This interactive map will assist you in locating a veterinarian who treats sugar gliders. If you know of a veterinarian who is not included, please email their contact information to:
The information contained on this map is provided for reference only. Inclusion does not signal endorsement or recommendation by either SouthEast Sugar Gliders Rescue and Sanctuary or SouthEast Sugar Gliders, Inc. You should always do your own research before entrusting your pets to anyone.
©2010-2011 SouthEast Companion Animal Rescue & Education Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Resources
Vet Locator and FAQ'S
When should I take my glider to a vet?
Sugar gliders require an annual exam. You should also seek IMMEDIATE veterinary attention anytime there is an injury or illness. Since sugar gliders will mask or hide signs of illness, you should pay attention to changes in behavior, eating habits, activity levels and appearance. If you sense differences in these, a vet visit is in order.
What will my vet do at the annual visit? Do sugar gliders get vaccinations?
While sugar gliders do not require vaccinations, they do require a general exam. Your vet should:
*record their weight
*take a history, including diet fed and cagemate info
*perform an overall physical exam including dental
*test fecal sample (BOTH a float and smear)
Since sugar gliders are colony animals, each cage should receive well visits and fecal tests as a group. If one glider has a parasite, all members of that colony MUST receive treatment.
What's the best way to bond
with my new glider?
Earn its trust. There is no black and white
answer to the correct way to bond because each glider has a unique personality. It is critical that you observe your glider and how it reacts to what you're doing. If it runs away or appears upset, STOP. Forcing yourself (or other gliders) onto the animal will only cause stress and teach it NOT to trust you. You want to show your glider that your are safe. Bonding takes time and not every glider bonds to the same extent as others. Realizing that sugar gliders are unique individuals with likes and dislikes and respecting those preferences will lead to a much better relationship for you both.
What's the best thing to feed my glider?
Sugar glider diets are cause of much debate. Wereally don't know enough about their nutritional requirements to develop the ideal diet. They do require a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Calcium is also needed, but it should be kept in mind that too much is just as bad as too little. There are a variety of blended staple diet recipes that can be used. I recommend looking at them all and choosing one that you feel comfortable with and will be able to prepare. A list of these diets can be found at SouthEast Sugar Gliders.
What kind of toys does my glider need?
Enrichment is a vital component to successful sugar glider care. Providing an emotionally stimulating environment reduces stress and boredom which can lead to illness and injury. At our sanctuary, each cage has:
*a running wheel (we use Stealth wheels made by
Atticworx); we try for 1 wheel for every 2 gliders in
the colony
*at least 3 different toys such as foragers, reset and
noisemakers
It's important to ensure the gliders are playing with the provided toys. An unused toy is simply taking up space. Some gliders prefer fleece toys, some like bells and beads, and others like toys they can climb in. Change the toys provided weekly to keep the gliders interested.
I make many of the toys used at the sanctuary, but it does take time to ensure each toy is safe. For most owners, it's easier to purchase toys. Most toys made for birds can be used for gliders and can be found at most pet stores. There are also individuals who design toys specifically for sugar gliders. While these toys do cost more than the locally available bird toys, they do provide much more stimulation for your gliders. Two of the sanctuary's favorites are:
These vendors spend a lot of time studying sugar glider behavior and put that knowledge into designing toys gliders love. Safety is always a priority with their toys, so you can feel secure in putting them in your gliders' cage.
Can my sugar glider play with my cat or dog?
Absolutely not. Sugar gliders are prey animals and will be stressed by the presence of predators. Your dog and cat, while considered domesticated, still retain the instinct to hunt. Many gliders have been killed by "friendly" dogs and cats.
Do sugar gliders make good pets for young children?
No. Sugar gliders can bite and scratch, especially if handled roughly. Most small children do not possess the physical dexterity for safe handling of any small animal.
Can I keep my sugar gliders in the cage all the time?
Sugar gliders require out of cage playtime for both mental and physical well being. An hour per day is recommended. Out of cage time should be done in a glider-proofed room and under supervision.
What happens if I can't keep my sugar gliders?
Unfortunately, most shelters will not take in exotic animals. They are not set up to provide the specialized care required. There are a few exotic pet shelters, but most are at capacity due to the massive amounts of exotic pets being surrenderd. These organizations or local veterinarians may know of other resources that can help, so search your area to find contact information.
Is it legal to keep sugar gliders as pets?
This varies by location. Some states, like California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, do not allow gliders as pets at all. In other states, they are legal but require special permits. You must also check your county and city for restrictions.
It is NOT recommended to keep any pet illegally. If you are caught, you can face fines or jail time and your pet will be seized and possibly euthanized.
Are sugar gliders a high maintenance pet?
Yes. Considerations include:
*large cage
*specialized diets, not commercially available
*need for enrichment items
*require weekly to bi-monthly nail clippings
*veterinary care not available at all offices; exotics
usually cost more than domestic pets
*cages, toys and pouches must be thoroughly
cleaned weekly
*messy: food will be tossed out of cage, urine and
feces will also scatter
*nocturnal and can be noisy
*require work to remain docile
*colony animal; need companionship of other
gliders
*territorial; can fight with strange gliders
*stress can cause illness or injury; can self-
mutilate which can cause death
Where can I find good information about my sugar gliders?
While the internet can be a useful tool for finding information, you have no way to verify the source. Before taking
advice from ANYONE, be sure to find out what their experience level is. Ask questions:
*How long have you owned gliders?
*Have you had personal experience with illness or injury?
*Where do you get your gliders' vet care?
In my years of working with sugar gliders, I have seen numerous people offer advice online. Some didn't even own
sugar gliders and others were simply repeating something they had read. Your sugar glider depends on you to keep it safe and healthy. Verify your source and don't take advice blindly. We are learning more about sugar gliders everyday and we must constantly update our methods in conjunction with this knowledge. Your best source of help will be with someone who has experience but who also keeps up with current research. Those who sincerely wish to help will not mind being questioned about their experience.
See our links page for suggestions.
 | ||||||
Find
a vet BEFORE you need
one
Thinking about getting a sugar glider? Here are some questions we are commonly asked:
Have a question not answered here? Email us.
