RSPCA believes that wild animals, even if they are captive-bred, should not be kept as pets unless there is clear evidence that they will have a good quality of life, their needs can be met, accurate care information is available, a suitably experienced veterinarian is utilised as needed, and the animals pose no health or public safety risks to humans or other animals. For more information see the RSPCA’s policy.
In the past, native animals could not be kept as companion animals unless a government permit was issued. However, over the past few years, some jurisdictions across Australia have allowed and continue to allow certain species of native animals to be kept as pets without requiring a permit.
Before you consider acquiring a native animal, familiarise yourself with the:
- Laws on keeping the species you are interested in – many native species are protected in Australia and a license is required to keep them in captivity (see table below).
- Codes of practice – In some states and territories, native animal keepers must adhere to a code of practice outlining the minimum requirements for their care (see table below).
- Responsible sourcing of native animals – It is illegal to take individuals of many native species from the wild. To learn more about how to avoid inadvertently supporting the illegal wildlife trade see this article.
- Care requirements – Caring for native animals is a big commitment. Each species has very unique and specific needs. Research the species you are interested in keeping. Familiarise yourself with how that species lives in nature (e.g., climate, behaviour, feeding), potential diseases and health problems, and care requirements (e.g., temperature, humidity, space, substrate, light, diet etc.) and consider whether you can adequately meet their needs.
- Qualities you are looking for in a companion animal – consider the behaviour and needs of the species you are interested in and whether these are compatible with what you are looking for in a companion animal and what you can provide for them.
- Commitment required – Some species can live for many years in captivity, so you need to be prepared to provide appropriate care for your companion for their whole life.
Laws related to keeping native animals
All Australian native animals, including animals who naturally migrate to Australia, are afforded protection under both State and Commonwealth legislation. It is an offence to recklessly kill or harm a native species. There is some variation between jurisdictions regarding the requirement for a permit to trade, keep or move a native species.
The keeping of wildlife as pets is subject to specific licensing requirements in some jurisdictions – please contact your State or Territory government for further information. Some general information and links for further details are included below.
| State/Territory | Name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements |
|---|---|
| ACT | All native animals in the ACT are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act). It is an offence to take kill, harm, endanger take from the wild or keep these animals. Some species of native animals are exempt animals in the Nature Conservation (Exempt Animals) Declaration 2019 (Exempt Animal Declaration). Even though keeping these animals does not require a licence, it is still an offence to take them from the wild. Any animal not listed in the Exempt Animal Declaration is known as a non-exempt animal, and a Nature Conservation licence is required to import, keep, sell, export or release these species. More information can be found here. |
| NSW | In New South Wales, some native animals can be kept as pets who have been bred in captivity can be kept. Animals may NOT be caught in the wild. The requirements and conditions are provided for under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (as amended). For most native animals a biodiversity conservation licence under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 is required to keep them as companion animals. More information can be found here. |
| NT | All native wildlife in the Northern Territory (NT) is protected and a permit is required to keep protected or prohibited wildlife in captivity in the NT. More information can be found here. |
| QLD | In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence may be required under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, depending on the type of wildlife you’re hoping to keep. Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife that is held under the permit. More information can be found here. |
| SA | In South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water regulates the ownership of native animals under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. For many species, you will need a permit if you want to keep a native animal in captivity. More information can be found here. |
| TAS | Reptiles and amphibians are protected in Tasmania under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. They may not be taken or kept in captivity without a permit but there are some exceptions. More information can be found here. |
| VIC | Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002. NB: only legal to keep certain classes of wild pigs as pets. In Victoria, you are required to get a licence to keep some native wildlife species. There are some types of wildlife that can be kept without a permit if you are keeping for non-commercial purposes. The animals must be acquired from a lawful source (e.g., the holder of a Wildlife Dealer licence). Animals MUST NOT be taken from the wild. Refer to the Wildlife Regulations 2013 to determine if you need a licence and what kind you need. More information can be found here. |
| WA | In Western Australia, keeping wildlife is regulated under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018. More information can be found here. You need a licence to keep some native species. More information can be found here. |
The information presented here is not intended to be relied on for legal advice and you should seek advice from the relevant authority and/or a lawyer about your individual circumstances.
