Native animals as pets

Allow two weeks for Basic permit applications, and eight weeks for Specialist permit applications to be processed.

Interested in buying a native animal as a pet? Or do you already own one that you would like to sell or give away? You might need a permit even if you are offered a native animal as a gift. The term 'sell' includes to swap or give away.

The permits below are for animals that have been bred in captivity. Protected animals must be acquired legally – either purchased from a licensed fauna dealer or received from a person holding a valid wildlife permit.

What species of animal can I keep as a pet?

You can keep or sell most native animals as a pet, as a hobby or for recreation. To determine whether you need a permit, and what type, find out the category of the animal you want to keep: Unprotected, Exempt, Basic or Specialist by checking the species list.

Find out how we categorise native animals in South Australia.

Dingoes may not be kept south of the dog fence. See the Biosecurity SA website for information about dingoes and the dog fence.

One native animal

Unprotected and Exempt animals

You do not need a permit to keep and/or sell Unprotected or Exempt animals. However, Exempt animals are protected and must have been bred in captivity before you acquire it as a pet.

Basic animals

You do not need a permit to keep just one Basic animal. However, you need a permit to sell or give away one Basic animal. To apply for this permit, click on the online form holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 9 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.

Specialist animals

You need a permit to keep and/or sell Specialist animals (that is, native animals that are not Unprotected, Exempt or Basic). You may also keep or sell Basic animals under this permit. To apply for this permit, complete the online form. Applicants will be required to demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills to keep Specialist animals. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 3 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.

Two or more native animals

Unprotected and Exempt animals

You do not need a permit to keep and/or sell Unprotected or Exempt animals. However, Exempt animals are protected and must have been bred in captivity before you acquire it as a pet. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

Basic animals

You need a Basic permit to keep two or more and/or sell one or more Basic animals. To apply for this permit, complete the online form. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 1 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.

Specialist animals

You need a permit to keep and/or sell Specialist animals (that is, native animals that are not Unprotected, Exempt or Basic). To apply for this permit, complete the online form. You may also keep or sell Basic animals under this permit. Applicants will be required to demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills to keep Specialist animals. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 3 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.

Eggs of a native animal

Unprotected and Exempt animals

You do not need a permit to keep and/or sell the eggs of Unprotected or Exempt animals. However, the eggs of Exempt animals are protected in the wild. You need a permit to take eggs of Exempt Animals from the wild.

Basic and Specialist animals

• You need a permit to keep the eggs of Basic animals or Specialist animals (that is, native animals that are not Unprotected, Exempt or Basic). To apply for this permit, complete the online form. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 10 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.
• You need a different permit if you want to both keep and sell the eggs of Basic animals or Specialist animals (that is, native animals that are not Unprotected, Exempt or Basic). To apply for this permit, complete online form. Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the Class 11 permit, and certain requirements of the regulations.

Do I need a permit to travel with my native pet?

If you already have a valid wildlife permit, you do not need to apply to:

• travel around SA with your native pet, however you will need contact the Fauna Permit Unit to seek written permission first.
• relocate with your native animal to another address in SA, although you must send to the Fauna Permit Unit your new address and contact details within 14 days of moving, using the Change of Details Notification online form.

If you want to travel interstate with your native pet, you might need an import or export permit.

If your pet is not a native animal, please contact Biosecurity SA to find out what to do.

https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-permits