No, owning a monkey in Vermont is prohibited under the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s 2024 Wildlife Regulations, which classify non-human primates as prohibited species. The state’s 2026 legislative review maintains this ban due to public health and ecological risks, aligning with CDC guidelines on zoonotic disease transmission.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Vermont
- Prohibited Species Classification: Non-human primates (e.g., macaques, capuchins) are explicitly listed as prohibited under Vermont Fish & Wildlife Regulations § 12.13, effective January 2024. Exemptions require a federal permit, which Vermont does not recognize for private ownership.
- Local Permitting Void: Even with a USDA Class C license, Vermont’s 2026 enforcement framework denies permits for primate possession, overriding federal exemptions. Towns like Burlington and Montpelier enforce additional local ordinances banning exotic pets.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations incur fines up to $2,000 under 10 V.S.A. § 4709, with mandatory confiscation by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Repeat offenses may trigger felony charges under the 2025 Public Health Statute amendments.