Let’s face it, Aussies love their pets. But when it comes to which animals we can actually keep at home, things get a little tricky. What’s totally fine in Sydney might get you into serious trouble in Brisbane. And then there are animals that are banned across the country, no matter where you live.
Here’s a closer look at which pets are banned in Australia, and where.
Primates and Monkeys (Nationwide Ban)
Monkeys might seem like a cool idea, but in Australia, they are strictly off-limits as pets. Whether it’s a chimp, capuchin or lemur, you won’t find any of them legally living in Aussie homes.
Primates are banned in every state and territory because they need specialised care and can carry dangerous diseases that are transmissible to humans. Only zoos and wildlife parks with the right permits are allowed to house them, according to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Ferrets (Banned in Queensland and the Northern Territory)
Ferrets are a fairly popular pet in states like New South Wales and Victoria, but you won’t be allowed to own one if you live in Queensland or the Northern Territory.
The concern is around ferrets escaping and becoming an invasive species. The Queensland Government lists ferrets as a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Foxes and Hedgehogs (Nationwide Ban)
They might be adorable online, but foxes and hedgehogs are completely banned across Australia. Foxes are already a major threat to native wildlife, and hedgehogs could become a biosecurity issue if they were to establish populations in the wild.
As per the Australian Government’s live animal import list, neither species is permitted as a pet.
Snakes and Lizards (Permit Required)
Reptile lovers can still enjoy owning certain native snakes and lizards, but there are rules. You need a permit, and the species you are allowed to keep depends on where you live.
For example:
In New South Wales, reptile keepers must follow the NSW Native Animal Keeper Licensing System.
In Victoria, the Wildlife Act 1975 regulates who can own reptiles and what they can keep.
Queensland requires a Recreational Wildlife Licence.
Exotic reptiles like boa constrictors or iguanas are banned under national biosecurity laws.
Wild-Caught Native Animals
If you find a baby possum, bird or echidna and think about taking it home, think again. It is illegal to catch or keep native animals without the appropriate licences and training.
As outlined by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, handling native wildlife without a permit can result in fines and animal welfare concerns.
Rabbits (Banned in Queensland)
Believe it or not, pet rabbits are completely banned in Queensland. If you are caught keeping a rabbit as a pet, you could face fines of up to $44,000.
This rule is enforced by the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Division, which classifies rabbits as a Category 1 prohibited invasive animal.
In other states like New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, rabbits are allowed as pets, but owners are encouraged to keep them securely housed and desexed.
Savannah Cats and Other Exotic Hybrids (Banned in Most States)
Savannah cats are a striking and exotic-looking breed, but they are banned in most Australian states, including Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT.
A Savannah cat is a hybrid, created by breeding a domestic cat with a wild African serval. The result is a large, athletic cat with long legs and a wild appearance. These cats are extremely agile and have strong hunting instincts, which is exactly why they’re considered a threat to native wildlife.
As per the Victorian Government’s Invasive Animal List, Savannah cats are classified as prohibited. Similar rules apply in Queensland and Western Australia.
Other exotic hybrids, such as Chausies and some Bengals, may also fall under these restrictions depending on their generational distance from wild ancestry.
Before adopting or importing any hybrid breed, it’s important to check with your local government department. Failing to do so could result in large fines, and the animal may be confiscated.
The Good News
There are still heaps of great pets you can own in Australia. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, budgies and many native reptiles (with the right licence) are all allowed in most places. Some amphibians and rodents are also legal, depending on your state’s regulations.
If you’re ever unsure about a particular pet, a quick visit to your state’s Department of Agriculture or Environment website will give you accurate and current advice.
Final Tip
These rules aren’t just red tape. They’re in place to protect Australia’s unique environment and ensure animals get the proper care they need. Before you commit to any unusual or exotic pet, double-check what’s legal in your state.
You’ll be doing the right thing for both your future pet and the country.
