What states are sugar gliders legal in

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Are Sugar Gliders Legalin Your State? And Where To Own One!

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Are sugar gliders legal in your state?

Where are they legal?

Since theyre considered exotic pets, its good to know before you try to adopt a glider.

After all, you dont want to fall in love with one only to find out that you have to give him up!

READ MORE: Quokkas as Pets

Are Sugar Gliders Legal in Your State? (Complete Guide to US State Laws)

Sugar gliders are small, omnivorous, arboreal, and nocturnal gliding possum belonging to the marsupial infraclass and are native to cool-temperate forests of Eastern Australia and the island of New Guinea

They are considered exotic pets in the United States.

For reference, the Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR 1.1) defines an exotic animal as an animal

that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad.

While there is currently no federal law that prohibits keeping an exotic animal as a pet, there are some states and a few cities that prohibit possession of certain animals, including sugar gliders

Before we dig into the legalities of gliders, though, I just want to go over one quick note.

Laws change frequently throughout the US, especially where exotic pets are concerned.

So, while the below is accurate as of today, youll want to double-check your own state law before adopting a glider.

In fact, dont just check state law- dig down into your municipalitys rules.

As well see below, even in states where theyre legal, some regions have banned them.

Got it? Good. Lets get started!

Check out this video of a list of legal pets in California.

ALSO CHECK: Sugar Glider Price

STATES WHERE SUGAR GLIDERS ARE 100% LEGAL

Sugar gliders are legal throughout most of the US.

As of right now, 41 states currently have no law prohibiting them. These include:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington State
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Related: Sugar Gliders for Adoption

WORTH CHECKING: Sugar Gliders Accessories

STATES WHERE SUGAR GLIDERS ARE 100% ILLEGAL

Only three states currently have an outright ban on owning sugar gliders. Lets take a look.

Alaska

Sugar gliders are not legal as pets in Alaska, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

While the law doesnt specifically call out sugar gliders, they DO list animals that are legal to own

Gliders are not on the approved clean list.

Interestingly, you can own a hedgehog, a chinchilla, and even a camel!

California

It is illegal to keep some species of non-native wildlife as pets in the state, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This includes gliders, as marsupials are considered wild animals in California.

Californias law is very clear, as they even call gliders out by name in the title of their documentation.

READ MORE: Are Sugar Gliders Legal in California?

Hawaii

Hawaiis exotic animal laws are designed to protect and preserve the states native plant and animal life.

Sugar gliders are on their list of prohibited animals, according to Hawaiis Department of Agriculture.

STATES WHERE SUGAR GLIDERS ARE LEGAL WITH DOCUMENTATION OR PERMIT

In these states below, gliders are legal, but youll need proper documents and permits to keep one.

Georgia

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Sugar gliders are legal as pets if the owner possesses valid documentation that the animal originated from a source inspected and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture.

New Mexico

According to the New Mexico Administrative Code 19.35.7.8, It shall be unlawful to import any live non-domesticated animal into New Mexico without first obtaining an appropriate permit.

The Non-Game Exotic Pets Permit is available from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not ban the ownership of exotic or wild animals as pets, but it does require that you have a special permit for exotic wildlife possession, as per the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code (Title 34, Section 2961-2963).

STATES WHERE SUGAR GLIDERS ARE LEGAL BUT ILLEGAL IN SOME CITIES

While sugar gliders are legal throughout the majority of these three states below, some cities instituted their own ban on the marsupials

Minnesota

Sugar gliders are legal in all of Minnesota except for St. Paul.

On December 26, 2007, the St. Paul City Council voted to ban sugar gliders in the city, as a preventive measure.

They did so because the animals wouldnt do well in this climate, and are high-maintenance, leading the citys animal control department to fear frustrated owners would abandon their pets, according to the Star Tribune.

New York

Sugar gliders are legal in all of New York except for New York City, according to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

New York City Health Code Article 161.01, prohibits possession of any animal that is naturally inclined and capable of inflicting harm upon human beings, including all marsupials.

Utah

Sugar gliders are legal in all of Utah, except for Salt Lake City.

According to Salt Lake County Municipal Code 8.09 Wild, Dangerous and Exotic Animals, it is unlawful to own any animal whose native habitat is not indigenous to the continental United States, excluding Alaska.

Again, I really want to reiterate that laws change constantly.

So, your best bet is to call up your states game commission and just ask, are sugar gliders legal here?

Are sugar gliders legal in your state? Share below!

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Deanna is a passionate animal lover. She is the mom of several guinea pigs and sugar gliders.When shes not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music, or watching Dancing With The Stars.Read her : Latest ArticlesFIND HER ON: FACEBOOK and LINKEDIN and

Sugar Gliders Legality: Guide to All 50 US State Laws, Australia and Europe

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Sugar Gliders are a type of small marsupial that is native to Australia. They are nocturnal animals and have become popular pets in the United States in recent years. Sugar gliders are not legal to own in all 50 states, and there are some states with more restrictive laws than others. Also, sugar gliders are not legal to own in all Australian states.

This guide will provide an overview of the laws in each state so that you can be sure you are complying with the law if you decide to get a sugar glider as a pet.

Are you in a hurry? Select your state and see if sugar gliders are legal or illegal.

US State Laws

Sugar gliders are small, marsupial animals that originate from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. These playful little creatures have become popular pets in the United States in recent years. However, before you run out and buy a sugar glider, its important to be aware of the laws regarding these animals.

Code of Federal Regulations defines exotic animals as an animal that is native to a foreign country or of foreign origin or character, is not native to the United States, or was introduced from abroad. This includes sugar gliders.

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations governing the ownership of exotic pets, and sugar gliders fall into this category. In some states, such as California, it is 100% illegal to own a sugar glider. However, in other states, such as Georgia, you must obtain a special permit in order to keep one as a pet. So, if youre thinking about getting a sugar glider, be sure to check your states laws first.

States where sugar gliders are legal

There are 41 states in the US where sugar gliders are legal to own. These states are:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington State
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

States where sugar gliders are illegal

There are 3 states in the US where sugar gliders are 100% illegal. These are:

In Alaska, while they do not mention the fact that it is illegal to own a sugar glider, they do mention a list of animals that are legal to own. The list does not include sugar gliders, making it safe to say that they are not allowed.

States where sugar gliders need permit

A permit is needed in the following 3 states in order to own a sugar glider:

Owning an exotic pet can be a very rewarding experience. These animals often have unique personalities and can make great companions. However, before you bring an exotic pet home, its important to do your research.

Many of these animals have specialized care needs that can be difficult to meet. In addition, many exotic species are regulated by the US government and require permits for possession and/or breeding. The last thing you want is to get in trouble for owning your pet, so be sure to check with the US Department of Agriculture before making any decisions. With a little bit of planning, you can be the proud owner of a healthy and happy exotic pet.

States where sugar gliders are legal but illegal in some cities

There are 3 states where sugar gliders are legal, but there are some specific cities within those states where they are not allowed. These states and cities are:

Minnesota: its illegal to have a sugar glider in St. Paul;
New York: its illegal to have a sugar glider in New York City;
Utah: its illegal to have a sugar glider in Salt Lake City.

Are sugar gliders legal in Australia?

In Australia, there are a lot of concerns about keeping sugar gliders as pets, as well as some opposition against keeping native animals as pets. However, sugar gliders are legal in the following territories:

Northern Territory;
South Australia;
Victoria.

Sugar gliders are illegal in the following Australian states:

Australian Capital Territory;
Queensland;
New South Wales;
Tasmania;
Western Australia.

Are sugar gliders legal in Europe?

There is no Europe-wide law on banning sugar gliders as pets. Each country has its own laws and regulations, and sugar gliders are legal to be kept as pets in all EU-countries. As a matter a fact, in countries such as Germany or UK, the number of sugar glider owners is on the rise in recent years.

However, its not recommended to get a sugar glider as a pet in Europe because usually they dont adapt well to the climate. If you decide to get a sugar glider as a pet, be prepared for a lot of work, as they require a lot of care and attention.

Conclusion

To summarize, sugar gliders are legal in 41 states, illegal in 3 states, and require a permit in 3 additional states. There are also a few cities within states where sugar gliders are legal that have banned them. If youre thinking about getting a sugar glider, be sure to check your state and local laws first.

Are pet Sugar Gliders legal in my state?

Laws for breeding, selling and owning exotic pets changes every year. While most states have state laws that govern housing exotic animals as pets, there may also

be local, city, and county laws that also apply. Laws are also subject to change.Here's how to find out if sugar gliders are legal in your state-Call the appropriate government agencies in person. Using the Internet for research is a good place to start, but for current and complete information on the status of your chosen species, check with the proper agencies.Start with your local government. Call city hall or your town or county office, and ask if there are any relevant laws against your pet.Your local officials may be able to tell you the status of your pet locally as well as state, province, or country wide status.If there are no local laws, and local officials are not sure about the status on a wider scale, they may be able to direct you to the appropriate agency to check with. Before going to the state/province/country, check with your local health department, as sometimes regulations fall under their jurisdiction.Check with state/provincial agencies. Hopefully the local officials could tell you which agency has jurisdiction, but it may fall under agriculture, fish and game, natural resources, wildlife, health, etc.If you are in the US, check with the US Department of Agriculture, as many exotic species require USDA permits for possession and/or breeding.Keep calling until you find the right agency/person who can give you adefinitive answer. Sometimes permits are required for legal species, so make sure you find out if there are any special permits or licenses required.Tips:Exactly who to call varies from area to area, so you'll need to break out the phone book and start calling. By starting locally, you can often find out who you need to call from higher levels of government.Your local humane society or other pet related organization, or a veterianarian's office, may be able to help you find out about current laws.Don't assume that if you see a pet locally, it is legal (even if they are being sold in pet stores).Ignorance of the law is not a good defense, and if you acquire an illegal pet you may face confiscation of your pet down the road, and possibly even euthanasia of your pet.

Here is the list of states where sugar gliders are ILLEGAL to own:

In all other states, it is LEGAL to own a sugar glider, with exceptions listed below:

Georgia - must have proof that the glideroriginated from a source inspected and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (any licensed breeder)
New Mexico - must have an exotic pet permit
New York - legal except in the five boroughs (Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island)

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