Are Chinchillas available in Australia? If not, where?

Question

I'd really love to have a chinchilla, i've read ALL about them: how they bathe, what they eat, what they prefer for a habitat/home, etc. and i want to know whether they are available in Australia and if not, what other countries they are allowed in. Please answer generously.

Answer 1

I'm in the same situation, as I'de love to have hamsters in australia, but, like chinchillas, they are forbidden. I think it has to do with the fact that we dont have rabies here in australia, so they dont let in animals that may carry it. Yes, I know, they let in pedigree dogs and cats, and I cant understand it either. Not fair!! I've seen them both in pet shops in england, and I have friends in the USA who have them. I agree, they are so cute.!

Answer 2

No, they are not available in Aus, nor would you be able to import one. Australia has very strict import laws because of the potential to introduce diseases, as well as the problems that have been cause by previously introduced animals such as rabbits and foxes. If you are looking for an interesting pet, why not consider a native? There are some really interesting natives available in the pet trade. Ringtail possums, sugar gliders, dunnarts, etc..... Try your local marsupial society for further information. You can get links to local groups via www.marsupialsociety.org

Answer 3

No. Chinchillas, like other animals such as squirrels, raccoons etc are not able to be kept in Australia, even with a permit. I assume the other posters are not from Australia.

Answer 4

Call your local animal control, or a vet. They will know what animals are legal.
I've heard it's difficult to import pets into Austrailia. They worry about them getting free and destroying the local ecosystem.

Answer 5

Well i searched online with no nswer but i heard they can be found in some pet stores.

Answer 6

I dont know but they are really cute

Answer 7

should be