Importation of nonhuman primates as 'pets' is prohibited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The World Organization for Animal Health has a position statement against the importation of nonhuman primates as 'pets'. The American Zoological Association and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians have position statements against private sector possession of nonhuman primates.

It is estimated that for every reported monkey bite, at least ten bites go unreported. Most U.S. states have mandatory rabies testing requirements for wild animals. This means that if a monkey bites or scratches someone, the owner may be required to relinquish the monkey to health officials and the monkey will be killed and decapitated for rabies testing.

Children are especially vulnerable to being attacked since monkeys and apes are naturally inclined to establish dominance hierarchies.

Regardless of how well-intended, there are very few people who have the knowledge and/or resources to provide captive monkeys/apes with adequate care for a lifetime. Baby monkeys/apes entered in to the 'pet' trade are robbed of the opportunity to be raised by their biological mothers, and as they mature their natural inclinations are stifled by attempts to mold them in to 'obedient pets'. When formerly dependent baby monkeys/apes reach adolescence, they begin to exhibit aggression. In accordance with their natural behaviors, monkeys/apes bite and scratch. Often, the end result is displacement (following negligent/abusive treatment, both physically and mentally) of the monkey/ape. Some monkeys/apes are condemned to living the rest of their lives alone in a cage with little or no personal contact with other living beings. Others are "sent away" because of their "bad" behaviors. Some monkeys/apes may even be euthanized by the owner.

Many individuals who purchase exotic animals, including monkeys and apes, intending to make them in to 'pets' do not consider the following:

Exotic animals need physical and psychological enrichment; spacious and secure enclosures; companionship of conspecifics, and they have specialized dietary and nutritional needs. Depending on the species, costs associated with responsibly caring for an exotic animal can run in to thousands of dollars a year. Many insurance companies refuse home owner's coverage to those in possession of species deemed 'dangerous'. In many locales, it may be difficult or even impossible to find a veterinarian who is qualified and experienced to handle/treat exotic species. New bills/laws banning private sector possession of wild/exotic animals are being introduced/passed at unprecedented rates (many of these bills/laws do not have "grand fathering" clauses.) Unlike domestic dogs/cats, some animal species (for example, nonhuman primates) can have life-spans of 30-40 years.

Nonhuman primates pose safety and health risks to their possessors and any person coming into contact with them. Nonhuman primates are notorious for harboring deadly and contagious illnesses such as tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Simian Herpes B. [Click here to read more about zoonoses acquired from 'pet' primates]