Pet snakes are becoming more popular as pets in Australia, as more people are fascinated by these slithery creatures and their unique personalities. However, not all snakes are suitable for pet ownership, and some may pose serious risks to the owners, the environment, and the native wildlife. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of the best and worst species to own as pet snakes in Australia, based on their availability, legality, care requirements, temperament, and potential impact. We will also give you some tips on how to choose and care for your pet snake, and what to do if you encounter any problems or issues. Whether you are a beginner or an expert snake owner, this article will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your pet snake responsibly and safely. 🐍
Why Choose a Snake as a Pet?
Snakes are fascinating animals that have been around for millions of years. They have adapted to various habitats and climates, and they have evolved different features and behaviors to survive and thrive. Snakes are also very diverse, with over 3,000 species in the world, ranging from tiny worms to giant pythons. Some snakes are venomous, while others are harmless. Some snakes are colorful, while others are camouflaged. Some snakes are active, while others are lazy. Some snakes are friendly, while others are aggressive. Snakes are truly amazing creatures that can offer a lot of benefits and challenges to their owners.
Some of the benefits of owning a snake as a pet include:
- Snakes are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for, compared to other pets. They do not need much space, food, water, or grooming. They do not make noise, shed fur, or produce odors. They do not require much attention, affection, or socialization. They are also very clean and hygienic, as they defecate infrequently and shed their skin periodically.
- Snakes are very long-lived and can be loyal companions for many years. Some snakes can live up to 20 or 30 years, or even longer, depending on the species and the care. Snakes can also form bonds with their owners and recognize them by their scent, voice, and touch. Snakes can be very rewarding pets for those who are committed and dedicated to them.
- Snakes are very educational and can teach their owners a lot about biology, ecology, and conservation. Snakes can inspire curiosity and interest in the natural world and its diversity. Snakes can also raise awareness and appreciation for the role and importance of snakes in the ecosystem and the threats and challenges they face. Snakes can be great ambassadors for wildlife and the environment.
- Snakes are very beautiful and can add aesthetic value to any home. Snakes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can be very attractive and appealing to the eye. Snakes can also be very graceful and elegant, as they move and coil with ease and agility. Snakes can be very captivating and mesmerizing to watch and admire.
Some of the challenges of owning a snake as a pet include:
- Snakes are very specialized and require specific and strict conditions to thrive. Snakes need a suitable enclosure that provides adequate space, security, ventilation, lighting, heating, humidity, and substrate. Snakes also need a proper diet that consists of live or frozen prey, such as rodents, birds, or reptiles. Snakes also need regular health checks and veterinary care, especially for parasites, infections, injuries, and diseases.
- Snakes are very misunderstood and feared by many people, and they may face stigma and discrimination from society. Snakes are often associated with evil, danger, and death, and they may trigger negative reactions and emotions in some people. Snakes may also be illegal or restricted in some areas, and they may require permits or licenses to own. Snakes may also pose risks to the owners, the public, and the native wildlife, especially if they escape, bite, or carry diseases.
- Snakes are very unpredictable and may not behave as expected or desired by the owners. Snakes have their own personalities and preferences, and they may not always be friendly, docile, or cooperative. Snakes may also have different moods and temperaments, depending on the season, the time, the weather, and the stress level. Snakes may also have different needs and wants, depending on the age, the sex, the size, and the species. Snakes may not be the best pets for those who want a cuddly, playful, or interactive pet.
The Legal Status of Pet Snakes in Australia
Before you decide to own a snake as a pet in Australia, you need to be aware of the legal status and the regulations that apply to snake ownership in the country. Australia has strict and complex laws that govern the importation, possession, breeding, and trade of snakes, both native and exotic. These laws are designed to protect the health and welfare of the snakes, the owners, the public, and the environment. These laws may vary from state to state, and they may change over time, so you need to do your research and check the latest information before you get a snake as a pet.
The main authority that regulates the importation of live animals, including snakes, into Australia is the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). DAWE has a list of live animal import conditions that specify the requirements and the procedures for importing live animals into the country. You can access this list on the DAWE website. You can also use the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) to search for the import conditions for a specific animal or product. You can access BICON on the DAWE website.
According to the DAWE, the importation of exotic snakes into Australia is prohibited, unless they are for zoological or scientific purposes, and they have a valid import permit issued by the DAWE. Exotic snakes are defined as snakes that are not native to Australia, and they include species such as boas, pythons, colubrids, elapids, and vipers. The importation of exotic snakes is prohibited because they pose a high risk of introducing diseases, parasites, and pests that could harm the native wildlife, the agriculture, and the human health. They also pose a high risk of becoming invasive and competing with or preying on the native wildlife, or hybridizing with the native snakes.
The importation of native snakes into Australia is also regulated by the DAWE, and it requires an import permit issued by the DAWE. Native snakes are defined as snakes that are native to Australia, and they include species such as pythons, elapids, and colubrids. The importation of native snakes is regulated because they may carry diseases, parasites, and pests that could spread to other regions or states, or they may belong to different genetic populations that could affect the biodiversity and the conservation of the native snakes.
The possession, breeding, and trade of snakes, both native and exotic, within Australia is regulated by the state and territory governments, and it may require a license or a permit issued by the relevant authority. The state and territory governments have different laws and policies that govern the keeping of snakes as pets, and they may have different lists of approved or prohibited species, different categories or classes of licenses or permits, different fees and conditions, and different penalties and enforcement measures. You need to check the laws and policies of the state or territory where you live or where you intend to keep a snake as a pet, and you need to comply with the requirements and the obligations of the license or the permit.
The main authorities that regulate the keeping of snakes as pets in each state or territory are:
- New South Wales: NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
- Victoria: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
- Queensland: Department of Environment and Science
- Western Australia: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- South Australia: Department for Environment and Water
- Tasmania: Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
- Northern Territory: Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
- Australian Capital Territory: Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate
You can find more information about the laws and policies of each state or territory on their respective websites, or you can contact them directly for inquiries or assistance.
The keeping of exotic animals as pets, including exotic snakes, is also regulated by the Australian Government, and it requires a permit issued by the DAWE. The DAWE has a policy on keeping exotic animals as pets, which outlines the criteria and the process for applying for a permit. You can access this policy on the DAWE website. You can also use BICON to search for the import conditions for a specific exotic animal or product.
According to the DAWE, the keeping of exotic animals as pets is discouraged, and it is only allowed under exceptional circumstances, such as when the animal is already in the country, and it is not suitable for zoological or scientific purposes, and it poses a low risk of becoming invasive or introducing diseases. The keeping of exotic animals as pets is discouraged because they pose a high
risk of escaping, biting, spreading diseases, or harming the native wildlife, the agriculture, or the human health. They also require specialized and expensive care, and they may not adapt well to the Australian climate or environment. Therefore, the DAWE only grants permits for keeping exotic animals as pets on a case-by-case basis, and only if the applicant can demonstrate that they meet the criteria and the conditions of the permit.
The criteria and the conditions for keeping exotic animals as pets include:
- The animal must be already in the country, and it must not be suitable for zoological or scientific purposes.
- The animal must pose a low risk of becoming invasive or introducing diseases, and it must be contained and secured in a suitable enclosure at all times.
- The animal must be identified and registered with a microchip or a tag, and it must be reported to the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority.
- The animal must be cared for by a qualified and experienced person, and it must receive regular health checks and veterinary care.
- The animal must not be bred, sold, traded, or given away, and it must be sterilized or contracepted if possible.
- The animal must not be displayed, exhibited, or used for commercial purposes, and it must not be transported or moved without prior approval from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority.
- The animal must be surrendered or euthanized if the permit expires or is revoked, or if the animal becomes sick, injured, or dangerous.
The DAWE may impose additional criteria and conditions depending on the species and the circumstances of the case. The DAWE may also inspect, monitor, or audit the permit holder and the animal at any time, and it may take enforcement actions if the permit holder or the animal breaches the permit or the law.
The DAWE advises that keeping exotic animals as pets is not recommended, and it encourages people to consider alternative options, such as adopting a native or domestic animal, visiting a zoo or a wildlife park, or supporting a conservation or a welfare organization.
The Best Species to Own as Pet Snakes in Australia
If you have decided to own a snake as a pet in Australia, and you have obtained the necessary license or permit from the relevant authority, you may wonder which species of snake is the best for you. There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing a snake as a pet, such as the availability, the legality, the care requirements, the temperament, and the potential impact of the snake. You also need to consider your own preferences, expectations, and abilities as a snake owner. You need to choose a snake that suits your lifestyle, your budget, and your personality.
To help you with your decision, we have compiled a list of some of the best species to own as pet snakes in Australia, based on their popularity, suitability, and availability. These species are generally easy to find, legal to own, easy to care for, docile to handle, and harmless to the environment. However, this list is not exhaustive, and it does not guarantee that these species are the best for you. You need to do your own research and consult with a reputable breeder, a veterinarian, or an expert before you get a snake as a pet.
Here are some of the best species to own as pet snakes in Australia:
- Carpet Pythons: Carpet pythons are a group of large and colorful pythons that are native to Australia and New Guinea. They are named after their patterned scales that resemble a carpet or a rug. They come in various subspecies, such as the coastal carpet python, the jungle carpet python, the diamond python, and the inland carpet python. They can grow up to 4 meters long, and they can live up to 20 years. They are non-venomous and they feed on rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are very adaptable and hardy, and they can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. They are also very intelligent and curious, and they can be trained to recognize and respond to their owners. They are generally docile and gentle, but they may bite or constrict if they feel threatened or stressed. They need a large and secure enclosure that provides enough space, hiding spots, climbing branches, and basking areas. They also need a regular supply of fresh water and suitable prey items. They are one of the most popular and widely available pet snakes in Australia, and they are legal to own in most states and territories, except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Children’s Pythons: Children’s pythons are a group of small and slender pythons that are native to Australia and New Guinea. They are named after the scientist John George Children, who first described them, and not after their suitability for children. They come in various subspecies, such as the spotted python, the anthill python, the pygmy python, and the stimson’s python. They can grow up to 1 meter long, and they can live up to 20 years. They are non-venomous and they feed on small rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are very easy and simple to care for, and they do not require much space, food, or water. They are also very calm and docile, and they rarely bite or constrict. They need a small and secure enclosure that provides enough substrate, hiding spots, and a water bowl. They also need a regular supply of fresh water and suitable prey items. They are one of the most popular and widely available pet snakes in Australia, and they are legal to own in most states and territories, except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Woma Pythons: Woma pythons are a species of large and robust pythons that are native to Australia. They are also known as sand pythons or ramsay’s pythons. They have a distinctive head shape that is narrow and pointed, and a body color that is brown or yellow with dark bands. They can grow up to 2.5 meters long, and they can live up to 20 years. They are non-venomous and they feed on rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are very active and inquisitive, and they like to explore and burrow. They are also very friendly and docile, and they rarely bite or constrict. They need a large and secure enclosure that provides enough substrate, hiding spots, and a water bowl. They also need a regular supply of fresh water and suitable prey items. They are one of the most popular and widely available pet snakes in Australia, and they are legal to own in most states and territories, except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Black-headed Pythons: Black-headed pythons are a species of large and striking pythons that are native to Australia. They are named after their black head that contrasts with their yellow or brown body. They can grow up to 3 meters long, and they can live up to 20 years. They are non-venomous and they feed on rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are very adaptable and hardy, and they can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. They are also very intelligent and curious, and they can be trained to recognize and respond to their owners. They are generally docile and gentle, but they may bite or constrict if they feel threatened or stressed. They need a large and secure enclosure that provides enough space, hiding spots, climbing branches, and basking areas. They also need a regular supply of fresh water and suitable prey items. They are one of the most popular and widely available pet snakes in Australia, and they are legal to own in most states and territories, except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Bredli Pythons: Bredli pythons are a species of large and colorful pythons that are native to Australia. They are also known as centralian pythons or centralian carpet pythons. They have a distinctive pattern of red, brown, and black blotches on a cream or yellow background. They can grow up to 3 meters long, and they can live up to 20 years. They are non-venomous and they feed on rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are very adaptable and hardy, and they can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. They are also very intelligent and curious, and they can be trained to recognize and respond to their owners. They are generally docile and gentle, but they may bite or constrict if they feel threatened or stressed. They need a large and secure enclosure that provides enough space, hiding spots, climbing branches, and basking areas. They also need a regular supply of fresh water and suitable prey items. They are one of the most popular and widely available pet snakes in Australia, and they are legal to own in most states and territories, except for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Worst Species to Own as Pet Snakes in Australia
If you have decided to own a snake as a pet in Australia, and you have obtained the necessary license or permit from the relevant authority, you may wonder which species of snake is the worst for you. There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing a snake as a pet, such as the availability, the legality, the care requirements, the temperament, and the potential impact of the snake. You also need to consider your own preferences, expectations, and abilities as a snake owner. You need to avoid a snake that does not suit your lifestyle, your budget, or your personality.
To help you with your decision, we have compiled a list of some of the worst species to own as pet snakes in Australia, based on their unpopularity, unsuitability, and unavailability. These species are generally hard to find, illegal to own, hard to care for, aggressive to handle, and harmful to the environment. However, this list is not exhaustive, and it does not guarantee that these species are the worst for you. You need to do your own research and consult with a reputable breeder, a veterinarian, or an expert before you get a snake as a pet.
Here are some of the worst species to own as pet snakes in Australia:
- Venomous Snakes: Venomous snakes are a group of snakes that have venom glands and fangs that can inject venom into their prey or predators. They include species such as cobras, mambas, rattlesnakes, vipers, and taipans. They can vary in size, color, and pattern, but they are usually distinguished by their triangular or elliptical head shape, their slit-like pupils, and their heat-sensing pits. They can be very dangerous and deadly, as their venom can cause severe pain, swelling, bleeding, paralysis, organ failure, or death. They are very specialized and require expert care and handling, and they may need antivenom in case of an emergency. They are very rare and illegal to own as pets in Australia, and they may require a special permit from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority. They are also very harmful to the environment, as they may escape, bite, spread diseases, or kill the native wildlife, the agriculture, or the human health.
- Invasive Snakes: Invasive snakes are a group of snakes that are not native to Australia, and they have been introduced or escaped into the wild, where they have become established and spread. They include species such as the brown tree snake, the red-bellied black snake, and the cane toad. They can be very destructive and disruptive, as they may compete with or prey on the native wildlife, or they may alter the habitat or the ecosystem. They may also carry diseases, parasites, or pests that could harm the native wildlife, the agriculture, or the human health. They are very hard and illegal to own as pets in Australia, and they may require a special permit from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority. They are also very harmful to the environment, as they may escape, bite, spread diseases, or kill the native wildlife, the agriculture, or the human health.
- Endangered Snakes: Endangered snakes are a group of snakes that are native to Australia, and they have been classified as endangered or threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). They include species such as the green python, the broad-headed snake, and the woma python. They are very rare and precious, and they face various threats and challenges, such as habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, or modification, climate change, disease, predation, or poaching. They are very hard and illegal to own as pets in Australia, and they may require a special permit from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority. They are also very harmful to the environment, as they may escape, bite, spread diseases, or kill the native wildlife, the agriculture, or the human health.
How to Choose and Care for Your Pet Snake
If you have chosen a snake as a pet in Australia, and you have obtained the necessary license or permit from the relevant authority, you may wonder how to choose and care for your pet snake. There are many aspects that you need to consider when choosing and caring for a snake as a pet, such as the source, the enclosure, the diet, the health, and the handling of the snake. You also need to consider your own responsibilities, expectations, and abilities as a snake owner. You need to choose and care for a snake that suits your lifestyle, your budget, and your personality.
Here are some tips on how to choose and care for your pet snake:
- Source: The source of your pet snake is very important, as it may affect the quality, the legality, and the availability of the snake. You should always get your pet snake from a reputable and licensed breeder, dealer, or pet shop, and you should avoid getting your pet snake from the wild, the black market, or the internet. You should also check the background, the history, and the records of the snake, and you should ask for a certificate, a receipt, or a warranty. You should also inspect the snake for any signs of illness, injury, or stress, and you should quarantine the snake for a few weeks before introducing it to its new enclosure.
- Enclosure: The enclosure of your pet snake is very important, as it may affect the comfort, the security, the hygiene, and the behavior of the snake. You should always provide your pet snake with a suitable enclosure that provides adequate space, security, ventilation, lighting, heating, humidity, and substrate. You should also provide your pet snake with enough hiding spots, climbing branches, and basking areas. You should also provide your pet snake with a regular supply of fresh water and a water bowl. You should also clean and disinfect the enclosure and the accessories regularly, and you should monitor and adjust the temperature and the humidity levels frequently.
- Diet: The diet of your pet snake is very important, as it may affect the growth, the health, and the longevity of the snake. You should always provide your pet snake with a proper diet that consists of live or frozen prey, such as rodents, birds, or reptiles. You should also provide your pet snake with prey items that are appropriate for the size, the age, and the species of the snake. You should also provide your pet snake with prey items that are clean, fresh, and thawed. You should also feed your pet snake on a regular schedule, and you should adjust the frequency and the quantity of the feeding according to the season, the time, the weather, and the activity level of the snake. You should also avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your pet snake, and you should monitor and record the weight and the length of the snake regularly.
- Health: The health of your pet snake is very important, as it may affect the happiness, the well-being, and the survival of the snake. You should always provide your pet snake with regular health checks and veterinary care, especially for parasites, infections, injuries, and diseases. You should also provide your pet snake with preventive measures, such as vaccinations, deworming, or screening. You should also provide your pet snake with emergency measures, such as antivenom, antibiotics, or surgery. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of common problems and issues with pet snakes, such as mites, ticks, respiratory infections, mouth rot, scale rot, shedding problems, constipation, obesity, anorexia, or stress. You should also be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, such as snake bites, snake escapes, or snake deaths.
- Handling: The handling of your pet snake is very important, as it may affect the bond, the trust, and the interaction between you and the snake. You should always handle your pet snake with care and respect, and you should avoid handling your pet snake with force, fear, or aggression. You should also handle your pet snake with caution and safety, and you should wear gloves, goggles, or protective clothing. You should also handle your pet snake with moderation and timing, and you should avoid handling your pet snake too often, too long, or at the wrong times. You should also handle your pet snake with purpose and intention, and you should handle your pet snake for training, socialization, or enrichment.
Common Problems and Issues with Pet Snakes in Australia
If you own a snake as a pet in Australia, you may encounter some problems and issues with your pet snake, such as legal, ethical, social, or personal problems and issues. These problems and issues may vary from case to case, and they may require different solutions and strategies. You need to be aware of the potential problems and issues that you may face as a snake owner, and you need to be prepared and responsible for dealing with them.
Here are some of the common problems and issues with pet snakes in Australia:
- Legal Problems and Issues: Legal problems and issues are problems and issues that involve the law and the regulations that govern the importation, possession, breeding, and trade of snakes, both native and exotic, in Australia. These problems and issues may include:
- Importing or possessing a prohibited or restricted snake without a valid permit from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority.Breeding, selling, trading, or giving away a snake without a valid license or permit from the relevant state or territory authority.Displaying, exhibiting, or using a snake for commercial purposes without a valid license or permit from the relevant state or territory authority.Transporting or moving a snake without prior approval from the DAWE and the relevant state or territory authority.Failing to comply with the requirements and the obligations of the permit or the license, such as identification, registration, reporting, care, containment, or surrender.Failing to prevent or report the escape, bite, disease, or death of a snake.Failing to cooperate or comply with the inspection, monitoring, or audit of the permit holder or the snake by the DAWE or the relevant state or territory authority.Failing to pay the fees or the penalties associated with the permit or the license.
- Ethical Problems and Issues: Ethical problems and issues are problems and issues that involve the morals and the values that govern the importation, possession, breeding, and trade of snakes, both native and exotic, in Australia. These problems and issues may include:
- Exploiting or harming the snakes for personal or commercial gain, such as collecting, breeding, selling, trading, or giving away the snakes without regard for their health and welfare, or their conservation and protection.Interfering or disrupting the natural balance and harmony of the snakes and their environment, such as introducing or releasing the snakes into the wild, where they may become invasive or endangered, or altering or destroying their habitat or their ecosystem.Ignoring or disrespecting the rights and the interests of the snakes and their stakeholders, such as the owners, the breeders, the dealers, the pet shops, the veterinarians, the experts, the authorities, the public, and the environment.Violating or contradicting the ethical principles and standards that apply to snake ownership in Australia, such as the animal welfare, the biosecurity, the biodiversity, and the public health and safety.
- Social Problems and Issues: Social problems and issues are problems and issues that involve the interactions and the relationships between the snake owners and the society and the community in Australia. These problems and issues may include:
- Facing stigma or discrimination from the society and the community, such as being judged, stereotyped, or ostracized for owning a snake as a pet, or being denied access or service for having a snake as a companion.Dealing with fear or hostility from the society and the community, such as being threatened, harassed, or attacked for owning a snake as a pet, or being blamed or sued for causing harm or damage with a snake as a companion.Struggling with isolation or alienation from the society and the community, such as being lonely, depressed, or anxious for owning a snake as a pet, or being excluded, rejected, or ignored for having a snake as a companion.
- Personal Problems and Issues: Personal problems and issues are problems and issues that involve the preferences, expectations, and abilities of the snake owners themselves in Australia. These problems and issues may include:
- Choosing or caring for a snake that does not suit your lifestyle, your budget, or your personality, such as getting a snake that is too large, too expensive, or too aggressive for you, or keeping a snake that is too demanding, too boring, or too incompatible with you. Facing challenges or difficulties with owning a snake as a pet, such as finding a suitable enclosure, a proper diet, or a regular vet for your snake, or dealing with the shedding, the feeding, or the health issues of your snake. Experiencing regrets or disappointments with owning a snake as a pet, such as realizing that you are not ready, willing, or able to own a snake as a pet, or discovering that you do not enjoy, appreciate, or love your snake as a pet.
Conclusion
Owning a snake as a pet in Australia can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be a challenging and demanding responsibility. You need to be aware of and prepared for the various aspects, factors, and implications of snake ownership in Australia, such as the legal, ethical, social, and personal aspects, factors, and implications. You also need to be aware of and prepared for the various problems and issues that you may encounter as a snake owner in Australia, such as the legal, ethical, social, and personal problems and issues. You need to choose and care for a snake that suits your lifestyle, your budget, and your personality, and you need to seek help or assistance if you need it.
We hope that this article has provided you with useful and informative information about owning a snake as a pet in Australia, and we hope that you have enjoyed reading it. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.