I always wanted to own a monkey when I was growing up.  Most kids dream of owning a monkey at some time during their lives.  Many people actually act upon that childhood wish and purchase one.  

Think carefully before you do it.  Thousands of nonhuman primates are hosted as companions in people's homes across the United States—
relationships that often end in tears.

As babies these big-eyed, furry creatures may seem harmless.But once they reach sexual maturity, experts warn, monkeys can become aggressive. And
some primates harbor deadly diseases, like herpes B, that they can pass on to human primates via bites and scratches.

Many people remain undaunted by the risks of adopting primates in their homes. Viewed as status symbols or substitute children, monkeys
are commonly sold for thousands of dollars through newspaper ads and the Internet.

No federal laws regulate private ownership, and only nine states ban individuals from owning nonhuman primates.

States with no requirements for private possession of nonhuman primates: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North
Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin

States which require a permit: Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota

States which ban private possession of nonhuman primates: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico,
Utah, Vermont, Wyoming

States which have partial bans [bans on certain species: Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee

States which ban possession of some species and require permits for possession of others: Florida, Texas

State which requires getting bonded to possess nonhuman primates: Hawaii

Please take the time to do thorough research before trying to purchase a monkey.