Is it legal to own a sugar glider in South Dakota?
The short answer
Yes. South Dakota's possession-permit rule covers nondomestic carnivores, hoofstock, elephants, and primates - sugar gliders are marsupials and appear nowhere on the list, so no Animal Industry Board permit is required. If you bring one in from out of state, standard import paperwork (entry permit and health certificate) applies to nondomestic animals.
What South Dakota law says
ARSD 12:68:18:03 enumerates the orders and families requiring possession permits; the order Diprotodontia (sugar gliders) is not among them, leaving gliders permit-free at the state level.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in South Dakota
South Dakota Animal Industry Board is the authority for sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in South Dakota.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for lawful possession; import-paperwork violations can bring misdemeanor charges.
Local city and county rules
As always, a few cities define 'exotic animal' broadly - a quick call to local animal control settles it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any South Dakota permit for a sugar glider?
No possession permit is required. If importing from another state, have the seller handle the entry permit and certificate of veterinary inspection.
Sources
More animals in South Dakota
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in South Dakota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in South Dakota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in South Dakota 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 South Dakota Animal Industry Board and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.