I know this topic has not been commented on in some time, but i live in Fairfax County and have been trying to find some information for a while on this subject as i don't want to care for a glider illegally. The facts seem to be that Sugar Gliders fall into a loophole that seems to be overlooked in these exotic pet laws. They either are just generically grouped in with owning Squirrels, of which they are not, or are just grouped as a non native warm blooded animal. I've printed out all the laws and documentation i can both from Virginia and from Fairfax County and it seems that although Fairfax County says they do NOT supersede the laws of Virginia on exotic pets, they are meant to compliment them, leads me to believe that they just have no information and have blindly just deemed them illegal. They pose no threat to the environment as far as overpopulation or predatory aspects. They are actually more at risk to themselves than to any other human or animal is concerned.

My main question is it possible to acquire a permit to care for suggies, or if anyone would like to move forward with legitimate information during some of the next animal health county meeting to see if we cannot educate this issue? I plan on calling on monday to some local authorities, but was wondering if anyone has further investigated this issue since last post.

My understanding is that, at this time, it is NOT possible to acquire a permit for suggies in Fairfax County.

I have been doing my homework and trying to make some steps forward and so far, have been met by resistance. I would be more than willing to move forward with an attempt to help this along.

Well since monday is a holiday i don't know if i will be able to get in contact with the important branches, but as i find information during the week i will let you know and if possible i will try to move forward with this issue.

Thanks.

sounds good!

Honestly, I do not think they enforce the laws on the books on owning sugar gliders in Farifax county, unless somebody calls and makes a complaint.

There is in fact an Exotic Animal vet in Fairfax City, and we have taken our gliders there before without any problems. They told us they do see some gliders from time to time, albeit rarely.

Then again you never know, so I can't say for certain.

There are alot of small municipalities in the area that may have different laws then fairfax county, (ie. the town of Vienna, Falls Church, Arligton, etc) so i don't know if the Fairfax laws apply to those towns or not. Although in Arlington I believe someone mentioned they are legal.

Im in Fairfax aswell
im going to find somone out of county ( i have a few friends with them) and bring in a sugar glider to the Fairfax board of supervisers to get the law changed!
For a county whos name has FAIR in it, it has some pretty UNfair laws.
I am also e-mailing them and sending them letters. It would be great if you all would too and have your friends send them emails or letters too.

FIGHT THE POWER!!!
MIKA&CRYSTAL!!! (my soon to be gliders)

Help me save gliders lives AND make them legal in Fairfax county VA

if we all send in emails and letters and also make movments at meetings im sure we can make them change the law!

WE used to take our guinea pig and now take our dog to an exotic vet in Fairfax county and im almost posative they would do vet work on them

They ARE legal in Arlington. Exotic animals are illegal in Fairfax county and if found, they will be confiscated and unfortunately, euthanized. Just not a chance I'd take.



Treating animals in Fairfax County is one thing, owning them is another. I am from Arlington but my vet is in Fairfax. Yes, they will treat gliders but they are required by law, with knowledge of gliders owned in the county, to report this information.

oh well
im just going to work 2x as hard to make them legal

I admire that and think you should do what you can to make this happen.

I will!
Its not fair and it should be made right!

oh yea by the way DCMuffin I saw your gliderroom pics on your website and that has got to be the best glider room in the world!

Has any progress been made on this? I would be glad to jump on board. Does anyone have a specific point of contact so our letters / complaints / inquiries etc. are not lost or ignored when they go to the general board?

This really stupid law was a huge deciding factor in my husband and I's recent home purchase. Loudoun County for the win. Fairfax needs to get with the picture.

I have been wondering for quite some time if there is an actual reason for the ban on sugar gliders (in the legislators' minds) in Fairfax County, or if the law is just an outdated all-inclusive blanket law.

Anyone who has been in contact with officials over this matter, have you been able to figure out exactly what the reasoning is behind this law, so that we can debunk whatever misinformation or concerns FFC may have concerning gliders?

I am willing to speak to county officials myself, but I would like to be prepared and on the same page as everyone else here. My dad still owns a property in Fairfax County, even though he has since moved and is now renting it out, so I can maybe play that angle if they decide they don't want to listen to anyone outside of the county. Can't imagine it will be an issue, though.