How to Get a Free Monkey

Owning a monkey sounds like fun. It can be, but it also entails a lot of work and patience A free monkey program exists that is designed for disabled people, specifically, paraplegics and quadriplegics, who need assistance in their homes and other places. The program, “Monkey Helpers for the Disabled,” is operated by a non-profit organization called Helping Hands.

Things You'll Need

  • Large cage
  • Food
  • Leash
  • Permit (if required)
  • Pet bed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Qualifying requirements are relatively simple to explain. You must be disabled, suffer movement immobility (which must have existed for more than one year) and in need of a pet who can assist you in completing tasks that you are not able to do yourself due to that disability. Also, you must be at home most of the time, which precludes full-time workers or students other than those attending an online college. You must have sufficient mobility to operate an electric wheelchair and have unimpaired cognitive functioning. There can’t be any children living in your home.

    • 2

      Contact Helping Hands to apply for your monkey helper. Letters should contain a brief description of your disability and a description of your history of owning and caring for pets. Letters to Helping Hands should be addressed to: Megan Talbert, Director of Placements, Helping Hands for the Disabled, 541 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02134.

    • 3

      Training of the monkey will be customized to perform specific tasks that you need completed. Tasks that can be performed with well-trained monkeys can include assistance dressing, getting and putting away dishes and food from cupboards, getting and replacing silverware, operating dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, getting and putting away items from your refrigerator and much more.

    • 4

      Purchase a large cage for your monkey if you have been approved to receive a monkey. You should also buy a good supply of food for him.

    • 5

      Transporting your monkey to you is the final step before you can enjoy your new friend and helper.