The import of wildlife to Tasmania is regulated by the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Biosecurity Act 2019. This means it is the joint responsibility of both the Environment Strategic Business Unit and Biosecurity Tasmania within the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas).
The information on this page is for species considered to be controlled or restricted animals under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Information on the requirements under the Biosecurity Act 2019 can be found here: Importing Animals into Tasmania
Information for Pet Owners
Some of the wildlife species regulated under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 are also commonly kept as pets.
NRE Tas often receives requests from pet owners to bring these pets into Tasmania. Some pets are prohibited from entering the state. This is because there is a high risk of them becoming an invasive pest that could cause problems for Tasmania’s unique environment and its economy. Invasive species can impact Tasmania’s threatened species and agriculture.
It is important to check if your pet is prohibited from entering the state (or if it requires a Wildlife Import Permit) before you move or travel to Tasmania, as your pet may be seized at the border.
Examples of pets that can be imported without restriction and do not require a Wildlife Import Permit are:
Examples of pets that require a Wildlife Import Permit to be issued prior to coming to Tasmania by boat or by plane:
Galah
Eclectus
Star Finch
Superb parrot
If these pets arrive at the border without a Wildlife Import Permit they may be seized.
Use the Wildlife Import Permit Application form to apply for the import of approved wildlife from interstate:
Wildlife Import Permit Application (PDF 312Kb)
A complete list of species and their import requirements is available in the Requirements for Importing and Keeping Wildlife in Tasmania.
Please see Arrangements for Importing Wildlife into Tasmania if you are interested in how these decisions are made.
Which pets cannot be brought into Tasmania?
Ferrets
| It is illegal to bring ferrets into Tasmania by boat or by plane. You cannot bring a pet ferret if you are moving to Tasmania or if you are travelling to Tasmania.
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Axolotl
| You cannot bring a pet axolotl if you are moving to Tasmania or if you are travelling to Tasmania. This species can only by imported by holders of a Wildlife Exhibition Licence (wildlife parks and zoos).
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Turtles
| It is illegal to bring freshwater and red-eared slider turtles into Tasmania by boat or by plane. You cannot bring a pet turtle if you are moving to Tasmania or if you are travelling to Tasmania.
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Birds
| You cannot bring Rainbow lorikeets, Quaker parrots or Indian ringnecks into Tasmania by boat or by plane. You cannot bring these pet birds if you are moving to Tasmania or if you are travelling to Tasmania.
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Reptiles
| You cannot bring a pet snake or lizard if you are moving to Tasmania or if you are travelling to Tasmania. Some snakes and lizards can only by imported by holders of a Wildlife Exhibition Licence (wildlife parks and zoos) as well as businesses that display reptiles for educational purposes.
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Please note: Penalties may apply for importing controlled and restricted wildlife. If the species is listed as restricted under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 it will be seized at the border and may be euthanased.
NRE Tas has been made aware of public concerns regarding the importation of the Red Crowned Parakeet/Kakariki (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae). The Department is currently undertaking a review of the suitability of this species for import.
Anyone wishing to import this species is advised to contact the Department before purchasing.
Tasmanians Travelling to the Mainland with Pets
If you are travelling from Tasmania to the mainland with your pet, it is important to note that your pet may require a Wildlife Import Permit so that it can re-enter Tasmania.
Please contact Wildlife Services to discuss re-entry requirements prior to travelling.