Four-toed hedgehogs (African Pygmy hedgehogs) may legally be kept as pets. Australia: All hedgehogs are classified as exotic pets that are illegal to import.
However, the species is prohibited throughout Australia for a number of reasons including its potential to introduce exotic animal diseases and because the species has the ability to become a serious invasive pest in Australia.
Currently only dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and selected species of birds from approved countries may be imported as pets and only when strict conditions are met. No other vertebrate animals are approved for import into Australia as pets.
Hedgehogs are illegal to keep or trade in NSW. Did you know that hedgehogs can carry foot and mouth disease and rare strains of salmonella? This non-native species is not as cute and harmless as it seems.
Echidnas are found in Australia and New Guinea exclusively, while hedgehogs are found in Europe, Asia, Eurasia, and Africa. While both of these creatures have unique spines, there are many physical differences between them.
The short-beaked echidna is found in Australia and southern New Guinea. The echidna looks kind of like a cross between an anteater and a porcupine or hedgehog. The top of the body is covered with sharp spines. These are made of compressed hairs, just like your fingernails.
The quokka, a small marsupial native to Australia, is one such example of a species vulnerable to extinction in the country's harsh surroundings. Known as the “happiest animal in the world” due to its cute and friendly appearance, these creatures are now only found in a few isolated forests and small islands.
If they are released or escape into the wild, hamsters and gerbils would compete with our native rodents for the same food resources. They could also pose a risk of disease introduction, with both being a significant risk to the survival of our native animals.
All introduced mammal species are prohibited as pets unless listed as exceptions. A sample of these prohibited mammals include: foxes • squirrels • ferrets/polecats/stoats • rabbits • hamsters • monkeys/marmosets • gerbils • weasels • dingoes.
Other Animals
The following pets are not permitted to enter Australia: chinchillas, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards, mice, snakes, spiders, pigs and turtles. Live pigeons are permitted from any country, however, household birds are only permitted if they are entering from New Zealand.
You can only bring your cat or dog into Australia under strict import conditions. These safeguard our agriculture, environment, native and domestic animals, and our people. They are based on rigorous scientific analyses to manage biosecurity risks.
Australia is a wonderful country for pets; it has many pet-friendly public spaces as well as a plethora of pet-friendly activities to enjoy with your furry friend. However, the country has strict biosecurity regulations that protect the local flora and fauna from exotic and introduced diseases.
Can you have an owl as a pet in Australia? Owls are not allowed to be kept as pets in Australia as they are considered “exotic pets”.
Legal requirements
The ferret is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply. You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by ferrets.
Hedgehogs were first introduced in New Zealand in the 1870s to make British settlers feel more at home. Now, 150 years later, the impact hedgehogs have on our native species is only just being understood.
Cats, dogs and other common pets
There are no restrictions on cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rats, mice and axolotl (walking fish).
Native mammals like kangaroos, quolls and sugar gliders cannot be kept as pets in NSW. The best place for native animals is in the bush where they can live in their natural environment. Native mammals have special needs and do not thrive in confined domestic environments.
What kind of snake should I choose? In Australia, you can only own a native snake. The following Australian pet snake species, all from northern parts of Australia, are commonly found for sale. Spotted python: Has a generally placid temperament and can grow to around 120 cm long.
The wild rabbit is now considered to be a pest in Australia and in states such as Queensland, keeping a rabbit as a domestic pet is illegal (although rabbits may be kept as pets in New South Wales and Victoria).
Chinchillas could not survive in the wild in Australia, as they are very sensitive to a lot of foods, bedding, and temperatures. They would not be able to breed like rabbits or Guinea Pigs, as there simply wouldn't be enough of them alive in the wild.
There are almost 29 million pets in Australia today - more than the estimated human population of 25 million. Three in five Australian households - or 5.9 million in total - have a pet. 61% of Australian households have a pet today.
Arguably the most famous Aussie animal of all, the kangaroo can be spotted just about anywhere across the country, but how can we go past a location named after these iconic creatures?
Quokkas are playful, adorable and known for being cute as a button, which has recently landed them the title of 'world's happiest animal.