Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Where to Get a Sugar Glider Legally

Sugar glider
Native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, they make it to the list of favorite exotic pets. Since there is lack of familiarity on these critters, the support for sugar gliders' ownership varies from place to place. Even if owning them is allowed in country, province, or state level, a local ordinance may prohibit it. Therefore, you need to make sure whether it is legal to own sugar gliders as pets in your county, town or neighborhood. Owning them would be difficult if ownership is not supported since resources such as finding a specialized veterinarian and other support would be unavailable.
The following are countries with prominence over sugar gliders' ownership:
  • Australia: Currently, there are four states (Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Northern Territory) where these critters can be kept in captivity. They require owners to obtain license/permit with certain conditions. For example, in order to promote wildlife conservancy, Queensland requires owners who obtain demonstrators' license to hold demonstrations at places other than their home at least once a month.
  • Canada: Six provinces allow these cute ones to be kept in captivity but not all cities and counties within those provinces support owning them. In some places that allow them as pets, there are restrictions apply. For example, owners are limited to 2 sugar gliders per household in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • United States: Four states (Massachusetts, California, Alaska, Hawaii) do not support sugar gliders' ownership, while some states are either undecided or unknown. Some cities in legal states have chosen to make it illegal. For example, it is legal to own them in New York, but not in New York City.
In legal places, these cute ones can be obtained from pet stores, animal shelters, breeders, or private homes. Whichever way you get them, make sure that legal or proper procedures are being followed such as proof of license to breed or sell sugar gliders, legitimate source of these critters, and proper care/handling. Before bringing home any, a list of things you should do involve examining your finances for their care and expenses, applying for an ownership permit/license if required in your area, and making sure your house is safe for the little ones.
Bear in mind that the legality over sugar gliders' ownership in countries mentioned above is subject to change. Other countries may follow suit. Any interested owners/pet parents need to make sure that their local ordinance support it. In legal places, make sure you follow requirements set forth by your local government like obtaining proper license for ownership. Before you bring home any, exercise the principle buyer beware.
A lot of these little ones end up in animal shelters. Some of the reasons for them being abandoned or unwanted involve: buying or getting them on impulse, not doing enough research on these cute ones, and feeling disappointed. If you want to own sugar gliders as pets, your responsibility starts with checking your local ordinances making sure that they are legal in your area. Then, get some advice on buying sugar gliders or taking over ownership of these cute ones. Know how to take care of them properly.

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