Sugar Glider Legal States 2024

  • Suger Glider Allowed in 41 States. 

  • In Alaska, California, and Hawaii, it’s not allowed to keep sugar gliders as pets.

  • In Georgia, you have to prove your glider comes from a licensed breeder. In Minnesota, Suger Flider are not allowed in St. Paul. New York City and Salt Lake City have bans.

41 states in the US allow people to keep sugar gliders as pets with no restrictions. This means you can enjoy their playful antics and nocturnal routines without needing special permits or jumping through hoops.

StateLegal Status Category
AlabamaLegal with no restrictions
AlaskaIllegal
ArizonaLegal with no restrictions
ArkansasLegal with no restrictions
CaliforniaIllegal
ColoradoLegal with no restrictions
ConnecticutLegal with no restrictions
DelawareLegal with no restrictions
FloridaLegal with no restrictions
GeorgiaLegal with restrictions
HawaiiIllegal
IdahoLegal with no restrictions
IllinoisLegal with no restrictions
IndianaLegal with no restrictions
IowaLegal with no restrictions
KansasLegal with no restrictions
KentuckyLegal with no restrictions
LouisianaLegal with no restrictions
MaineLegal with no restrictions
MarylandLegal with no restrictions
MassachusettsLegal with no restrictions
MichiganLegal with no restrictions
MinnesotaLegal with restrictions
MississippiLegal with no restrictions
MissouriLegal with no restrictions
MontanaLegal with no restrictions
NebraskaLegal with no restrictions
NevadaLegal with no restrictions
New HampshireLegal with no restrictions
New JerseyLegal with no restrictions
New MexicoLegal with permit
New YorkLegal with restrictions
North CarolinaLegal with no restrictions
North DakotaLegal with no restrictions
OhioLegal with no restrictions
OklahomaLegal with no restrictions
OregonLegal with no restrictions
PennsylvaniaLegal with restrictions
Rhode IslandLegal with no restrictions
South CarolinaLegal with no restrictions
South DakotaLegal with no restrictions
TennesseeLegal with no restrictions
TexasLegal with no restrictions
UtahLegal with restrictions
VermontLegal with no restrictions
VirginiaLegal with no restrictions
WashingtonLegal with no restrictions
West VirginiaLegal with no restrictions
WisconsinLegal with no restrictions
WyomingLegal with no restrictions
Source: USDA https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare-act

However, 12 states have their own set of rules when it comes to sugar gliders:

  • States with restrictions: 4 states impose specific regulations on ownership. In Georgia, you must prove your glider came from a USDA-licensed breeder. Minnesota prohibits them in St. Paul, while New York City and Salt Lake City in New York and Utah respectively, also have bans.

  • Permits required: Owning a sugar glider in Pennsylvania and New Mexico necessitates obtaining a permit. Pennsylvania has additional restrictions for breeders and selling. New Mexico requires an exotic pet permit.

  • Complete ban: 3 states – Alaska, California, and Hawaii – strictly prohibit keeping sugar gliders as pets due to concerns about potential threats to their native ecosystems.

Before rushing into adoption, always double-check the specific regulations in your state and city. Local ordinances might have additional restrictions you need to be aware of

 

Understanding Sugar Gliders: FAQs

1. Why Do I Need 2 Sugar Gliders?

  • Explanation: Sugar gliders are social animals that live together in large groups in the wild. They thrive when living with at least two or three companions. While interacting with humans provides some companionship, having a fellow sugar glider helps meet their social needs.

2. Why Are Sugar Gliders Expensive?

  • Myth vs. Fact: Some think breeders make a lot of money from sugar gliders, making them expensive. In reality, breeders don’t profit much. The cost of sugar gliders reflects their quality and the care they need, ensuring they’re healthy and well-taken care of.

3. Can I Buy Just 1 Sugar Glider?

  • Importance of Social Interaction: Sugar gliders need social interaction for good mental health. Keeping them alone can lead to issues like depression and self-mutilation. In the wild, they live in groups of 7–12. In captivity, it’s recommended to keep at least 2 sugar gliders together.

4. Can You Buy a Sugar Glider in the USA?

  • Considerations for Pet Ownership: Before getting a sugar glider, check the legality. They are illegal in some states like Alaska, Hawaii, and California. Even in states where they are allowed, make sure local regulations permit it. Some places may also require permits for ownership.

5. Are Sugar Gliders Legal in Texas?

  • Legal Status in Texas: Yes, sugar gliders are legal in Texas. In most states, except California, Alaska, and Hawaii, you can own a sugar glider. However, be aware that additional permits may be required in some states to ensure responsible ownership.

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