Is it legal to own a sugar glider in Arkansas?
The short answer
Yes. Sugar gliders are on Arkansas's unrestricted captive-wildlife list, so no permit is needed to own, import, breed, or sell them, subject to any local rules.
What Arkansas law says
AGFC Addendum R1.01 lists the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) as unrestricted, exempting it from the non-native possession, breeder, and importation permit requirements.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in Arkansas
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is the authority for sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in Arkansas.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at the state level for sugar gliders.
Local city and county rules
Possession is allowed where permitted by local ordinance; a few cities restrict exotic pets.
Legal alternatives in Arkansas
- Raccoon in Arkansas — North America's masked native — intelligent, destructive, and a rabies-vector species in most states.
- Serval in Arkansas — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Do sugar gliders need a permit in Arkansas?
No — they are on the unrestricted list and need no state permit.
Sources
More animals in Arkansas
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Arkansas?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Arkansas?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Arkansas page, or compare every state on the pet sugar glider laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.