The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is reviewing the list of approved native animal species under the Fauna possessing (pet keeper’s) licence.

The approved list of native Australian animals that can be kept as pets in WA contains three categories – animals that can be kept as pets without a licence, and animals that require keepers to hold either a standard or advanced licence.

There are presently 156 approved species of birds, amphibians and reptiles across the three categories, including budgerigars, finches, parrots and cockatoos, pythons, turtles, lizards and frogs.

Suggestions from the community and stakeholders regarding species to be added to, or existing species to be removed from or re-categorised on the pet keeper’s species list will help guide this review.

Only Western Australian native birds (other than emus and raptors), amphibians and reptiles (other than crocodiles, pythons and marine species) will be considered for inclusion on the list. 

DBCA Manager Wildlife Protection Branch Ryan Parker said the public input process is an important part of DBCA’s review, providing the opportunity for individuals and organisations to contribute their views and suggestions.

“It’s important that stakeholders including licence holders, interest groups, conservationists and interested members of the public put forward submissions to ensure their interests are considered,” Mr Parker said.

“All valid submissions will be assessed by a panel who will make recommendations for addition, removal or re-categorisation of species, taking into account biodiversity conservation, biosecurity, animal welfare and public safety.”

Keeping native Australian animals, except for category A listed species, is prohibited under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 unless authorised by a licence issued by DBCA.

A summary of the submissions and the assessment process will be made available on the DBCA website once the process has been completed.

The four-week public submission period will close at midnight on 6 October 2025

For more information and the expression of interest form, visit: www.dbca.wa.gov.au/fauna-possessing-eoi