Is it legal to own a sugar glider in New York?
The short answer
Mostly yes. Sugar gliders are legal to own in New York State — they're not covered by the wild animal ban in ECL §11-0512. New York City is the exception: the NYC Health Code lists them among prohibited animals, so they cannot be kept in the five boroughs.
What New York law says
Sugar gliders are small non-native marsupials that fall outside New York's statutory 'wild animal' definitions, so no state license is needed. NYC's Health Code takes a stricter approach and includes gliding possums on its prohibited list.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in New York
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is the authority for sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in New York.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
In NYC: seizure and civil penalties. Outside NYC: none for ownership.
Local city and county rules
Prohibited in New York City. Elsewhere in the state, standard pet-keeping and housing rules apply.
Legal alternatives in New York
- Fennec Fox in New York — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Are sugar gliders legal in NYC?
No — the NYC Health Code prohibits them within the five boroughs, even though they're legal in the rest of New York State.
Do I need a permit for a sugar glider in upstate New York?
No state permit is required. Buy from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder and check your town's animal-control code to be safe.
Sources
More animals in New York
- Is it legal to own a monkey in New York?
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in New York?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New York?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New York page, or compare every state on the pet sugar glider laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-02 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.