The short answer is no. Possums are protected under Australian law and are not suitable for life as pets. They are wild animals with complex natural behaviours that cannot be replicated in captivity.
Can you keep a possum as a pet?
Why Possums Are Not Suitable as Pets
Domestication vs. Wild Behaviour
- Cats and dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, adapting to live with humans.
- Possums, by contrast, remain wild and rely on instincts for survival, such as:
- Avoiding predators
- Foraging for native foods
- Socialising with other possums
Stress in Captivity
When captured, possums suffer from:
- Chronic stress due to confinement
- Loss of natural behaviours like climbing and nesting
- Poor health caused by an unbalanced diet or unnatural surroundings
What About Possum Kittens?
Even young possums that are hand-raised do not adapt well. The difficulty is similar to trying to tame a feral kitten — if not socialised early, it will remain frightened and stressed.
Are Any Native Animals Legal as Pets?
Yes, but only captive-bred native animals such as certain cockatoos and parrots can be kept with a licence. These animals are raised in captivity from birth and are adapted to cage life.
Possums, however, are strictly protected and cannot be kept as pets under any circumstances.
How to Safely Interact with Possums
You can enjoy possums without keeping them as pets:
- Offer small amounts of natural food like green leaves or soft fruits (never bread).
- Avoid daily feeding to prevent dependency.
- Provide water sources such as bird baths, which also benefit other native animals.
Have Possum Problems?
Possums belong in the wild, not in cages — but sometimes they move into roofs and homes. Peter the Possum Man offers humane possum removal and roof-proofing solutions across Brisbane.
Contact us today for expert advice and a free quote on possum removal.
