Apply for a companion native animal keeper licence

Introduction

If you want to keep a native animal, you can apply for a companion native animal keeper licence under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

The licence:

• allows you to keep one companion native animal at a time
• is valid for 5 years.

Companion class animals are identified on the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List, and you'll need to nominate the species you want when you apply.

Eligibility

You must:

• be over 16 years of age
• not have been prosecuted under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 or other relevant legislation in NSW or any other state of Australia in the past 12 years.

What you need

• the species code as identified in the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List
• your concession card details (if applicable).

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
3. Log in or create an account.
4. Follow the prompts to apply for a companion native animal keeper licence.

Payment methods

For online transactions:

• credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay, Diners Club or American Express).
• discounts are available for pensioners and online applications.

For phone transactions:

• credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa, or American Express).

Note: You may need to pay a merchant fee when paying by credit or debit card.