Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a non-native animal as a pet?

Unless authorized under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986 or Animal Research Act 1985, a person must have a non-indigenous animal biosecurity registration to keep non-native animals.

For more information about the keeping of non-native animals, please visit the relevant acts and legislation for your state or territory, or contact your local biosecurity authority.

There are several ways in which you can surrender your non-native pet.

1. Report your non-native animal here. Your report will be forwarded to relevant biosecurity authorities in your local area who will get in touch with you to discuss the animals surrender.

2. Contact your local authorities directly.

3. Contact your local vet to discuss your options for the animals surrender.

4. Contact your local wildlife carer who can advise on the animals surrender.

I am not sure if an animal is native or non-native?

This website contains species profiles for a number of new pest species. If you are unsure whether the species you have seen in the wild or have in captivity is native or non-native, please take a clear picture of the animal (if it is safe to do so), and submit your picture, along with supplementary information, using our online reporting tool. Alternatively, you can contact your local biosecurity authority who can assist in the identification of the animal.

Are non-native animals dangerous?

Some non-native animals can pose serious, long-term or fatal threats to people. This is because animals can:

1. carry exotic diseases and parasites,
2. become aggressive and bite, sting, strike or charge if threatened, or
3. cause motor vehicle accidents if roaming freely.

Some wildlife handlers and vets are specifically trained in handling wild animals. If you are unsure about your safety, the safety of others, or the safety of the animal itself, please contact your local wildlife carer or vet who can assist you with the safe handling of the animal.

Where will my report go?

In each state and territory, reports of non-native animals are handled by personnel from government or relevant local organizations. Once you have submitted a report, we will forward your information onto the relevant personnel in your local area.

Can I make an anonymous report?

It is important that we are all working together to help keep Australia safe from the threat of new pest species. While we will treat your report as confidential, biosecurity authorities may need to obtain further details from you in order to conduct follow-up activities.

You can read more about our privacy policy here.

How will my information be used?

Local authorities will review the details of your report, and action a response where necessary. This may include documenting information about the incident, undertaking surveillance or collection of the animal, conduct a site visit, and/or public awareness about new pest species.

For further information regarding follow-up activities, contact the relevant agencies in your local area by clicking here.

If you have any additional questions, please Contact us.