Capuchin monkeys have been trained as service animals for paralyzed humans, but welfare concerns about the appropriateness of this role for a wild species have led to program changes.
Capuchin service animals are separated from their mothers in infancy for socialization to humans, preventing the development of normal primate social behaviors. The intensive human bonding required for service work prevents normal primate relationships throughout the animals long life. Capuchins trained for service work live in environments that, while enriched compared to many primate captive settings, lack the social complexity of wild or sanctuary living. The welfare cost to individual capuchins is significant given their demonstrated cognitive and social complexity.