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Two species of native mammal can be kept as pets in New South Wales as long as they have been bred in captivity and you have a licence.

Native mammals like kangaroos, quolls and sugar gliders cannot be kept as pets in NSW. Native mammals have special needs and do not thrive in confined domestic environments.

Find out how to apply and pay for licences to keep native animals in New South Wales.

These licences allow handlers to legally catch and release reptiles (usually snakes) or possums from commercial and residential properties.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water may grant a licence to persons or businesses to catch and release possums to mitigate damage to property.

You must always renew your licence to keep native animals when it expires, or surrender your licence if it is no longer required. Find out how to renew, surrender or change your native animal keeper licence in New South Wales.

When you hold a licence to keep native animals in New South Wales, you must meet licence conditions and keep your licence up to date.

Licence holders must keep records of their native animal pets in an electronic record book or ‘e-book’.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water may issue a licence to suitably qualified people to catch and release reptiles.

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