Apply for a native animal keeper licence

To keep native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians as pets, you'll need a native animal keeper licence.

This licence covers over 300 types of native animals listed on the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List as class 1 or basic:

• amphibian class A1
• bird class B1
• mammal class M1
• reptile class R1.

You can apply for the licence online. 

Licences are granted under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 in the following classes:

• bird keeper
  • basic bird
  • advanced bird
  • emu endorsement.
• reptile keeper
  • basic reptile
  • advanced reptile, non-venomous
  • advanced reptile, venomous, category 1
  • advanced reptile, venomous, category 2
  • advanced reptile, venomous, category 3.
• amphibian keeper
  • basic amphibian
  • advanced amphibian
  • it's illegal to collect frogspawn, tadpoles or frogs from the wild, but with a licence you can witness metamorphosis in action.
• mammal keeper
  • basic mammal
  • only dingos, spinifex hopping-mice and plains rats can be kept as pets. You don't need a licence for dingos.

To make sure that you have all the information and documentation you need to complete this transaction, please visit Office of Environment and Heritage.

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

1. Find the species code.
2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
3. Log in or create an account.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Enter your payment details.
6. Read and confirm the declaration.

For online transactions:

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

For phone transactions:

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

Please note that you may need to pay a merchant fee when paying by credit or debit card.