Breadcrumb Home AVMA Policies Nonhuman primates as assistance animals Nonhuman primates as assistance animals Comment on this policy The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and zoonotic risks. Related resource Service, emotional support, and therapy animals Animal welfare Non-human primate Human-animal interactions Assistance animals AVMA policy Wellbeing Public health