Where To Buy A Sugar Glider Pet Plus An Overview Of The Best Places

Sugar gliders are tiny, squirrel-sized members of the marsupial family, native to Australia and New Guinea. With their huge eyes and plush coats, these animals are undeniably adorable, making them popular exotic pets. Sugar gliders can make great household pets but should not be purchased without doing plenty of research into their proper care first, as they can be time-consuming. Because of their popularity, sugar gliders are sometimes victims of cruel and inhumane breeding practices. So, how do you find the best places to buy a healthy sugar glider? Here are a few places we recommend, as well as information on how to pick a good breeder and buy a healthy sugar glider. Retail

1. NJ Exotic Pets

Check exotic pet.comLodi, New Jersey Located near New York City, this is a huge, brick-and-mortar exotic pet store. They offer sugar gliders and other exotic animals for sale from a 9,000 square foot facility.

2. Panhandle Exotics

Check penhandleexotics.comPensacola, Florida This retail store sells all kinds of exotic pets, including sugar gliders. They are a family business, focused on matching their pets to the right new home more than just simply making a profit. They’ll also help re-home any pets purchased from them if the new owners find they’re unable to keep them.

3. Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers

Check unclebills.comMultiple locations in Indiana This local pet store chain offers sugar gliders for sale but not at all locations. They recommend calling ahead to be sure sugar gliders are available before you arrive to buy your new pet. Uncle Bill’s offers experienced staff as well who can educate buyers on suitable care and habitat for sugar gliders.

4. S&S Exotic Animals

Check unclebills.comHouston, Texas This pet store also makes frequent appearances at exotic pet expos throughout Texas and neighboring states. They are licensed by the USDA and local animal authorities. All sugar gliders sold by this store are bred and raised by the owners/breeders. They breed and sell unique color variations of sugar gliders and work closely with veterinarians to ensure the health of their gliders.

5. 88 Pet World

Check unclebills.comBrick, New Jersey This family pet store has been in business for over 30 years. They are licensed to sell exotic pets by the USDA. This store sells various colors of sugar gliders, all of whom are hand-raised and tamed. They can also get you set up with all the supplies you need to keep your glider happy.

Concerns About Buying From Pet Stores Many of the same concerns about buying dogs and cats from pet stores also apply to sugar gliders. Namely, many pet stores buy their animals from pet mills and unethical breeders. Obviously, pet stores need to make money and sugar gliders can be expensive. Buying cheaper, mass-produced sugar gliders allows the pet stores to make more money. Not every pet store buys from questionable sources but it can be hard to determine where the sugar gliders come from. Proceed with caution when buying from a pet store and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Online

1. Janda Exotics Animal Ranch

  Check jandaexotics.comKingsbury, Texas This large operation breeds and cares for a wide variety of exotic and domestic animals, including sugar gliders. They offer tours and hands-on experiences at their facility as well. Sugar gliders can be purchased online but they are not currently transporting pets to their new homes, in-person pickup only. This breeder offers a discount if you purchase two sugar gliders at a time, ideal for a social animal that enjoys living with a friend!

2. Dragonstone Ranch

Check dragonstoneranch.comKing, Texas This breeder has been in business since 2002 and is focused on improving the genetics of the pets they breed, including sugar gliders. Babies are hand-raised and available year-round. They will only sell sugar gliders in pairs or to a home that already has a sugar glider for the well-being of the animals. Males are neutered before going to their new homes or they charge an extra fee for breeding rights. This breeder does offer ground transportation to all states where it’s legal to own a sugar glider, although they prefer pets to be picked up in-person to avoid stress on the sugar glider.

3. My Little Sugar Glider

Check mylittlesugarglider.comLake Havasu City, Arizona This sugar glider breeder has been in business since 1997. They offer a health guarantee on their gliders. Sugar gliders are available in a variety of colors. The breeder offers shipping by air, ground transport, or in-person pickup of newly purchased pets.

4. Sugar Gliders R Us

Check sugargliderus.comEagleville, Tennessee This home breeding operation is run by a retired school teacher and has been in business for over 25 years. They require a vet check within 72 hours of newly purchased sugar gliders arriving in their new homes for their health guarantee. The breeder offers several varieties of sugar gliders, including albino or leucistic animals.

5. NH Sugar Gliders

Check nhsugargliders.comFarmington, New Hampshire This family breeding operation offers hand-raised sugar gliders in a variety of colors. They also sell all the supplies needed for sugar glider housing and care. The breeder is dedicated to educating sugar glider buyers and pledges to always be available for support and questions even after their gliders go to new homes.

Concerns About Buying Online Like dog breeding is plagued by unethical breeding operations and puppy mills, sugar gliders can also be the product of similar inhumane breeders. Sugar glider mills are focused on breeding as many babies as possible to supply the demand for gliders in the pet trade. The sugar gliders in these operations are often kept in dirty, cramped conditions. The babies don’t get any early bonding or taming with humans, which is essential to making them good pets. The best way to make sure you’re working with an ethical sugar glider breeder is to meet them in person, see the conditions the gliders are raised in and ask questions about their health. Obviously, if you purchase a sugar glider online, you miss that chance and you could be unintentionally supporting a sugar glider mill. Try to find other sugar glider owners or exotic pet veterinarians in your area to get their recommendations for responsible breeders or information about online breeders that you find. Rescues Because sugar gliders are often purchased by well-meaning people who haven’t done their research, many of these impulses buys end up in need of new homes. If you are willing, consider adopting rather than buying a sugar glider. Check with local animal shelters and exotic pet rescues in your area first and then check out these rescue groups.

1. Sugar Glider Guardians

Check sugarliderguardians.comThis non-profit serves as an educational organization and as a network to facilitate the re-homing and adoption of sugar gliders.

2. Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue

Check mnpocketpetrescue.comMinneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota This group rescues and re-homes all sorts of pocket pets, including sugar gliders. All potential adopters must apply and be approved before taking a new pet home. The group relies on foster families to care for the pets before they are adopted.

3. Arizona Sugar Glider Rescue

Check azsugargliderrescue.orgPhoenix, Arizona This group was founded in 2010 by a family of recent sugar glider purchasers who were horrified at the number of sugar gliders they saw kept in filthy, unhealthy conditions. They not only rehome sugar gliders and hedgehogs but provide support and education for glider owners to help ensure they can keep their pets safe and happy. Conclusion Before you decide to bring a sugar glider into your life, research and learn all you need to know about the time commitment and care level involved. Also, be honest about your ability to provide the care needed. Yes, sugar gliders are adorable but they’re not just stuffed animals that sit on a bed. Make sure it’s legal for you to own a sugar glider in your state or town too. If you’re ready to take the plunge, keep right on researching to make sure you pick the breeder, rescue, or store that works best for you. We’ve listed a few options for you to choose from, as well as some red flags to look out for as you search out your new sugar glider. Hopefully, this will allow you to get your journey as a sugar glider owner off to a positive and healthy start!

See Also: What Do Sugar Gliders Eat in the Wild and as Pets?

Featured Image Credit: gayleenfroese2, Pixabay

Sugar gliders are tiny, squirrel-sized members of the marsupial family, native to Australia and New Guinea. With their huge eyes and plush coats, these animals are undeniably adorable, making them popular exotic pets. Sugar gliders can make great household pets but should not be purchased without doing plenty of research into their proper care first, as they can be time-consuming.

Because of their popularity, sugar gliders are sometimes victims of cruel and inhumane breeding practices. So, how do you find the best places to buy a healthy sugar glider? Here are a few places we recommend, as well as information on how to pick a good breeder and buy a healthy sugar glider.

Retail

1. NJ Exotic Pets

Check exotic pet.comLodi, New Jersey

Located near New York City, this is a huge, brick-and-mortar exotic pet store. They offer sugar gliders and other exotic animals for sale from a 9,000 square foot facility.

Check exotic pet.com

Lodi, New Jersey

2. Panhandle Exotics

Check penhandleexotics.comPensacola, Florida

This retail store sells all kinds of exotic pets, including sugar gliders. They are a family business, focused on matching their pets to the right new home more than just simply making a profit. They’ll also help re-home any pets purchased from them if the new owners find they’re unable to keep them.

Check penhandleexotics.com

Pensacola, Florida

3. Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers

Check unclebills.comMultiple locations in Indiana

This local pet store chain offers sugar gliders for sale but not at all locations. They recommend calling ahead to be sure sugar gliders are available before you arrive to buy your new pet. Uncle Bill’s offers experienced staff as well who can educate buyers on suitable care and habitat for sugar gliders.

Check unclebills.com

Multiple locations in Indiana

4. S&S Exotic Animals

Check unclebills.comHouston, Texas

This pet store also makes frequent appearances at exotic pet expos throughout Texas and neighboring states. They are licensed by the USDA and local animal authorities. All sugar gliders sold by this store are bred and raised by the owners/breeders.

Houston, Texas

They breed and sell unique color variations of sugar gliders and work closely with veterinarians to ensure the health of their gliders.

5. 88 Pet World

Check unclebills.comBrick, New Jersey

This family pet store has been in business for over 30 years. They are licensed to sell exotic pets by the USDA. This store sells various colors of sugar gliders, all of whom are hand-raised and tamed. They can also get you set up with all the supplies you need to keep your glider happy.

Brick, New Jersey

Concerns About Buying From Pet Stores

Many of the same concerns about buying dogs and cats from pet stores also apply to sugar gliders. Namely, many pet stores buy their animals from pet mills and unethical breeders.

Obviously, pet stores need to make money and sugar gliders can be expensive. Buying cheaper, mass-produced sugar gliders allows the pet stores to make more money. Not every pet store buys from questionable sources but it can be hard to determine where the sugar gliders come from.

Proceed with caution when buying from a pet store and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Online

1. Janda Exotics Animal Ranch

  Check jandaexotics.comKingsbury, Texas

This large operation breeds and cares for a wide variety of exotic and domestic animals, including sugar gliders. They offer tours and hands-on experiences at their facility as well. Sugar gliders can be purchased online but they are not currently transporting pets to their new homes, in-person pickup only. This breeder offers a discount if you purchase two sugar gliders at a time, ideal for a social animal that enjoys living with a friend!

Check jandaexotics.com

Kingsbury, Texas

2. Dragonstone Ranch

Check dragonstoneranch.comKing, Texas

This breeder has been in business since 2002 and is focused on improving the genetics of the pets they breed, including sugar gliders. Babies are hand-raised and available year-round. They will only sell sugar gliders in pairs or to a home that already has a sugar glider for the well-being of the animals.

Check dragonstoneranch.com

King, Texas

Males are neutered before going to their new homes or they charge an extra fee for breeding rights. This breeder does offer ground transportation to all states where it’s legal to own a sugar glider, although they prefer pets to be picked up in-person to avoid stress on the sugar glider.

3. My Little Sugar Glider

Check mylittlesugarglider.comLake Havasu City, Arizona

This sugar glider breeder has been in business since 1997. They offer a health guarantee on their gliders. Sugar gliders are available in a variety of colors. The breeder offers shipping by air, ground transport, or in-person pickup of newly purchased pets.

Check mylittlesugarglider.com

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

4. Sugar Gliders R Us

Check sugargliderus.comEagleville, Tennessee

This home breeding operation is run by a retired school teacher and has been in business for over 25 years. They require a vet check within 72 hours of newly purchased sugar gliders arriving in their new homes for their health guarantee. The breeder offers several varieties of sugar gliders, including albino or leucistic animals.

Check sugargliderus.com

Eagleville, Tennessee

5. NH Sugar Gliders

Check nhsugargliders.comFarmington, New Hampshire

This family breeding operation offers hand-raised sugar gliders in a variety of colors. They also sell all the supplies needed for sugar glider housing and care. The breeder is dedicated to educating sugar glider buyers and pledges to always be available for support and questions even after their gliders go to new homes.

Check nhsugargliders.com

Farmington, New Hampshire

Concerns About Buying Online

Like dog breeding is plagued by unethical breeding operations and puppy mills, sugar gliders can also be the product of similar inhumane breeders. Sugar glider mills are focused on breeding as many babies as possible to supply the demand for gliders in the pet trade.

The sugar gliders in these operations are often kept in dirty, cramped conditions. The babies don’t get any early bonding or taming with humans, which is essential to making them good pets.

The best way to make sure you’re working with an ethical sugar glider breeder is to meet them in person, see the conditions the gliders are raised in and ask questions about their health. Obviously, if you purchase a sugar glider online, you miss that chance and you could be unintentionally supporting a sugar glider mill.

Try to find other sugar glider owners or exotic pet veterinarians in your area to get their recommendations for responsible breeders or information about online breeders that you find.

Rescues

Because sugar gliders are often purchased by well-meaning people who haven’t done their research, many of these impulses buys end up in need of new homes. If you are willing, consider adopting rather than buying a sugar glider. Check with local animal shelters and exotic pet rescues in your area first and then check out these rescue groups.

1. Sugar Glider Guardians

Check sugarliderguardians.comThis non-profit serves as an educational organization and as a network to facilitate the re-homing and adoption of sugar gliders.

2. Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue

Check mnpocketpetrescue.comMinneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

This group rescues and re-homes all sorts of pocket pets, including sugar gliders. All potential adopters must apply and be approved before taking a new pet home. The group relies on foster families to care for the pets before they are adopted.

Check sugarliderguardians.com

This non-profit serves as an educational organization and as a network to facilitate the re-homing and adoption of sugar gliders.

Check mnpocketpetrescue.com

Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

3. Arizona Sugar Glider Rescue

Check azsugargliderrescue.orgPhoenix, Arizona

This group was founded in 2010 by a family of recent sugar glider purchasers who were horrified at the number of sugar gliders they saw kept in filthy, unhealthy conditions. They not only rehome sugar gliders and hedgehogs but provide support and education for glider owners to help ensure they can keep their pets safe and happy.

Check azsugargliderrescue.org

Phoenix, Arizona

Conclusion

Before you decide to bring a sugar glider into your life, research and learn all you need to know about the time commitment and care level involved. Also, be honest about your ability to provide the care needed. Yes, sugar gliders are adorable but they’re not just stuffed animals that sit on a bed. Make sure it’s legal for you to own a sugar glider in your state or town too.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, keep right on researching to make sure you pick the breeder, rescue, or store that works best for you. We’ve listed a few options for you to choose from, as well as some red flags to look out for as you search out your new sugar glider. Hopefully, this will allow you to get your journey as a sugar glider owner off to a positive and healthy start!

• See Also: What Do Sugar Gliders Eat in the Wild and as Pets?

Featured Image Credit: gayleenfroese2, Pixabay