Is it legal to own a sugar glider in Tennessee?
The short answer
Yes. Sugar gliders are Class III wildlife in Tennessee — legal to own with no permit.
What Tennessee law says
Non-native, unlisted species default to Class III under T.C.A. §70-4-403.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in Tennessee
No state agency regulates sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in Tennessee — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None.
Local city and county rules
Standard local pet rules only.
Legal alternatives in Tennessee
- Fennec Fox in Tennessee — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Any Tennessee paperwork for sugar gliders?
None — Class III requires no permit.
Sources
More animals in Tennessee
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Tennessee?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Tennessee?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Tennessee 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.