Can You Have a Pet Monkey in Canada?

There’s something exciting about the idea of having a monkey as a pet. Their human-like features and curious behavior often make them feel more like tiny friends than animals.

But owning a monkey isn’t just about cuddles and fun, especially in Canada. You may remember a moment when a monkey in a little coat was spotted wandering around an IKEA in Toronto. While it was amusing, it also sparked a serious conversation about owning exotic animals in Canada.

Some areas may allow it with strict permits, while others completely ban it. That’s why, it’s important to understand the legal, ethical, and practical challenges before considering a monkey as a pet in Canada.

Let’s shine a light on it.

How does Canadian law handle animal cruelty?

Before you get too excited about owning this pet, you should review the legal responsibilities that come with exotic animals.

Section 445.1 of the Criminal Code holds a key importance here. According to this section, it’s a crime to cause any animal, including monkeys, unnecessary suffering. This means you can’t hurt, neglect, or fail to care for your pet properly.

Plus, if you wilfully cause pain or injury, or do not meet your monkey’s basic needs, this act will be considered as cruelty. Violating the law could result in imprisonment for up to 5 years or a hefty fine.

For exotic pet owners, this law is a big deal. It means you must go above and beyond to care for when it comes to monkey petting.

Monkey As a Pet in Canada – Is It Possible?

Let’s skip the fluff and get straight to the real concern:

First of all, it’s not as simple as just buying one and bringing it home. Remember, animal ownership laws in Canada depend mostly on where you live since rules are set by each province and even by local cities.

For example, certain provinces don’t allow pet monkeys at all, such as:

• British Columbia
• Alberta,
• Nova Scotia

Others might let you have one, but only if you get a special permit. These provinces are:

• Manitoba
• Quebec
• New Brunswick

Ontario is a bit different. There’s no law at the provincial level banning monkeys. But many cities in Ontario have their own rules that do.

On top of that, Canada has strict federal laws when it comes to bringing primates into the country. You’ll need a permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to import one.

In a nutshell, before you dream of having a monkey as a pet in Canada, it’s important to understand the laws that apply in the region where you live.

Why is monkey petting often illegal or restricted?

These are three key reasons owning a monkey as a pet could be a legal headache:

1. Controlled Alien Species

You’ll be astonished to know that in some provinces, monkeys are called “Controlled Alien Species.” This means people need special permits to keep them. These rules are made to protect both humans and animals from danger, injury, or the spread of diseases.

2. Social Needs Matter

Monkeys are very smart and emotional animals. They live in close family groups in the wild and need love, attention, and social interaction. When you take them away from their group, it can cause stress, sadness, and serious behavioral problems.

3. Care Beyond Home

When you welcome monkeys as pets into your home, it requires you to treat them with kid gloves. In simple terms, these animals need special food, space, and care that most people can’t provide. For that reason, groups like the BC SPCA say monkeys should not be kept as pets.

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