Keeping a Sloth as a Pet: Facts, Challenges & Essential Care Guide

Keeping a sloth as a pet has become a growing curiosity among exotic animal enthusiasts, especially with the rise of social media videos showing calm, slow-moving sloths in people’s arms. But the reality of owning a sloth is far more complex. Sloths are delicate, highly specialized wild mammals with unique physiological, environmental, and dietary needs that cannot be met easily in a home setting.

This guide explains everything a beginner should know, from legality and ethics to housing, diet, health care, and long-term responsibilities, to help you understand whether a sloth truly belongs in a domestic environment.

Is It Legal to Own a Pet Sloth? (Laws & Permits)

Owning a sloth is legal in some U.S. states, partly legal in others, and completely banned in many regions. Two-toed sloths are the species most often allowed under exotic animal permits.

Examples of U.S. Regulations:

• Florida: Legal with a Class III Wildlife Permit.
• Indiana, Michigan, Kansas, Nevada: Allowed without a special permit.
• California, Oregon, Washington, New York: Fully illegal to own sloths.
• Texas: Laws vary by county; some require exotic permits.

Because laws change frequently, you must confirm regulations with your state wildlife agency and, in many cases, your county or city.

Why legality matters

According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to sloth populations. Many “pet sloths” sold internationally are wild-caught, stolen from their mothers, and trafficked into the exotic pet market. These animals often arrive stressed, malnourished, and severely ill.

Always verify documentation and demand proof of captive breeding before considering a sloth.

Ethics of Keeping a Sloth as a Pet

Sloths are not domesticated animals they are arboreal, slow-metabolism mammals that evolved to live high in rainforest canopies, away from predators and human interaction. Keeping them as pets raises several ethical concerns:

1. Captivity-Induced Stress

Sloths mask stress extremely well. As wildlife specialists note, a sloth may appear calm even when:

• Heart rate is elevated
• Body temperature is dropping
• Digestion slows dangerously

Sloths often “freeze” as a coping response, making it hard for owners to recognize distress.

2. Removing Sloths From Their Habitat

Sloths depend on:

• Specific humidity levels
• Specialized diets
• Canopy-style environments

Captivity often cannot replicate these conditions, potentially shortening their lifespan.

3. Handling and Physical Contact

Though they appear cute, sloths do not enjoy cuddling or touching. Handling causes stress and disrupts their natural rhythms.

4. Morality of Ownership

Because sloths naturally spend most of their lives alone, hanging in trees, keeping one in a household environment may restrict their ability to express natural behaviors.

Ethically, many experts argue they belong in:

• Accredited zoos
• Conservation programs
• Specialized sanctuaries

– not private homes.

Sloth Behavior and Temperament

Two-toed sloths are primarily nocturnal, meaning they become active at night and sleep most of the day. They move slowly due to their low metabolism and conserve energy whenever possible.

Real-world behavior traits

• They dislike being touched or held. Handling disrupts their rest cycles and can elevate stress.
• They defend themselves with long, sharp claws. A stressed sloth may swipe or latch onto a person with surprising strength.
• They are solitary. Sloths do not crave companionship from humans or other sloths.
• Very quiet animals. They rarely vocalize, which makes it difficult to detect discomfort.
• Extremely slow digestion. Food can take 2 to 3 weeks to process.

Because their biology is built around energy conservation, sloths appear calm, but calmness should not be mistaken for friendliness.

Housing Requirements (Climate, Space & Safety Needs)

A sloth cannot live in a traditional indoor room. Their environmental needs are closer to a mini rainforest than a typical household setup.

Temperature Requirements

Sloths require:

• 90–100°F (32–38°C) ambient heat
• 80–90% humidity

Cold temperatures can be fatal within hours. The Smithsonian notes that sloths cannot regulate their body heat like other mammals.

Space & Enclosure Needs

A pet sloth requires:

• A tall, enclosed space with vertical climbing structures
• Thick branches, ropes, and elevated resting platforms
• A secure, escape-proof housing system
• No sharp edges, wires, or furniture that could injure them

Many private owners build custom climate-controlled indoor enclosures or greenhouse-style rooms, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Why regular homes are unsafe

• Air conditioners and fans dry the air
• Normal room temperatures are far too low
• Floorspace-based rooms do not support climbing behavior
• Drafts or dry heat can cause respiratory or skin problems

A proper sloth enclosure must mimic a rainforest canopy as closely as possible.

What Do Pet Sloths Eat? (Diet & Feeding Routine)

Sloths are specialized folivores, meaning their diet consists mostly of leaves. In captivity, zoos and exotic vets feed leaf-eater commercial diets to mimic wild nutrition.

Primary Foods

• Mazuri High-Fiber Leaf-Eater Pellets
• Marion Leaf Eater Diet

These provide essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals that fresh produce cannot replicate alone.

Safe Vegetables (offered sparingly)

• Green beans
• Squash
• Carrots
• Leafy greens (limited romaine, kale, hibiscus leaves)

Feeding Schedule

• Sloths eat mostly at night
• They consume small amounts over extended periods
• Digestion takes up to 3 weeks

Overfeeding leads to life-threatening digestive blockages.

Watering Needs

Sloths often get hydration from leaves. When water is offered:

• Bowls must be placed high on platforms
• Fresh water must be available but not forced

Never place water on the ground sloths avoid descending unless necessary.

Common Health Concerns of Captive Sloths

Sloths require specialized veterinary care from an exotic mammal veterinarian, preferably one with zoo or wildlife experience. Common health issues include:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Improper diets cause:

• Bone deformities
• Muscle weakness
• Organ dysfunction

Leaf-eater pellets are essential for prevention.

2. Digestive Disorders

Because their stomach chambers depend on fermentation:

• Sudden diet changes
• Low fiber
• Overfeeding

can all lead to bloat, impaction, or bacterial overgrowth, which can be fatal.

3. Respiratory Infections

Often caused by:

• Low humidity
• Improper temperature
• Drafty enclosures

Sloths cannot tolerate even mild cold stress.

4. Parasites & Bacterial Issues

Imported sloths often arrive with internal parasites or infections due to poor transport conditions.

Vet Availability

Many regions do not have qualified exotic vets. You must secure a veterinarian before purchasing a sloth, not after.

Grooming, Handling, and Exercise Needs

Sloths have unique grooming and hygiene requirements that differ from most pets.

Fur Care

Their fur naturally hosts:

• Algae
• Symbiotic microorganisms
• Fungi that provide camouflage in the wild

Bathing a sloth removes beneficial organisms and can destabilize their skin health. They should never be bathed.

Handling

• Sloths rarely appreciate touching
• Handling causes stress and can trigger defensive clawing
• They should only be touched for necessary health checks

Claw Care

Two-toed sloths have long, curved claws used for hanging. They must never be clipped, as this can prevent them from climbing.

Exercise

Their only true form of exercise is:

• Climbing
• Hanging
• Moving slowly through branches

Floor exercise, playtime, or human-led activity is unnatural and stressful.

Size, Lifespan & Growth Information

Two-toed sloths are medium-sized arboreal mammals.

Size & Weight

• 17 – 30 inches long
• 10 – 20 lbs on average
• Arms can be disproportionately long compared to body size

Lifespan

In captivity, with proper care, two-toed sloths may live:

• 25 – 35 years, sometimes more

This means owning a sloth is a multi-decade responsibility requiring consistent climate control, specialized diet sourcing, and ongoing veterinary care.

Pros & Cons of Keeping a Pet Sloth

Pros

• Quiet, low-energy animals
• Fascinating to observe
• Uncommon exotic species
• Minimal odor when healthy

Cons

• Require expensive custom enclosures
• Dislike being touched or handled
• Extremely fragile health
• High vet bills and limited vet availability
• Strict or complicated legality in many states
• Long lifespan requiring lifelong commitment
• Risk of purchasing illegally trafficked animals
• Not social or interactive pets

Overall, sloths make poor companions for most people.

Cost of Purchasing & Finding a Reputable Source

Purchase Price

Legally captive-bred two-toed sloths typically cost:

• $6,000 to $10,000+

Prices vary based on breeder reputation, health records, and availability.

Why captive-bred is essential

Captive-bred babies:

• Adjust better to enclosure life
• Have fewer parasites
• Are ethically sourced
• Are healthier long-term

Avoid wild-caught sloths at all costs; the mortality rate is extremely high.

Finding a Reputable Source

A reputable seller should provide:

• USDA breeder license (U.S. requirement)
• Veterinary records
• Proof of captive breeding
• Microchip documentation

Avoid “exotic pet brokers” who cannot provide authentic lineage details.

Similar Pets Worth Considering

If you’re drawn to unusual, gentle exotic pets, these species may be more manageable:

Capybara

Large, social rodents that enjoy water and can be friendly with proper care.

Kinkajou

Nocturnal mammals with prehensile tails, more interactive but require specific diets.

Prairie Dog

Social animals that bond with owners and have simpler housing needs compared to sloths.

These alternatives still require research but are often more suitable than sloths.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do sloths smell bad?

Healthy sloths have very little odor because their metabolism is slow and their fur contains natural microorganisms that prevent bacterial odor. If a sloth smells bad, it’s usually a sign of illness, poor diet, or improper housing conditions.

2. Are sloths social pets?

No. Sloths are solitary and do not seek companionship from humans or other sloths. Keeping more than one sloth together can cause stress unless the enclosure is extremely large and designed for individual space.

3. How often do sloths go to the bathroom?

Sloths typically defecate once a week, sometimes even less. Their digestion is slow, and bathroom trips are infrequent but important. When they do go, they often descend to the ground, a behavior deeply rooted in instinct.

4. Do sloths like being petted or cuddled?

No. Even though sloths appear gentle, they do not enjoy physical interaction. Petting, hugging, or holding often causes stress and can lead to defensive clawing. Sloths prefer to be left alone to rest and hang naturally.

Conclusion

Keeping a sloth as a pet requires far more than fascination or admiration. These delicate animals depend on precise temperatures, humidity, specialized diets, and minimal handling. Potential owners must consider legality, ethical issues, veterinary access, and long-term responsibility before making a commitment that may last over 30 years.

If you truly love sloths, the best ways to support them include:

• Visiting accredited sanctuaries
• Supporting conservation programs
• Avoiding the illegal wildlife trade

Always check local laws, confirm breeder legitimacy, and consult an exotic veterinarian before adopting a sloth.