Where to Buy a Sugar Glider? (BEST Stores to Choose From)

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If you’re looking for a new pet and have decided that a sugar glider is the right choice, you’re probably wondering where to buy a sugar glider.

There are many places you can buy pet gliders, but not all of them are reputable breeders.

In this blog post, I’ll tell you the best places to purchase pet gliders and share some tips on what to look for when choosing a breeder or pet store.

Where Can You Buy a Sugar Glider?

“Where can I buy a sugar glider near me?” This is perhaps the most frequently asked question among pet glider enthusiasts.

If you have no idea where to buy a sugar glider, you can purchase pet gliders from sugar gliders breeders and various places, including:

1. Mall Kiosks, Flea Markets, and Pet Expos Across the U.S.

These venues focus on introducing gliders to the public, educating them, and promoting the critters as excellent pets.

cute sugar glider under title Where to Buy a Sugar Glider?

However, they are not always the best places to make your purchase because most sellers are more focused on sales than educating the public.

Therefore, ensure you’re dealing with a reliable source before purchasing.

2. Google Search and Social Media

Many people are looking to rehome their gliders online. A quick search on Google or social media will reveal many options.

However, you should be cautious when dealing with people you don’t know and always meet in public.

Additionally, ask for references from the person you’re adopting from. Also, keep in mind that there’s a high chance you’ll be adopting an adult glider if you go this route.

Adopting an adult glider has its pros and cons, which you should research before deciding.

3. Local Pet Stores

You should also consider checking your local sugar glider stores.

However, note that finding a pet glider at a big-box pet store like Petco or Petsmart is slim to none. Nonetheless, it’s still worth checking out smaller locally-owned stores.

The staff might also be able to help you find a reputable breeder or adoption center in your area.

Owning an exotic pet can be a unique and enriching experience, but it’s important to ensure that it’s legal in your state. Stay informed by reading ‘exotic pets legal in California‘ and make a responsible decision for you and your potential pet.

3 Best Pet Stores to Buy Sugar Gliders From

There are various pet stores that sell pet gliders. However, considering Petsmart’s popularity, you may be wondering, “how much do sugar gliders cost at PetSmart?”

Like other big-box pet stores, PetSmart doesn’t sell pet gliders because they’re exotic animals and illegal in most states.

Petsmart store

However, all hope isn’t lost.

Many reputable pet stores breeders will ship a pet sugar glider right to your doorstep. Below are some of the reliable pet stores I found:

1. Uncle Bill’s Pet Center

It’s crucial to get your pet glider from an ethical and humane source. This description perfectly fits Uncle Bill’s Pet Center.

They have a wide variety of pets, including sugar gliders, and they’re committed to helping customers understand and care for their animals.

One of the things that makes this pet store stand out from the pack is that they carry a large inventory of pet supplies. So, if you’re ever in need of glider food or toys, this is the place to go.

What’s more, Uncle Bill’s Pet Center has locations all over Indianapolis, so you’re sure to find one near you.

And that’s not all.

The pet store has a highly-trained staff that can assist you in building an appropriate habitat for your glider. What’s more, they can teach you everything you need to know about the animal.

2. Janda Exotics

Janda Exotics is another excellent place to buy a sugar glider in Indianapolis.

This store is run by experts who have been breeding and caring for gliders and other wild animals for over 12 years.

cute glider baby in a persons palm

When you purchase a glider from Janda Exotics, you can rest assured that you’re getting a healthy, well-cared-for animal.

What’s more, if you’re not sure about purchasing the animal online, you can visit their ranch in Kingsbury, Texas.

Here, you can view the animals in their natural habitat, cuddle them, and find out everything you need to know about them.

3. KyTy Critters

Last on our list is KyTy Critters, another great place to buy these social animals in the U.S.

This store offers a wide variety of animals, including sugar gliders, and provides excellent care for all their animals.

They have a staff of experienced professionals who can answer any questions you may have about the adoption and care of sugar gliders.

What’s more, you’ll be happy to know that they are USDA licensed, meaning they are held to the highest standard of care.

Things To Look At When Buying Sugar Gliders

If you’ve been considering getting a pet glider, you probably already have the answer to, “how much do sugar gliders cost?

But do you know what to look for when you’re buying one?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The Age of the Pet Glider

Sugar gliders can live up to 15 years, so you want to make sure you’re getting one that’s still young.

baby glider feeding from a syringe

Otherwise, you may have to say goodbye to your new pet much sooner than you’d like.

2. The Health of the Pet Glider

It’s also crucial to ensure that the sugar glider is healthy. Ask to see a health certificate from the breeder or rescue organization.

This document should list any potential health problems the sugar glider may have. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask a vet for their opinion.

According to MSD Vet manual (1), healthy sugar gliders should have the following characteristics:

  • Active
  • Perky ears
  • Good movement
  • Firm feces
  • Bright eyes
  • Smooth, soft coat
  • Ability to grab onto things

In contrast, unhealthy, malnourished gliders will typically display the following signs:

  • Dull eyes
  • Lethargic
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Nasal discharge
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Facial swelling
  • Jaundice
  • Weight loss
  • Discolored or stained coat

Take the time to observe the critters being sold to you, and ask the seller about any health concerns you may have.

If you notice anything off with the animal, it’s best to find another sugar glider to purchase.

3. Glider’s Habitat

It’s also crucial to find out about the sugar glider care and habitat area before purchasing the animal.

A reputable seller will have no problem answering any questions you have regarding the animal’s cage, diet, or living situation.

You should also be able to see where the sugar glider lives before you purchase.

sugar glider in a tree trunk

The area should be clean and free of debris or harmful chemicals. Not to mention, the glider’s food dishes should be clean and empty.

4. Ensure the Pet Store or Breeder Conveys Information About Diet

Another tell-tale sign of a reliable seller is whether or not they can tell you about the animal’s diet. 

A proper and balanced diet for a sugar glider includes sugary foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality pellet food.

The staff should also be able to tell you what food for sugar gliders is best and what to avoid.

Cute Glider in a tray of worms

If the staff is knowledgeable about diet, it’s a good sign that they care about the health and well-being of their animals.

However, you need to research and learn more about gliders’ proper diet before having the consultation to ask the right questions.

5. Find Out About Veterinary Care

You shouldn’t take the decision to adopt a pet glider lightly. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years, so it’s a long-term commitment.

So, before you adopt, find out about the vet that the breeder or adoption center uses.

sugar glider on a weigh scale

Ask if they’re familiar with sugar gliders and if they would be able to care for your pet if it got sick.

Also, find out if the glider has any medical conditions that require special care, whether they need special diets or supplements.

Don’t forget to ask about the cost of vet care for sugar gliders so that you can budget for it accordingly.

6. Find Out About Handling and Bonding

Since you’re a first-time sugar glider owner, you’ll need to learn how to handle them properly.

You’ll also want to ask about bonding and social interaction since this is such an essential part of owning a sugar glider.

Bonding is the process where you build a trusting relationship with your glider.

Bonding with a sugar glider pet

Experts at Animal Care Hospital say [2] that, “Daily handling and attention is critical when it comes to bonding with your glider. “

For this reason, you’ll need to find out how often you should handle your glider and the best way to do it.

Some people recommend starting with short handling sessions and gradually increasing the time as your glider gets more comfortable with you.

Asking these questions before you buy a sugar glider [3] will help you be prepared for what’s to come and make sure that you’re getting the best possible pet for your family.

FAQs

Where can I find a sugar glider?

You can find pet gliders at local pet stores, flea markets, pet expos, mall kiosks, social media, Google search, and licensed breeders.

How expensive is a sugar glider?

The cost of a pet glider varies depending on the breed and coloration, often ranging from $100 to $500. However, the cost of albino gliders can go up to $5000.

Does Petsmart have sugar gliders?

Like other big-box pet stores, Petsmart does not sell sugar gliders.

Wrapping Up

There you have it; a detailed guide on where to buy a sugar glider. Whether you’re looking for a local pet store or want to find a breeder, we hope this guide was helpful.

Remember to do your research before making any decisions and always consult with a licensed veterinarian.

A person holding a cute baby glider

Where did you get your sugar glider? Let us know below!

References

1. Routine Health Care of Sugar Gliders – All Other Pets. MSD Veterinary Manual. Accessed April 21, 2022. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/sugar-gliders/routine-health-care-of-sugar-gliders

2. chris. Cuteness Overload: Sugar Glider Care 101. West Park Animal Hospital. Published May 16, 2019. https://www.westparkanimalhospital.com/blog/cuteness-overload-sugar-glider-care-101/

3. petMD. Guide to Sugar Gliders as Pets | petMD. Petmd.com. Published December 22, 2017. https://www.petmd.com/exotic/care/all-about-sugar-gliders

Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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