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Types of Pet Monkeys: Species & Care Guide
Types of Pet Monkeys: What Are the Main Species?
When people search for the best or most popular types of pet monkeys, they often mean small primates such as marmosets, tamarins and squirrel monkeys—or larger species such as capuchins. Each has complex social, dietary, housing, veterinary and legal requirements.
Use this guide to understand the differences before considering any primate as a companion animal.
What types of pet monkeys are people usually talking about?
“Pet monkey” is a broad search term rather than a scientific category. Commonly discussed primates include marmosets, tamarins, squirrel monkeys and capuchins. They differ substantially in size, social behavior, diet, lifespan, housing requirements and legal status.
WWF assesses the common marmoset, common squirrel monkey and capuchin monkey as high-risk species that are not suitable pets, using factors including conservation, legality, public health, animal welfare and invasiveness.
Common types of monkeys discussed as pets
Marmosets
Marmosets are among the smallest monkeys commonly discussed in the pet trade. Common marmosets are highly social and require specialized diets and environments. WWF says their care, diet and housing needs are extremely difficult to meet for their lifetime.
Tamarins
Tamarins are small New World monkeys with complex social lives. Different tamarin species can differ significantly, so “tamarin” should not be treated as one care profile.
Squirrel monkeys
Squirrel monkeys are active, intelligent and highly social. WWF reports that common squirrel monkeys live in complex groups of roughly 15–50 individuals and have difficult housing, diet and social needs in captivity.
Capuchin monkeys
Capuchins are larger and particularly intelligent primates. WWF describes them as highly social and says their lifetime care requirements are extremely difficult to meet as pets.
How these monkeys differ
| Type | What stands out | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Marmoset | Very small, arboreal, highly social | Specialized diet, social needs and housing |
| Tamarin | Small, social New World monkey | Species vary; evaluate needs specifically |
| Squirrel monkey | Active and highly social | Complex group behavior, space and enrichment |
| Capuchin | Larger, highly intelligent and curious | Size, strength, adult behavior and legal restrictions |
A small monkey is not automatically an easy monkey to care for. WWF emphasizes that primates have complex social bonds and environmental needs that private homes generally cannot replicate.
Are small monkeys easier to keep as pets?
Not necessarily. Small body size can make a primate appear more manageable, but it does not remove behavioral, social or veterinary requirements. Common marmosets, for example, weigh only about 0.6–0.8 pounds according to WWF, yet still require specialized nutrition, social companionship and appropriate environmental conditions.
What should you check before considering a pet monkey?
1. Local and state law
Primate ownership rules vary by location. Never assume an advertised species is legal where you live.
2. Veterinary access
Find out whether qualified veterinary care for nonhuman primates is realistically available before making a commitment.
3. Social requirements
Many primates depend on complex relationships with members of their own species. Human companionship is not an automatic substitute.
4. Housing and enrichment
Consider secure space, climbing opportunities, enrichment, sanitation and the ability to maintain those conditions for life.
WWF recommends considering conservation, legislation, public health and safety, quality of life and invasiveness before obtaining an exotic animal.
What about cheap monkeys advertised online?
Be cautious with unusually low prices, urgent payment requests or vague claims about an animal’s origin. A low purchase price does not establish that an animal was legally sourced, healthy or suitable for your circumstances.
WWF reported in 2026 that researchers found more than 1,600 primates listed for sale across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube during a six-week study period in 2025, with some sales disguised as rehoming or adoption.
Learn about the individual species
- Marmoset Monkey Guide
- Tamarin Monkey Guide
- Squirrel Monkey Guide
- Capuchin Monkey Guide
- Care & Responsibility Guide
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common types of pet monkeys?
Commonly discussed species include marmosets, tamarins, squirrel monkeys and capuchins. They are very different animals, so each species should be researched separately.
What is the smallest type of pet monkey?
Marmosets are among the smallest monkeys commonly discussed in the pet trade. Small size does not mean simple care or low welfare requirements.
Are pet monkeys legal?
Legality depends on the species and location. Check current federal, state, county and municipal rules before considering ownership.
Are monkeys good house pets?
Many primates are not well suited to private homes because of complex social, environmental and behavioral needs. WWF classifies several commonly discussed primates as high-risk and not suitable pets.
Can a small monkey live alone with a person?
Human interaction does not automatically replace relationships with members of the same species. Social needs are central to evaluating primate welfare.
Sources and further reading
WWF Responsible Pet Guide · WWF: Why Primates Don’t Make Good Pets · University of Wisconsin Primate Info Net
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