Are Hamsters Allowed in Australia? 

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Hamsters are popular first pets for children as they are cuddly and relatively low maintenance. However, some countries don’t allow individuals to keep hamsters as pets, citing them as threats to the environment or even the population. One can consider the remote continent of Australia, for instance — are hamsters allowed in Australia? 

Hamsters aren’t allowed in Australia as pets. This is because they are considered potential pests that can rapidly multiply and cause an infestation in natural environments. You may risk fines or imprisonment if you are found with a hamster as a pet.

This article explores why Australia prohibits hamsters from being kept as pets. It also further examines the reporting process and the consequences of being caught with a hamster as a pet and what other similar pets you could potentially keep instead.

Are Hamsters Illegal in Australia?

Under the BioSecurity Act 2015, hamsters are listed as prohibited animals unless used for permitted pest animal incursion program purposes. It’s only legal to have a hamster if you have obtained permission from the Australian government and need it for research purposes. 

If caught with an unregistered hamster in Australia, you can be liable to a $210,000 (AUD) fine or face up to five years in jail. You can be reported to the Biosecurity Department if an individual suspects you own a hamster. 

Why Are Hamsters Illegal in Australia? 

According to the BioSecurity Act, hamsters are considered an invasive species that may threaten native wildlife. Additionally, if hamsters escape, they may spread infectious diseases like rabies or herpes. They would also rapidly breed, rising in population and stealing resources from native animals.

In banning hamsters and other non-native animals, the act hopes to prevent threats or the extinction of native animals.

What Mammals Can You Keep Instead of Hamsters?

If you are looking to keep a mammal as a pet, there are several that you can keep at home instead of hamsters. You can keep dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and house mice as pets in Australia. However, there are some guidelines you should follow if you want to keep these animals as pets. 

This section briefly considers the requirements for keeping each of these mammals as pets in Australia. 

Dogs

You can keep a dog as a pet in Australia, provided you follow the state rules. Here are some standard rules if you want to keep a dog as a pet: 

  • Registration and microchipping. All dogs over three months must be registered with your local council. It’s also highly recommended that you microchip your dog so that it’s easier to track down if it gets lost. 
  • Confinement of dogs. You must ensure that your dogs remain on your property at all times. There should also be a safe route for visitors to get to your front door without being worried by your dog.

Cats

Like dogs, you must register your cat with the local council and display its registration number on a collar or a microchip. As far as possible, you must also ensure your cat does not trespass onto others’ properties. 

Guinea Pigs

There are no specific rules for keeping a guinea pig in Australia. However, guinea pigs are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. This makes you responsible for housing, feeding, and providing companionship for your guinea pig. 

House Mice 

Like guinea pigs, house mice are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty Act. Ensuring they are fed, housed, and protected per suggested guidelines is vital. It would be best if you kept a close eye on the breeding habits of your mice, as they can rapidly multiply. 

Conclusion

You aren’t allowed to keep hamsters as domestic pets in Australia. Getting a permit from the Australian Government and Biosecurity Department is essential if you want to keep a hamster for research. Without a permit, you can be charged a fine or face imprisonment.

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