Many just want dogs, cats, and fish as pets. But if you are among the unique ones who wish for exotic pets in Australia, this article is for you. There are different state regulations about rearing these animals. Because of this, we will discuss the exotic pet policies in the three largest states in Australia—New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
New South Wales
New South Wales provides a list of native animal species for people who want exotic pets. This regulation includes unique Australian birds, reptiles, frogs, and a few mammals. But you cannot own invasive species, crocodiles, sea turtles, or snakes. Like what will be discussed later, purchasing and owning these animals require a license. (But there are exceptions.)
The NSW list of native animal species
You may read their 2016 NSW Native Animal Keeper’s Species List here. But note the following as you refer to it:
- The state government has stopped the requests to expand the species list. Currently, it reviews these proposals independently because of modified wildlife licensing policies. It is why the latest list remains from 2016 (as of the writing of this article).
- The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage typically revises the species list annually. They categorize the species by their class (like “reptiles” and “mammals.”)
- The Native Animal Keeper’s Species List also enumerates exceptions that do not require a license.
- The list includes hybrid animals. However, the government strictly discourages and regulates artificial inbreeding between different species.
- Your license must be appropriate to the class of native animal you want to own. For example, owning venomous reptiles requires advanced criteria.
- You may call (02) 6391 3100 for inquiries about owning exotic animals.
The NSW native animal keeper license
According to the New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment, it is illegal to catch such native animals. Instead, owners can only purchase ones bred in captivity by licensed breeders.
Pet owners must first apply for a license to own an allowed native animal, following the 2016 Biodiversity Conservation Act. This policy seeks to protect Australia’s unique wildlife from endangerment and abuse. Nonetheless, owners can have such pets if they follow the law.
Here are the requirements to have a native animal keeper/biodiversity conservation license:
- You should be sixteen years old to apply for such a license. If younger, you must provide the same application with your parent or guardian’s name.
- First, look at the list of allowed and forbidden native species. Determine which animal and how many of them you want to own. You can apply for one or many animals. If you first applied for only one pet, you can upgrade it later to have more.
- Assess your experience in caring for exotic pets and their conservation significance. It will determine your license level.
Applying for the NSW native animal keeper license
You can apply online for the Class 1 or Basic License. This document contains the instructions and forms. However, make sure that you register on the government website before applying. You should also enter your exact address as the Service NSW platform prescribes. As for your phone number, do not add spaces or hyphens.
You can also apply for this license by calling Service NSW on 137788. If you want to send the form by email, download the PDF form and send it to [email protected]. Service NSW also lets applicants mail the physical form to this address: Wildlife Licensing, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124. Pensioners will receive a 10% discount on these application methods.
License prices
As of the writing of this article, a Class 1 animal keeper license costs $63. However, online applications under this category only cost $56.70. The total price of the Advanced Animal Keeper License is $120. There are discounts for pensioners.
Successful license applications
For the Class 1 application, you will receive the license and receipt through email in two days. You must wait for up to 28 working days before receiving your license for physical mail submissions.
Check your license details after receiving them. But if there are problems, you should contact the Wildlife Team.
Victoria
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the state’s pet shop code of practice regulate how you can buy and accept animals. Because of this regulation, you can purchase dogs, cats, non-specified reptiles, and caged birds. But a regulation approved in 2015 mandates that buying them outside a private home, a pet shop, or a bird organization is illegal.
This section will lay out the animal ownership policies for exotic animals in Victoria state:
Reptiles and frogs
Like New South Wales, the Victorian government protects reptiles and frogs. It is illegal to catch them from the wild. Instead, you must first apply for a license from the state to have a native animal from a licensed breeder. You can contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning customer service through 136 186. You can ask them for the list of specific species there.
Amphibians
The Victoria state also monitors amphibians. They need regulated environments to stay healthy, after all. Because of this, the government website encourages aspiring owners to ask a veterinarian before buying an amphibian. You may also ask someone who has cared for such animals about their tips and experience. By researching carefully, you can assess if you can adequately care for amphibians.
If you no longer want to take care of amphibians, never release them on the toilet or other bodies of water. These animals might invade the native ecosystem and bring diseases to other species.
The Animal Welfare Victoria website provides a comprehensive list of allowed amphibians and how to take care of them.
Birds
Victoria has ownership and amnesty regulations regarding exotic birds. You may contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning website or call them on 136 186.
Queensland
Queensland has stricter policies on owning exotic animals. Their state website said many animals introduced within its borders have become destructive. These invasive species destroyed their ecosystem, agriculture, and economy. Hence, they keep other species illegal in Queensland.
The Queensland government’s website on this policy lists the prohibited pet animals. They include notoriously invasive species, including chameleon, boa constrictors, anoles, ferrets, foxes, iguanas, and monkeys. Moreover, the regulations ban pets like hamsters, exotic geckos, and wild dogs.
You may message the Department of Environment and Science when you have questions about owning exotic pets. Doing this is critical, especially if you cross state lines with these animals. For example, rabbits and squirrels are legal in New South Wales but forbidden in Queensland.
Other animal regulations in Queensland
- The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries strictly monitors the purchase and introduction of freshwater fish into the ecosystem. Those who release invasive species will face fines.
- If you possess over a hundred birds or poultry, you must register them.
- Living bees from Tasmania are forbidden in Queensland.
- You must register horses, cattle, and other domesticated farm animals specified by the government. They must have a property identification code under the National Livestock Identification System.
- If you want to transfer livestock into Queensland, follow the state’s entry requirements first.
Frequently-asked questions
1. What are exotic pets?
Exotic pets are animals that seem unusual to own in society. There, they are typically seen in the wild rather than at home.
2. Where do we find exotic animals?
We can find exotic animals in zoos or their natural habitat. Examples of locations with the most exotic animals are the Amazon rainforest, the Great Bear Rainforest in Canada, and the Daintree Rainforest in Australia. These places have diverse ecosystems and species of plants and animals.
3. Why are exotic animals famous?
Exotic animals are famous because they are unique and intriguing. They bring attention and experiences that common pets like cats and dogs do not provide. Also, exotic pets are caged most of the time, and many live for decades.
4. What exotic pets are legal in Australia?
Exotic pets and native animals are legal in Australia, depending on state regulations. You may visit their policy website for the list of allowed exotic animals. However, all of them prohibit catching and owning animals from the wild. You may visit your local pet store or licensed breeder to see the available options.
5. Why are there strict rules for exotic animals?
There are strict rules for exotic animals to ensure the safety of people and those species. Exotic pets can carry unfamiliar diseases to humans, and they might also attack people (especially among tigers and primates). Moreover, state regulations seek to protect the animals from abuse, deprivation, and malnutrition.
References
NSW Government. (n.d.). Native animals as pets. Retrieved from https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-licences/native-animals-as-pets
Queensland Government. (2022, June 20). Keeping exotic animals as pets in Queensland. Retrieved from https://www.qld.gov.au/families/government/pets/keeping-exotic-animals-as-pets-in-queensland
Victoria State Government. (n.d.). Animal Welfare Victoria: Other pets. Retrieved from https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/other-pets