People usually search this after spotting hamsters for sale online, moving to Australia with a pet, or hearing that “hamsters are illegal” and wanting to check if that’s actually true. In Australia, it is not as simple as “allowed with a licence”: bringing in or keeping hamsters is tightly controlled because the country treats new mammals as a serious biosecurity risk, with real consequences for wildlife, agriculture, and public health.
Below is the plain-language version of what the rules mean in practice, why the risks are taken so seriously, what can happen if someone tries to import a hamster, and which small pets Australians commonly keep instead—legally and responsibly.1, 2
Are hamsters banned in Australia?
As pets, yes: hamsters are not permitted as everyday companion animals in Australia. Live hamsters may be allowed only under narrow, tightly controlled pathways (for example, laboratory animals managed under strict import permit and biosecurity conditions), which is very different from private pet ownership.2, 3
The practical takeaway is simple: if you are trying to buy, sell, breed, or bring a hamster in as a household pet, you are on the wrong side of Australia’s biosecurity settings.1, 2
Why Australia treats hamsters as a biosecurity risk
Australia’s biosecurity system is built around a hard-learned lesson: once a new species or disease establishes in the wild, it can be extremely difficult (and expensive) to contain. Many introduced animals have caused long-running environmental and agricultural damage, so the country tends to prevent problems at the border rather than try to fix them later.1, 2
Escape and establishment in the wild
Small mammals are surprisingly good at slipping through gaps—doors left ajar, damaged enclosures, a child carrying a cage outside. If an animal survives and breeds, the story can shift from “pet” to “pest” in a handful of seasons, especially in suitable climates and around human food sources.2, 3
Disease and parasites
Biosecurity isn’t only about the animal itself. It also covers the pathogens and parasites it can carry, and the ways those could affect domestic animals, wildlife, and industries that depend on animal health and trade access.1, 4
Why “but it’s just one hamster” doesn’t hold up
Risk management at a national scale is about preventing the first breach. Once people can import or keep a species casually, illegal trade follows the demand. That is why Australia relies on controlled import pathways and documented conditions rather than case-by-case judgement at the airport.1, 3
Which laws and rules are involved?
Australia’s biosecurity framework is set at the Commonwealth (federal) level, including the Biosecurity Act 2015, and it is administered through formal import conditions and permit systems. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry uses the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) to publish import requirements, including when permits are required and when imports are not allowed.1, 3
Even where a specific category of hamsters may appear in laboratory-import settings, that does not translate into permission for private pet ownership or casual importation.4
What happens if someone tries to import or keep a hamster?
Enforcement outcomes vary by circumstances (and by state/territory laws where keeping and animal-welfare rules apply), but the pattern is consistent: biosecurity officers can seize animals and apply penalties for unlawful importation or non-compliance. Animals may be euthanised to prevent biosecurity risk where safe re-export or quarantine is not feasible.3
- Seizure and investigation: undeclared or prohibited live animals can be intercepted at the border, or detected later through compliance activity.3
- Penalties: biosecurity offences can carry significant fines and other legal consequences, depending on the conduct and harm risk.1
- Animal outcome: if an animal presents an unacceptable biosecurity risk, authorities may order destruction rather than allow it into the community.3
If you are unsure about any live animal import, the safest approach is to check BICON before you make plans, pay money, or book travel.3
If you love small pets, what are the legal alternatives?
Australia still has plenty of small, engaging pets—animals whose care is well understood here, and whose legal status is clear. Your best choice depends on your household, your time at home, and whether you want an animal that is more hands-off or more interactive.
Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are legal and widely kept. They are social animals and generally do best with companionship (often in same-sex pairs), plenty of space, and a predictable routine. Their diet matters: unlike many mammals, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so it must come from food (and, where appropriate, supplements advised by a veterinarian).5, 6
Rats and mice
Domesticated rats and mice are common pets in Australia. They suit people who enjoy watching natural foraging and exploration, and they benefit from safe enrichment, clean housing, and a balanced diet. If you are considering rats or mice, look for a veterinarian who regularly treats small mammals, not just cats and dogs.
Native animals (only where legal, and only with the right permits)
Keeping native wildlife as a “pet” sits in a different category. Rules vary between states and territories, and permits may be required, with strict conditions about sourcing (captive-bred, not taken from the wild), housing, and animal welfare. Queensland, for example, uses a Native Animal Keeping Licence system for certain species and experience levels.7
Before you fall in love with the idea of a sugar glider or other native species, check your state or territory regulator first—and be honest about the specialised care, nocturnal behaviour, and long-term commitment involved.7, 8
Care basics for small mammals (the parts people most often miss)
Housing: space, airflow, and a secure lid
- Choose an enclosure that allows real movement, not just turning around and climbing a ladder.
- Prioritise ventilation and cleanliness; stale, damp bedding is a common lead-in to respiratory trouble.
- Secure latches matter. Small mammals are persistent, and accidental escapes are more common than people expect.
Diet: don’t rely on seed mixes alone
Many “muesli-style” mixes encourage selective eating. Use a species-appropriate staple diet, then add safe fresh foods in sensible amounts. For guinea pigs, constant access to hay and daily vitamin C sources are particularly important.5, 6
Health: plan for a vet before you need one
Small mammals can deteriorate quietly. Dental disease, respiratory infections, parasites, and heat stress can move fast, and waiting “to see if it passes” can cost a life. Find an experienced vet early, and learn the normal patterns of eating, droppings, activity, and breathing for your chosen species.
A quick note on gerbils
Gerbils are often mentioned alongside hamsters. Australia’s approach is similarly strict, and gerbils are commonly described as not permitted for import for any purpose, reflecting the same underlying biosecurity logic: prevention is easier than eradication.2
Final thoughts
Australia’s hamster restrictions are not a judgement on hamsters as animals. They are a practical line drawn around biosecurity: keeping new mammals out is one of the ways Australia protects native species, farming systems, and trade. If what you want is a small companion with interesting behaviour, there are legal options that can thrive here—provided their housing, diet, and veterinary care are treated as seriously as their charm.
References
- Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) — Federal Register of Legislation
- ABC News (The Conversation): It’s illegal to have pet hamsters and gerbils in Australia. These are the risks they pose
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australia): Importing live animals and reproductive material (BICON guidance)
- DAFF Industry Advice 382-2025: Update to live laboratory animal import permit validity (mentions hamsters in laboratory import context)
- RSPCA Australia: How should I care for my guinea pig?
- RSPCA NSW: How to care for your guinea pig
- Queensland Government: How to apply for a Native Animal Keeping Licence
- Australian Geographic: Should we keep native species as pets?
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom