It is not legal to own a monkey as a pet in most countries, however, there are some exceptions. In the United States, people may keep monkeys as pets in certain states with a permit. Generally, it is only allowed to keep primates such as macaques, capuchins, and marmosets as pets in states like Arizona, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
However, potential monkey owners should also check their local laws, as they vary from state to state. Additionally, monkeys are expensive and require a lifetime commitment, as some can live nearly 50 years.