So, you’re scrolling through social media, you see a tiny marmoset wearing a sweater, and suddenly you’re convinced your life is incomplete without a primate best friend. Naturally, you think of the biggest pet store around. But if you walk into your local shop asking how much do monkeys cost at PetSmart, you’re going to get some very confused looks from the teenagers working the fish tanks.
Honestly, the short answer is $0. Because PetSmart does not sell monkeys. They never have, and truth be told, they probably never will.
It sounds kind of harsh, but there are massive legal, ethical, and logistical reasons why big-box retailers stay far away from the primate trade. If you've seen a video of a monkey in a PetSmart, it’s almost certainly someone’s personal pet (or a service animal) just visiting for the day.
Why You Can't Buy a Primate at a Big-Box Store
PetSmart has a very specific "Traditional Pet" policy. They stick to animals that are relatively easy to care for and legally uncomplicated—think hamsters, guinea pigs, certain reptiles, and birds. Monkeys are the literal opposite of that.
Primates are incredibly high-maintenance. We're talking about animals that need specialized diets, massive enclosures, and constant social interaction. From a business perspective, the liability of a monkey biting a customer or a staff member is a total nightmare. Plus, PetSmart focuses on "PetSmart Charities," which leans heavily into adoption rather than the sale of exotic wildlife.
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There's also the "Captive Primate Safety Act" to consider. This piece of federal legislation has been making the rounds in Congress again as of early 2026, aiming to ban the private ownership of monkeys across the board. Major retailers aren't going to touch a "product" that might become illegal to sell or transport across state lines overnight.
If Not PetSmart, Where Do People Get Them?
Since you can't just pick up a capuchin with your bag of dog food, people who are serious (and usually a bit eccentric) go through private breeders. But even then, the price tag is enough to make your eyes water.
If you were to look at the market prices right now, here’s roughly what people are paying:
- Marmosets and Tamarins: These are the "finger monkeys" you see everywhere. They usually go for anywhere between $3,500 and $6,000.
- Capuchins: These are the classic "organ grinder" monkeys. Expect to drop $10,000 to $20,000 easily.
- Spider Monkeys: These are rarer and much more expensive, often exceeding $15,000.
- Squirrel Monkeys: Usually sit in the $9,000 to $12,000 range.
Basically, you’re looking at the price of a decent used car just for the initial purchase. And that doesn't even count the specialized vet visits. Most local vets won't even look at a monkey; you have to find an exotic specialist who charges a premium.
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The True Cost Nobody Tells You About
The purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. Living with a monkey is kinda like having a permanent toddler that never grows up and has the strength of a pro athlete.
Most pet monkeys have to wear diapers their entire lives. They aren't like dogs; you can't really "housebreak" them reliably. Those diapers, specialized primate "biscuits," fresh tropical fruits, and massive floor-to-ceiling cages add up to thousands of dollars a year.
Then there’s the social cost. Monkeys are social creatures. If you leave them alone while you go to work, they can become depressed or even aggressive. They often bond to one person and might attack your spouse, your kids, or your guests out of jealousy. It’s a huge commitment that usually ends with the owner realizing they’re in way over their head.
Legal Red Tape in 2026
Before you even worry about the money, you have to check your state laws. Many states, like California, New York, and Georgia, have flat-out bans on owning primates as pets. Others require permits that are nearly impossible for a regular person to get.
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Even in "friendly" states, local city ordinances might shut you down. Imagine spending $10,000 on a monkey only to have animal control seize it because your backyard cage is six inches too short.
What to Do Instead
If you really love primates, the best move isn't buying one—it's supporting the people who actually know how to care for them.
- Volunteer at a Sanctuary: Places like Born Free USA or local exotic rescues are always looking for help. You get the interaction without the 40-year commitment.
- Adopt a "Monkey" Cat: If you just want a playful, high-energy pet that climbs everything, look for breeds like the Abyssinian or the Bengal at a local shelter.
- Sponsor a Primate: Many sanctuaries let you "adopt" a resident monkey. You pay for their food and care, and they stay in a professional environment with other monkeys where they belong.
The dream of having a little buddy on your shoulder is cool in movies, but in reality, it’s a logistical and financial rabbit hole. PetSmart staying out of the monkey business is probably the best thing for the animals—and your bank account.
Your Next Steps
Before you spend another second looking for a breeder, check your state's current exotic animal laws. Most people find out their dream pet is illegal in their zip code before they even get to the pricing stage. Once you've cleared the legal hurdles, look into the cost of specialized exotic pet insurance, as a single emergency surgery for a primate can easily top $5,000.