Pet traders indeed cite such wonderful facts about spider monkeys, that you can't resist bringing one home. After all, if the monkey is diaper-trained and loves to cuddle and play, who wouldn't want to own it. Well, then what's the problem? Can Never be Potty-Trained What pet traders tell us is that spider monkeys are diaper-trained, however, what they don't tell us is that only baby spider monkeys can be diaper-trained. Spider monkeys only wear diapers in infanthood. Once they grow into adults, they rip off their diapers and throw them away. Are you prepared to cope with that? Expensive The amount written on the advertisement is not the only money you will have to shell out for your pet. Instead, you will have to devote a certain percentage of your income to your spider monkey. Its needs have to be met, irrespective of whether you have your job or just got laid off. Can you really afford a spider monkey? Can you provide for him or her for the next 30 years? Primate veterinarians are expensive, so can you afford the bills? Nobody tells you the cost involved over the years. Long-Term Commitment A spider monkey can live up to 30-35 years in captivity, which is quite a long period of time. Considering their long life-span, you need to pause and think ahead. Will you be able to make such a long commitment? Several pet owners give off their pets for readoption, however, this is sad because the monkey struggles to adjust to his new owner. Moreover, what about your plans of marriage and kids? Pet traders claim their monkeys are well-socialized, however, they won't tell you the flip side of it. Spider monkeys often don't gel with new family members and this can cause a lot of problem in the future. Require Social Interaction and Attention Spider monkeys like other primates are social animals and need to interact with their kind. Moreover, if you don't have a companion for your pet, you need to make sure you give a lot of your time and attention to him. They sure are fun-loving as babies, but lack of love and attention changes their personality completely. Neglected pets become aggressive by nature and may even end up biting and assaulting people. Moreover, things like who will look after your pet, while you're at work, etc. have to be taken into consideration. Then again, what about social gatherings or holidays. Leaving your pet spider monkey alone is the worst thing an owner can do. Illegal in Certain Places In some countries or states, the law does not permit keeping primates as pets. So before you do anything, check what the law in your region says. Also check if there is a veterinarian for primates in your vicinity. It is not possible to keep a spider monkey, if there is no primate doctor around. It is not ethically right to keep spider monkeys as pets, simply because they are wild. Wild animals, unlike domesticated animals have special physical, emotional and mental needs, which cannot be catered to at home. Spider monkeys have physical adaptations like the strong prehensile tail, absence of thumb and hooked hands for easy swinging in the widespread canopy of the forest. They can't use them in captivity. Keeping wild animals as pets is nothing but forcing them to live unnatural lives. In the US, spider monkeys are captive bred, but in other parts of the world, they are caught from the wild. Pet traders often sedate mother spider monkeys, to kidnap their babies. On waking the mother goes through such trauma, not knowing what happened to her young one. Same goes for the baby. Is it right to separate a baby from its mother? Spider monkey pet owners will always find some or the other excuse to justify their actions. They will never agree it's not right to keep them as pets. Moreover, those that desperately long to keep one as pet, will also come forth with loads of excuses. Let's have a look at some of the common justifications and excuses people make! Even if keeping spider monkeys as pets is legal in your part of the world, please refrain from getting one home. Not all are capable of providing the right environment for spider monkeys.