Not all native animals can be kept as pets, but some species which have been bred in captivity can be kept. None of these animals may be caught in the wild.
For most native animals you require a biodiversity conservation licence under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 to keep them as pets. You must obtain your licence before you start keeping any native animal as a pet.
Some native birds, like budgerigars, can be kept without a licence.
Licences help us protect and maintain healthy native animal populations and make sure pet owners have enough experience to safely care for their animals. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a licence.
Before you apply for a licence, you’ll need to decide what animal you want to keep. The most common native animals kept as pets are snakes, lizards, frogs and birds.
Find out which native animal you can keep as a pet
See the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List to find out which native animal you can keep as a pet.
Some native birds bred in captivity can be kept as pets as long as you have a licence. Forty-one native birds bred in captivity can be kept as pets without a licence.
Some native frogs bred in captivity can be kept as pets in New South Wales, as long as you have a licence.
Some native snakes, lizards, geckos, dragons and turtles can be kept as pets as long as you have a licence.
Two species of native mammal can be kept as pets in NSW as long as they have been bred in captivity and you have a licence.
Apply and pay for a licence to keep native animals.
You must always renew your licence to keep native animals when it expires, or surrender your licence if it is no longer required.
When you hold a licence to keep native animals you must meet licence conditions and keep your licence up to date.
Licence holders must keep records of their native animal pets in an online record book.
Learn more about wildlife licensing in New South Wales.