For some pet owners, they want a more unique and challenging pet that they can raise. One of which is to have a monkey as a pet. They are considered to be labor-intensive not to mention that you also have to factor in the cost. And just before you finally buy a monkey, you need to know the costs of owning one along with the other things that you need to know in order to be a responsible owner.
There are different species of money ranging from small to bigger ones. Known for their companionship, intelligence, and playfulness, many are enticed to have monkeys as their pet. If you are interested in buying finger monkeys, the decision won’t be a bad one!
Average Cost of Buying a Monkey
How much does a monkey cost? When it comes to the cost, the pet price monkey, it varies from $4000 to $8000 which can be quite expensive. There are factors that affect the price like the age, temperament, and the species. If you are looking for a rare type of monkey then you can expect a much more expensive price. Friendlier and younger monkeys tend to cost more.
So, what makes it really expensive when you buy a monkey? The total cost factors in a lot of things that you need to spend on. For instance, if you have a younger monkey and you can expect that your pet has a life expectancy of about 20 to 40 years then you can also expect the cost to be that expensive. There are even cases when monkeys need to wear diapers. To be a responsible pet owner, you need to feed them properly and play with them often.
Since monkeys are naturally curious, they tend to be really playful which means that if you leave your pet monkey all by himself alone in the house, your pet might experience depression. This basically explains why experts would recommend owning more than one pet monkey which means you have to shoulder additional costs.
Other Extra Costs
On top of the basic cost when you buy a monkey, there are also additional costs that you need to take into consideration. For instance, you cannot just allow your pet monkey to roam around your house especially if you have guests at home. You need ready-made cages for your pet. The cost varies ranging from $600 to $900. If you want to get an outdoor cage, the cost ranges from $1200 to $3500. The price of the cage you want to purchase would depend on the durability, the size and the materials used.
On top of that, you also need to spend on food. You cannot just feed your pet monkey without providing ample nutrition. You need to give them vegetables, fruits and also other foods that contain protein like poultry, insects, etc. Just like other pets, monkeys are also prone to certain diseases. The cost for the food may range from $25 or more per week. To avoid incurring more costs if ever they get sick, you need to give them supplements.
You also have to take your monkey to regular veterinary checkup and visits. Veterinary care is very important to ensure that your pet monkey is in good health condition. But it could be challenging to find a vet so take the time to search for a vet specializing in exotic animals.
Buying a Pet Monkey
Buying a monkey is not that easy as if you are strolling in a pet store. Unlike dogs and cats, it is not too 
common to have monkeys as pets. To make the buying process much easier for you, it is advisable that you take the time to find which kind of monkey you like. It helps that you get pictures. There are different types of monkeys and are considered to be more popular compared to others. These include spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and marmosets.
Breeders can offer you various types of monkeys. In the United States, the most common monkey species include squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, marmosets and capuchins. There are also other exotic species, but they are quite rare. Since monkeys are difficult to train, various states made it illegal to own a monkey at home. You may need certain permits to conduct such transaction.
When you have finally decided to have monkeys as pets, you do not just ask how much does a monkey cost? They may look really cute, fun and easy pet to have, but you also need to be cautious. Monkeys are quite strong-willed and may pose potential problems. For example, your pet monkey may not like certain individuals at home or in your life. They may also have unpredictable and erratic behavior that can cause harm. Without proper training, they could cause other problems.
When buying a monkey, here are some tips for to make the selection process easier and hassle-free:
- Be careful when selecting a breeder. Make sure that the breeder has a license from the United States Department of Agriculture.
- You also have to know any ordinances and the regulations when it comes to having pet monkeys. They are like exotic animals and there are states and cities which make it illegal to have a monkey as a pet. Take the time to check the laws and whether you need a permit.
- With all the challenges that come with owning a monkey and having this animal as your pet, even before you buy one, you at least need to be knowledgeable when it comes to care and maintenance.
Be a Responsible Pet Monkey Owner
With the pros and cons of owning a pet monkey, it is important that when you get one, you have to be cautious. For one, you need to make sure that it is legal to have a pet monkey in your state. After that, you need to make the necessary preparations especially if it is a toddler. The pet price of monkey can be quite expensive, but for some, it is worth it.