To keep a native reptile, bird, frog or mammal as a pet, you need to first have a biodiversity conservation licence granted under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (National Parks and Wildlife Service).
The type of biodiversity conservation licence needed depends on the species and number of animals you want to keep.
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a licence to keep native animals. If you are under 16 years of age, the licence application must be in the name of your legal parent/guardian.
Some animals are only available to people who hold an advanced licence. These animal keepers have many years of experience keeping species that may be difficult and dangerous to maintain, or are of a higher conservation significance.
There are 41 native bird species you can keep without a licence.
Types of licences
Companion Animal Keeper Licence
You can only keep one animal listed as companion class on the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List. You must nominate the species you want at the time you apply for your licence.
Eligibility
You must be over 16 years of age or a parent or guardian of children under 16.
Record keeping
- Keep a record of when you buy your animal (including supplier's details, your details and date of purchase) to demonstrate that it has been legally sourced.
- You do not have to submit records to the department for animals kept under a Companion Animal Keeper Licence.
Fee and term
- $50 for 5 years
- Discounts are available for pensioners and online applications.
Apply
Class 1 Native Animal Keeper Licence
This licence covers over 300 types of native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals listed as class 1 or ‘basic’ (birds class B1, reptiles class R1, amphibian class A1 and mammal class M1) on the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List.
This licence is suitable for people with a basic knowledge of the animals and how to meet their needs.
Eligibility
You must be over 16 years of age or a parent or guardian of children under 16.
Record keeping
Lodged annually using the native animal keeper record book.
Fees and terms
- $63 per class for 2 years
- $143 per class for 5 years
- Discounts are available for pensioners and online applications.
Apply
Advanced class Native Animal Keeper Licence
This licence covers animals listed as ‘advanced’ class (birds class B2 and B3; reptile classes R2, R3, R4 and R5; and amphibian class A2) on the NSW Native Animal Keepers' Species List.
Keepers of these animals usually need greater skills and a larger commitment of time and resources.
Eligibility
You must be over 18 years of age and have at least 2 years’ experience caring for relevant species through a lower class of licence.
Requirements
Read the requirements to qualify for an advanced class licence.
Record keeping
Lodged annually using the native animal keeper record book.
Fees and terms
- $120 per class for 2 years
- $143 per class for 5 years
- Discounts are available for pensioners.
Please allow enough time for your application to be assessed. You will be contacted if further information is needed to complete the assessment.
Application form
Online applications are available for advanced class keepers. Go to the Advanced Class Native Animal Keeper Licence application form.
Apply for a licence
You can apply online for a Companion Animal Keeper Licence or a Class 1 Native Animal Keeper Licence through Service NSW. To apply for an upgrade licence (that is, from class 1 or 'basic'), you must submit an application form.
New applicants need to register with the site before completing the online application.
Make sure you:
- use capital letters when entering your name: for example, John William Smith
- enter your phone number details in the format 0295856401 or 0401000000 for mobile numbers (no spaces)
- enter your address accurately using the Quick Address System provided by Service NSW.
You can apply for a new licence by telephone with Service NSW on 13 77 88. If you apply online, you receive a discount on the current standard licence fee.
Please email us at [email protected] if you are unable to complete the online form for your application.
Licence fees and duration
Licence fees vary depending on the type of licence, number of classes and how you apply. Discounts are available for pensioners and certain applications when lodged online.
| Licence class | Full price | Duration | Online | Pensioner | Pensioner and online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion animal keeper licence | $50.00 | 5 years | $45.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Class 1 animal keeper | $63.00/class | 2 years | $56.70 | $50.00 | $45.00 |
| Class 1 animal keeper | $143.00/class | 5 years | $143.00 | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Advanced animal keeper licence | $120.00/class | 2 years | N/A | $95.00 | N/A |
| Advanced animal keeper licence | $240.00/class | 5 years | N/A | $190.00 | N/A |
How will I know if my application has been successful?
If you applied for a companion animal licence or an animal keeper licence (class 1) online, you should receive your licence and your transaction receipt in separate emails within 48 hours.
If you applied by mail, it takes up to 28 working days for your application to be processed. You will receive your licence by mail.
If your licence has not arrived after 28 days, contact the Wildlife Team.
Give them your name, date of birth and the date you applied.
Please note that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water reviews all applications for animal keeper licences for compliance and enforcement purposes.
As soon as you receive your licence, read it thoroughly to check all the details are correct and that you understand the licence conditions.
If there are any errors, contact the Wildlife Team.