic pet” permits will not be issued for primates, aligning with EU trends toward stricter animal welfare enforcement.