The short answer is 'no' - you can’t own a sloth unless you have a special permit/license, and even then, it’s probably a bad idea.
Exotic Pets, such as the sloth are protected under US Law. Different states and different cities have specific requirements and laws that determine who is allowed to own exotic pets or even if it’s a possibility. The Sloth is not only exotic, it is also listed as an endangered animal (which adds an extra hurdle for anyone who wants to purchase this loveable, hanging mammal as a pet). Bornfreeusa.org is a site that provides a state by state list of animals and their legal statuses as pets.
If you are determined to get a ‘sloth license,' it is a long and complicated process. In addition to an exotics license, You may also need additional permits such as:
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A State Game Permit .
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A Permit from the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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A Permit from the environmental protection agency
There is also the Naturalist route: You can earn a certificate as a naturalist - a trained professional who uses exotic animals for educational purposes. This means though, that you would have to use your sloth to educate the public!
Let’s say you do succeed in obtaining a Sloth as a pet…there are still some big challenges awaiting you:
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Sloths are wild, so unless you own a lot of land with trees, in a warm environment and can create an appropriate ‘sloth house,’similar to its natural habitat… your sloth will be uncomfortable and perhaps even become depressed.
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You will need exotic pet insurance, which is very expensive.
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Time- Sloths are shy and gentle creatures that require a lot of time and dedication, even moreso than other pets.
Even if you COULD get a pet sloth, SHOULD you get it ?
The answer is debatable. Most Zoologists would agree that an animal is the most comfortable in its natural environment. Sloths come from the Jungle; that's probably where they would be the happiest.! If you REALLY want to be around Sloths, why not volunteer at a zoo! ?
