Is a sugar glider a legal pet in the United States?
United States In the United States sugar gliders are considered to be wild or exotic animals because their life cycle, habits, and potential threat to native species is unknown. Because of this some states choose to make it illegal to own them and the national government stipulates that you must be licensed to breed them. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates licensing of breeders through the Animal Welfare Act. If you have questions about legality in your specific area, you might contact your local Fish & Wildlife Office or whatever the local governing body is that regulates animals. Owners who would like more information on the breeding requirements or legalities of this animal in the US should contact USDA-APHIS-Animal Care. Which office to contact depends on which state you live in. Currently there is an Eastern and Western region. Please view the map at
