Are Pet Monkeys Legal in Texas?

Following the events at a Spirit Halloween store in Plano, where a pet monkey startled shoppers by climbing into the ceiling, questions have emerged about the legality of owning monkeys in Texas.

Monkeys are legal to keep as pets in the state, but there are restrictions. According to the Texas Local Government Code, a “wild animal” is defined as “a nondomestic animal that the commissioners court of a county determines is dangerous and is in need of control in that county.” And owners of wild animals must obtain a certificate of registration for their pets.

However, not all primates are allowed. Baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas are considered “dangerous wild animals,” along with lions, tigers, cougars, jaguars, bears, and certain hybrids, as outlined in the Texas Animal Control Handbook.

Plano police, responding to the Spirit Halloween incident, reminded the monkey’s owner to keep the pet on a leash, highlighting the practical precautions required even for legal exotic pets.