For animal lovers looking for an exotic yet adorable pet, sugar gliders often come up as an option. But if you’re considering adding one of these wide-eyed marsupials to your family, an important question is – are sugar gliders legal pets in your state?
If you don’t have time to read this full guide, here’s the quick answer: Sugar gliders are fully legal with no permit required in these states: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
They’re illegal in California, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sugar glider regulations across the U.S. You’ll learn which states allow them, which have restrictions, laws around importing them, and more.
We’ll also overview key care tips in case you decide these exotic cuties are a good fit for your family.
States Where Sugar Gliders Are Fully Legal
No Permit/Licensing Required
There are a handful of states where sugar gliders can be kept as pets with no special permitting or licensing requirements. These states generally take a hands-off approach when it comes to exotic pet ownership. According to the USDA, the following states allow sugar gliders with no permit:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In these states, sugar gliders are treated like any other pet – no special exotic animal permit is needed. However, some counties or municipalities within these states may have local restrictions, so it’s always best to check for any local ordinances.
Must Be Captive-Bred
Some states allow sugar gliders, but have restrictions in place. The most common restriction is that the sugar gliders must be captive-bred. Wild-caught sugar gliders are not allowed. According to sugar glider associations, the following states allow captive-bred sugar gliders only:
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Florida
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
The purpose of this restriction is to protect wild sugar glider populations from potential disease transmission or other harm. When purchasing a sugar glider in these states, documentation showing it is captive-bred is required.
Import Requirements
Some states allow sugar gliders, but have certain restrictions on importing them from other states. For example, California allows sugar gliders, but only if they are imported directly from an USDA licensed breeder outside of the state. Hawaii has similar importation rules.
Other states like Ohio and Virginia allow sugar gliders, but require import permits from the state agriculture or wildlife agency.
The import rules vary from state to state, so it’s important to check each individual state’s requirements. Failing to follow proper procedures when importing sugar gliders could potentially result in confiscation of the animals or legal penalties in some states.
States with Sugar Glider Restrictions
Permits Required
Although cute and cuddly, owning a sugar glider is not as easy as simply buying one and bringing it home in several U.S. states. Specific permits are required in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts before a prospective owner can legally purchase or possess a sugar glider as a pet (Source).
These states want to closely monitor and control non-native exotic animals, likely out of concern over ecological impact if ever released or escaped into the wild.
For example, Hawaii is notorious for banning a wide array of exotic pets to preserve its fragile island ecosystems. Here sugar gliders are in Class III of restricted animals, requiring a permit application with inspection before ownership is approved.
Notably Hawaii also prohibits importing sugar gliders, so new owners would need to adopt from pre-approved breeders within the state.
Bans in Specific Cities
Some U.S. states delegate the authority to regulate exotic pet ownership to local county or city ordinances. As such, even if sugar gliders are legal within a certain state, individual municipalities may still ban them.
Major cities currently prohibiting sugar glider ownership include Los Angeles, California; Coral Springs, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; New York City, New York; Portland, Oregon; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Source).
These local bans override state acceptance of sugar gliders in most cases, putting the onus on owners to carefully research legality before obtaining one of these exotic marsupials as a pet.
U.S. States Where Sugar Gliders Are Illegal
Unfortunately, sugar gliders are illegal to own as pets in a number of U.S. states. Here is an overview of where ownership of these cute marsupials is prohibited:
California
Sugar gliders are not permitted to be kept as pets in California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife classifies sugar gliders as a prohibited species. Only research facilities or zoos with a permit can legally own sugar gliders in the state.
Hawaii
Hawaii has very strict laws regarding non-native animal species. Sugar gliders are considered an invasive species and it is illegal to own them as pets. The concern is that released or escaped sugar gliders could establish wild populations and threaten Hawaii’s fragile native ecosystems.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, sugar gliders are included in a list of wildlife that cannot be kept as pets. According to the Pennsylvania Code, sugar gliders are classified as a protected mammal and cannot be legally owned without proper permits.
California
The state of Alaska prohibits owning sugar gliders as pets. Sugar gliders are considered exotic wildlife by Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game. Only certain facilities with educational purposes can get a permit to house sugar gliders.
Other States
There are a few other states with partial or full bans on keeping sugar gliders as pets, including Massachusetts, Arizona, and New Mexico. Some cities and municipalities, like New York City, also prohibit residents from owning sugar gliders.
Be sure to check all state and local laws and ordinances before acquiring a sugar glider as a pet. Although they’re gaining popularity, sugar gliders are still considered exotic animals and are regulated in many parts of the country.
Tips for Responsible Sugar Glider Ownership
Proper Housing
Sugar gliders are arboreal marsupials that need a lot of vertical space to climb and glide in captivity. An adequately sized cage for a pair of sugar gliders is at least 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep.
The cage should be made of powder-coated wire or stainless steel, not galvanized wire which can be toxic. Be sure to line the bottom of the cage with newspapers, recycled paper bedding or fleece liners. Avoid wood shavings which can cause respiratory issues.
Sugar gliders love to nest, so provide plenty of hessian pouches, fabric hammocks, ropes, ladders, branches and nest boxes for them to sleep in.
Sugar gliders are native to the warmer forests of Australia and Indonesia, so they need temperatures between 70-80°F with around 50% humidity. A heating pad or ceramic heat emitter can help maintain the right temperature if needed. Make sure the cage is not placed in direct sunlight or drafty areas.
An outdoor cage or large screened enclosure can allow even more space for active gliders to explore, but they should not be left unattended outside due to predators. Supervised play time in a glider-proofed room is also recommended.
Balanced Diet
In the wild, sugar gliders eat gum of acacia trees, nectar, pollen, insects and tree sap. They have very specific dietary needs in captivity that some new owners may not be aware of. The main staple diet should be a balanced commercial glider formula fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Popular brands include HPW, BML and Wombaroo. Supplement with fresh fruits like apples, pears, melon and berries. Favorite vegetables include carrots, peas, corn and sweet potato. Live prey like crickets, mealworms and shrimp provide beneficial protein. Do not feed raw meat.
Sugar gliders also need a calcium supplement with added vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease. A nutritional glider pellet can be given for variety. Food dishes should be cleaned daily. Always provide fresh water in hanging water bottles or bowls, changed daily.
Do not give cow’s milk, chocolate, caffeine or junk food which can make them very ill.
Lots of Bonding Time
Sugar gliders are highly social, so they require at least 2 hours of daily interaction outside their cage. This gives them exercise and mental stimulation. Gentle handling when young will allow them to bond closely with their owners. Never grab at a glider from above which can scare them.
Let them walk into your hand at their own pace. Bonding pouches worn against your chest are a great way for gliders to get to know you.
Sugar gliders love to play and will enjoy exploring clutter-free areas or coming along on errands in a pouch or carrier. Be sure to glider-proof electric cords and houseplants first. Provide lots of toys including rope swings, bird ladders, balls, tunnels and puzzle feeders.
Socialization with other family members creates a well-adjusted glider.
Sugar gliders can live 12-15 years with proper care. Educate yourself on their needs before taking one home. But the investment of time and care is well worth it for these endearing exotic pocket pets!
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you the sugar glider legality details you need to decide if they’re the right exotic pet for you. Remember, their best life is with an owner committed to their specialized care.
Providing a roomy cage, balanced glider diet, veterinary care, and of course – plenty of bonding playtime will keep them active and affectionate companions for years.
Did we miss details on sugar glider laws in your state? Or do you have experiences owning these exotic marsupials you want to share? Let us know in the comments!
