OLD - EXPORT Q's and A's - FAQ

What types of monkeys can be kept as pets in the US?

The most common pet monkeys in the US are Marmoset monkeys (AKA finger monkey/pocket monkey) , Squirrel monkeys, and Capuchin monkeys. However, it is illegal to own some monkey species. Check your state and local laws before acquiring a monkey. Capuchin monkeys are not available to Florida residents without a special permit with proof of 1000 hours of documented experience by a licensed breeder. We do not allow this at our facility. So for Florida residents, we only offer marmosets and squirrel monkeys, unless you already have a capuchin permit.

What are the costs involved in buying and owning a monkey?

 Purchase price can range from $6,900 up to $25,000 depending on species. Food, housing, vet care, and other supplies can cost $400-$1200 per year. Monkeys live 15-45 years depending on the species, so it's a long-term commitment.

Do I need a permit or license to own a monkey?

You need to check your state and local laws with the fish and wildlife department in your state. Many places require permits or licenses to own exotic pets like monkeys.

Live in Florida: Florida requires a free monkey permit for Marmosets and Squirrel monkeys. You cannot pick up or take possession of any monkey in Florida without this permit. Upon you deciding which monkey you prefer, and paying for it, we will help you to fill out that specific permit for that monkey for Florida residents. We assist you with this process of applying for the permit upon you paying for your monkey if you live in Florida.

Live Outside of Florida: If you live outside of Florida, and you are in a legal state to own a monkey you should check with your state Fish and Wildlife department to see if there's any special permits required for your location. We do not know the laws of other states besides Florida. It's your responsibility to find out and check to see if monkeys are legal in your state.

What kind of housing and enrichment does a pet monkey need?

Monkeys are highly intelligent and need ample space, toys, and socialization to thrive. A large indoor/and or outdoor enclosure is recommended. We go over best cage sizes and what material the cages should be made of during your advanced training with our company on your monkey pickup day. When you purchase a starter kit from us, you will get a starter cage for your baby monkey.

Can I train a monkey to be well-behaved?

Monkeys are wild animals and can be difficult sometimes, but we tame them and socialize with them in our mobile animal petting zoo. This is a huge benefit to you since monkeys make better companions when thoroughly socialized by our zoo staff. Proper early socialization and training by us is important, but they may still be unpredictable. Our company hand tames and socializes our baby monkeys with hundreds of people before you take possession of it so that you're getting a high-quality loving monkey. Any animal can bite, but the tamer and more socialized by us, the less chances of your monkey being a biter. Just like dogs !!

What health risks do monkeys pose?

Monkeys in captivity rarely have any problems or health risks. They don’t carry rabies in captivity unless they were bit by a wild animal that had rabies in your yard. Highly unlikely. It’s never been a problem for us in 25 years. If you have cold sores, you should not let any monkey near them to protect the monkey.

What is the lifespan of different monkey species kept as pets?

Squirrel monkeys live 20+ years, capuchin monkeys live 40+ years, and marmosets live up to 14+ years. Choose a species that aligns with your ability to care for it.

Are monkeys affectionate pets?

Monkeys bond closely with owners, especially when hand raised and socialized by Poggis Animal House. But any animal can bite. There is no guarantee that any animal including a monkey wont bite someone.

Are monkeys destructive in the home?

They can be if left unattended or left running around your house freely without being on a leash on your body. Monkeys do not belong running around the house freely at any time. Maybe nothing would go wrong but if it does you could harm the monkey, or the monkey could damage something in the house if left running around freely. We don't recommend it at all. We take our monkeys out of the cage and have them on a leash on our shoulder or sitting on our lap and spend time with them until it's time to put them back in the cage for their protection. The cages that we use are big enough to give the monkey lots of room for exercise and playing with its toys.

Do pet monkeys bite or scratch?

Monkeys can bite or scratch just like any dog or cat or bird. If your monkey is raised properly by a high-quality experienced breeder like POGGIS ANIMAL HOUSE, and they're socialized by POGGIS ANIMAL HOUSE, then the chances of getting bit or scratched is significantly reduced.

What vaccines or medical care do pet monkeys need?

Monkeys could get an annual physical exam, but not required. No shots needed or required. We do not give any shots to any of our pets here.

 Is it better to acquire an infant or adult monkey?

It’s much better to acquire an infant from us between 6 to 12 weeks old. Infants allow complete early socialization but require intensive care. Adults have a more unpredictable behavior.

What happens to pet monkeys when they reach sexual maturity?

Monkeys can become more aggressive and territorial at sexual maturity. That doesn’t mean that they will bite you, but they can. If raised by us and tamed and socialized by us, the chances of having a monkey biting are much less. 

Do most places allow pet monkeys?

Many cities, counties, states prohibit owning monkeys. Check all state laws before acquiring one. Your states fish and wildlife department can give you a correct answer.

What do monkeys eat?

 A balanced commercial primate diet with fruits, veggies, and protein. No human garbage food due to high fat/sugar. No fast food, no candy, or junk food. Sugar is not good for monkeys. 

How often do monkeys need to visit the veterinarian?

Annual exam if you choose, plus any time the monkey seems ill.

What training is required for a pet monkey?

All of that is discussed in your training on your pick up day. Training consists of basic and advanced training which normally lasts about 1 1/2 to 2 hours where you learn all the important facts about caring for your monkey.

How much space does a pet monkey need?

The bigger the cage the better. Our suggested minimum is 6 ft tall x 4 ft wide x 6 ft long. Larger is better. Outdoor access ideal. The bigger the monkey, the cage requirements are bigger also.

Can pet monkeys be housebroken or litter trained?

NO, monkeys cannot be trained to use a litter box. They poop when they want just like a parrot. The poop falls through the bottom wire onto newspaper or sand or wood chips.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know you have a lot of questions and you really don't want to get scammed. We will always be forthcoming and provide you with the answers that you need. Here are just a few questions that people often ask us about.

THERE ARE TWO MONKEYS I LIKE. WHAT’S THE BEST MONKEY TO HAVE?

It depends on your preference and budget. Marmosets, Squirrel monkeys, and Capuchins are highly recommended. Marmosets live 12–15 years, squirrel monkeys 20–25 years, and Capuchins 40+ years. Generally, the bigger the monkey, the smarter and more human-like they are. Each of these monkeys make great pets and not one is better than another.  Their behavior is very similar (they are monkeys).

I KNOW WHAT KIND OF MONKEY I WANT AND I SAW THE COST ON THE PRICING PAGE. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

GREAT! If you're fully aware of the cost of the monkey and have the funds to proceed, you're good to go. If not, we offer a simple layaway plan. You make a deposit (amount depends on the monkey), then continue making monthly payments of what you can afford. We prefer the monkey to be paid off within a year. Once paid in full, you're next in line for the next available monkey.

DO YOU HAVE A MONKEY AVAILABLE NOW? CAN I SWING BY, PAY, AND PICK UP A MONKEY?

We rarely have one available now because of the demand. Most monkeys are reserved with a deposit and are waiting to be born and socialized. The current babies that we are hand feeding now are most likely reserved with a prepaid deposit from another customer who is waiting for their monkey to be ready. If we do have one ready, and you have full payment and your permit, we will schedule a USDA veterinarian appointment to obtain the required health certificate. Then, you can schedule a pickup day for your monkey and get trained.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE MONKEY I WANT NOW, WHEN WILL ONE BE AVAILABLE?

Usually within 1–2 months, depending on births and your spot in line. We fill all orders in a timely manner and typically have lots of monkey moms pregnant.

CAN I PUT DOWN A DEPOSIT TO RESERVE THE MONKEY I WANT?

YES! When you are ready to make a deposit, make an appointment with Mrs. Janet Poggi to come to the facility in Davie, FL to bring your deposit.  She will write you a receipt and you will then be next in line for the next available monkey if one is not available immediately.  If it is too far for you to drive to the facility you can do a live FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom call with Miss Janet Poggi. This confirms legitimacy and that we have monkeys available. If you’re not on a layaway plan, a deposit is still required to hold your chosen monkey. ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE!

DO YOU HAVE A LAYAWAY PLAN? WHEN DO I GET MY MONKEY?

Yes. Pay a deposit, then make monthly payments for what you can afford. Layaway plan must be paid in full within twelve (12) months from the date the first deposit is received. Once paid, you’re next in line for the next available monkey. Typical down payment is between $2,000 and $4,000. ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE!

AFTER I PAY, WHEN WILL MY MONKEY BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP?

Once you’ve paid in full and have your permit, you’re placed in line based on payment date. Typically, pickup is within 30 to 60 days, but this may vary based on births and prior orders.

I LIVE IN FLORIDA. HOW DO I OBTAIN A FLORIDA MONKEY PERMIT?

We help with that in person. Once you're ready to put down a deposit (cash, Zelle, or PayPal friends and family), we assist you at our facility in Davie, Florida. We’ll help complete your Florida permit application correctly. We prefer that you do not attempt to complete the permit application on your own.  We will do that with you when you are here, because if you make any mistakes your application will be delayed. If you live far and prefer not to travel, we can assist you via FaceTime or Zoom.

LIVE OUTSIDE FLORIDA. HOW DO I OBTAIN A MONKEY PERMIT?

First, confirm if monkeys are legal in your state. While we provide a list of generally illegal states, it's your responsibility to verify and understand your state's permit requirements.  Here is a list of illegal states that we are currently aware of: 

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wyoming.


CAN I PICK UP MY MONKEY AT YOUR FLORIDA FACILITY?

If you live in Florida and have your permit and final payment ready, yes. If you live outside Florida, state law prohibits you from picking up in Florida. We will meet you across the border (near Alabama) for training and delivery on your scheduled pick-up day. Delivery fees apply, and full home delivery is also available based on mileage.

CAN I HAVE THE MONKEY DELIVERED TO MY HOME IN A LEGAL STATE?

YES! Delivery is based on mileage, lodging, and fuel costs. Delivery across the Florida border is $800. Home delivery could range from $2,000 to $3,000 depending on distance.

IS THERE A DELIVERY COST?

YES!! Delivery to the Florida border is $800. Home delivery is calculated based on distance, fuel, lodging, and time and could be as much as $2,000 to $3,000.

DO YOU OFFER TRAINING? WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?

Yes! Our $2,000 training program is included at no extra cost. It covers beginner and advanced topics: leash training, cage requirements and best sizes, veterinary care questions, spaying/neutering or shots, proper diet, sunlight requirements, behavior, best practices, travel rules, and more. Training occurs on pickup day and lasts approximately two hours.

I HEARD FLORIDA REQUIRES 1,000 HOURS OF EDUCATION FOR CAPUCHIN MONKEYS.

CORRECT. If you don’t already have a Capuchin license, we cannot help you. No facility in Florida offers the 1,000-hour program needed. This is strictly enforced by Fish and Wildlife. But Marmosets and Squirrel Monkeys DO NOT require 1,000 hours.  They just require a free permit from the state of Florida, and we train you on the care of the monkey.

ARE 1,000 HOURS REQUIRED FOR MARMOSETS OR SQUIRREL MONKEYS?

NO. A simple, free Florida permit is all that’s needed. We still provide training even though the state doesn’t require it.

DOES THE MONKEY COME WITH ANY GUARANTEE?

Yes! The monkey comes with a USDA health certificate confirming good health. Once you have taken possession of your monkey, you are 100% fully responsible for having your USDA Certified Veterinarian examine the monkey a second time within two (2) days of receiving your monkey. You are then required to send us the “Health Inspection Report” from your veterinarian via text or email. If there is a problem, notify us immediately. There are no replacements or refunds.

DOES THE MONKEY COME WITH A HEALTH CERTIFICATE?

YES! All monkeys are examined by our USDA Certified vet and come with a certified health certificate at no extra cost.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE SUPPLIES BEFORE GETTING MY MONKEY?

NO. We provide a complete $400 starter kit with the correct size starter cage, heating pad, sun lamp, formula, monkey chow, leashes, diapers, toys, blankets, and more. We’ll explain adult cage needs during training. We don’t want you to purchase anything at this time because we are going to discuss with you what products are safe, necessary or unnecessary, which products can put the monkey at risk and where to buy the correct products, if needed.  So, there is nothing to prepare for in advance AT ALL. Do not prepare a room for anything until you have finished training with us.

DO I NEED TO PREPARE A SPECIAL ROOM OR SUPPLIES BEFORE PICKUP?

NO. Don’t buy anything before training. The starter kit includes all essentials. We’ll advise on future needs during pickup training.

DO I NEED MORE THAN ONE MONKEY?

One monkey is fine as long as it has enrichment like toys and things to do and an appropriate cage for an adult monkey.  If you travel, hire a caretaker or pet service. Your monkey can safely remain at home and will be fine in your absence.  Monkeys do not need to be with you every day and can be without your presence for weeks or months at a time and will be just as loving when you return.  If you want a second monkey, it’s ok but it is best to add another monkey within the first 1–2 months. Waiting too long can lead to compatibility issues.

HOW DO I KNOW YOU ARE LEGITIMATE?

Real monkeys from a reputable breeder are costly due to high-quality care, licensing, and socialization. Many cheaper offers are scams or come from inexperienced breeders who don’t offer proper advice and care instructions and come from unsocialized environments. Ours are raised in a petting zoo, handled daily by many people, making them extremely tame and well-adjusted—a rare and valuable trait.

WHY ARE YOUR MONKEYS SO EXPENSIVE?

Real monkeys from a reputable breeder are costly due to high-quality care, licensing, and socialization. Many cheaper offers are scams or come from inexperienced breeders who don’t offer proper advice and care instructions and come from unsocialized environments. Ours are raised in a petting zoo, handled daily by many people, making them extremely tame and well-adjusted—a rare and valuable trait.

CAN I BUY A MONKEY CHEAPER ELSEWHERE?

Possibly but beware of scams. There’s no such thing as a cheap monkey. Many offers are fraudulent or from low-quality breeders. Our monkeys are raised in a petting zoo, making them highly socialized and well-behaved (a unique value you won’t find elsewhere). Our price is because of the quality of the monkey, the number of events they appear at (i.e. summer camps, corporate events, weddings, birthday parties) and being hand fed by our family.  Others don’t have the capability of socializing monkeys with hundreds of people, which makes our monkeys socialized to hundreds of humans before you receive your monkey. This makes the monkey bonded to many humans rather than just the breeder.

CAN I COME PLAY WITH THE MONKEYS BEFORE DECIDING?

We no longer allow casual visits due to high demand and uncommitted inquiries. If you have the fund and are ready to make a deposit.  You may bring the deposit and visit and interact with the monkeys.

ARE THE MONKEYS SAFE AROUND KIDS?

Monkeys are not children's pets. They must be managed by responsible adults. While our monkeys are socialized and tame, any animal can bite. Children under 21 should not handle monkeys. During family interactions, the adult should hold the leashed monkey while others pet it. Monkeys require adult care, food, and supervision.

I TRAVEL OFTEN, EVEN INTERNATIONALLY. CAN I BRING MY MONKEY?

NO. Flying with monkeys or crossing into illegal states is prohibited. If you drive from a legal state into an illegal state with the monkey, it could potentially be confiscated, and you would never receive it back. While traveling, hire a caretaker or pet service. Your monkey can safely remain at home and will be fine in your absence.

CAN I TAKE MY MONKEY OUT IN PUBLIC?

It’s not recommended. Monkeys can scratch, bite, or escape. Public exposure risks legal and safety issues. Best to keep them at home.

CAN I TRAIN MY MONKEY TO DO TRICKS OR PERFORM LIKE IN SHOWS?

Not really. Monkeys are great companions but not suited for complex training or performance tricks like dogs.  Monkeys cannot be potty trained without difficulty and should either wear a diaper when the monkey is out of the cage with you or in a cage without a diaper.

WHAT IF MY MONKEY BECOMES SICK?

We provide a lot of training and education before you take possession of a monkey, so you know what to do when you get home. However, monkeys and exotic animals, like all living creatures, are subject to natural health changes and mortality risks that may occur without warning.

By purchasing an animal from Poggi’s Animal House LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

a) All monkeys are delivered with a Health Certificate from a USDA Certified veterinarian.

b) Poggi’s Animal House is released of ALL LIABILITY upon delivery or pickup of a certified healthy monkey from our certified veterinarian.

c) Once you have taken possession of your monkey, you are 100% fully responsible for having your USDA Certified Veterinarian examine the monkey a second time within two (2) days of receiving your monkey. You are then required to send us the “Health Inspection Report” from your USDA Certified veterinarian via text or email.

d) Poggi’s Animal House is not obligated to replace any monkey that has been certified healthy by our USDA Certified veterinarian.

e) If your monkey dies, there are no refunds, replacements, or discounts under any circumstances once the animal is delivered or picked up with a USDA health certificate.

Failure to complete the required two-day veterinary inspection and submit the report is deemed acceptance of the animal’s condition and forfeits any right to dispute the sale.

Poggi's Animal House Davie, Florida 33325 USA (PRIVATE SANCTUARY ONLY.)

NOTE: WE ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EXCEPT FOR MONKEY PICKUPS ON SCHEDULED DAYS.

FINANCING - DELIVERY - TRAINING AVAILABLE!!!!!

DISCLAIMER: It is illegal for us to do business with anyone who does not live in the United States or within the following states inside the U.S.: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington. If you live in any of these areas, we will keep you on our mailing list in case you move to a location where it is legal for you to own exotic animals. You may always opt-out at any time.

TERMS OF SALE: ALL DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Poggi’s Animal House LLC is released of ALL LIABILITY once a USDA Certified veterinarian has delivered a certified healthy monkey. Buyer is solely responsible for compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, and for all care of the animal after delivery. No refunds, replacements, or discounts will be issued under any circumstances. The full balance of the agreed purchase price must be paid in full within twelve (12) months from the date the first deposit is received. Once you have taken possession of your monkey, you are completely responsible for having your USDA Certified Veterinarian examine the monkey a second time within 2 days of receiving your monkey.  You are required to send us the Health Inspection Report from your veterinarian via text or email. All animals are sold as is. These statements are only a portion of our Terms and Conditions. Review our FAQ and the Terms and conditions to fully understand your responsibility of this transaction.