Are Pet Sugar Gliders Legal in My State?

Thinking about bringing a sugar glider home? Before purchasing or adopting one, it is important to make sure sugar gliders are legal to own where you live. Exotic pet laws can vary by state, county, and city, and regulations can change over time.

Where Are Sugar Gliders Legal?

Sugar gliders are legal to own as pets in most states, but some states and local jurisdictions have restrictions.

Sugar gliders are prohibited in:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii

Other states may allow ownership but have additional requirements. For example, Georgia requires documentation showing that a sugar glider originated from a source inspected and regulated by the USDA. New Mexico has specific exotic animal requirements that should be confirmed with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. New York also requires careful consideration of local regulations, particularly in New York City.

Because regulations can change, always verify the current requirements before obtaining a sugar glider.

Check Your Local Laws

State law is only part of the picture. Your city or county may have additional restrictions regarding exotic pets.

Start by contacting your local animal control office, city or county government, or other appropriate local authority. Ask whether there are any ordinances regulating sugar gliders or other exotic animals.

You should also contact the appropriate state agency. Depending on where you live, this may be the Department of Agriculture, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, or another agency responsible for exotic animals.

If you are unsure who regulates sugar gliders in your area, local officials can often direct you to the correct agency.

Are Permits Required?

Legal ownership does not necessarily mean that no requirements apply. Some locations may require a permit, registration, documentation regarding the animal's origin, or other conditions.

Requirements can also be different for someone who intends to breed, sell, exhibit, or transport sugar gliders. Federal USDA requirements may apply to certain commercial activities involving regulated animals, so anyone planning to breed or sell sugar gliders should check with the USDA and applicable state and local agencies.

Don't assume that because sugar gliders are being sold in your area, they are automatically legal to own. Always verify the regulations yourself before bringing one home.

Once They're Legal: Preparing for a Sugar Glider

Once you've confirmed that sugar gliders are legal in your area, you'll want to make sure you can provide the environment and care they need.

Sugar gliders are active, social animals that spend much of their time climbing and exploring. A spacious enclosure with plenty of vertical room is an important part of their setup. The Exotic Nutrition Borneo Cage, for example, provides a large enclosure designed to give sugar gliders room to climb, exercise, and explore while accommodating sleeping areas, toys, and other enrichment.

Nutrition is another major consideration. Sugar gliders require a species-appropriate diet, and new owners may want to explore different feeding options as they establish a routine. ZooPro Glider Essential Sugar Glider Food is formulated specifically for sugar gliders, while Berries & Bugs Sugar Glider & Hedgehog Food provides a food option containing gut-loaded insect larvae, grains, and berries.

If you're new to sugar glider ownership, the Sugar Glider Starter Pack can help provide some of the basic supplies needed to get started. For owners who want to try different food options, the Sugar Glider Food Sample Pack offers a convenient way to sample multiple foods.

Some sugar glider diets also incorporate prepared supplements or specialized foods. Instant HPW is one option that can be prepared according to its feeding directions and incorporated into an appropriate sugar glider diet.

What About Sugar Glider Joeys?

Young sugar gliders have different needs from adults. If you are caring for a joey that requires supplemental or hand-feeding, having the appropriate equipment is especially important. The Sugar Glider Joey Nursing Set is designed to provide supplies for feeding young joeys.

If you are caring for an orphaned or rejected joey, consult an experienced exotic animal veterinarian for guidance on feeding, warmth, hydration, and appropriate development.

Do Your Research Before Bringing One Home

Sugar gliders can be rewarding pets, but they are a long-term commitment that requires appropriate housing, nutrition, enrichment, and veterinary care.

Before purchasing or adopting a sugar glider:

• Check your state laws.
• Check city and county ordinances.
• Find out whether a permit or registration is required.
• Ask whether additional rules apply to breeding or selling.
• Keep any documentation required by your state regarding the animal's origin.
• Locate a veterinarian experienced with exotic pets.

Most importantly, verify the current laws in your specific location before obtaining a sugar glider. Seeing sugar gliders available for sale in your area does not necessarily mean that ownership is permitted where you live.

Laws and regulations can change, so government agencies are the best source for current legal requirements. Exotic Nutrition provides products and resources to help sugar glider owners care for their pets, but legal requirements are determined by the applicable local, state, and federal authorities.