The pets Aussie animal lovers are banned from owning
Aussies are known for loving their pets.
In fact, our country has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.
However, there are some animals Australians can't keep as pets due to safety or biosecurity concerns.
Read on to learn more about the animals we can't keep as pets.
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Monkey
In what would be devastating news for Ross from Friends and his monkey Marcel, having a pet monkey is not permitted in Australia.
Monkeys are considered exotic animals in Australia and cannot be kept as pets.
Monkeys can only be kept by licensed people for exhibition or conservation purposes but are not permitted for private ownership.
Capybara
This giant rodent has garnered a cult-like following on social media but they cannot be kept as pets.
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents and have recently become somewhat of a viral sensation with countless photos, videos and memes of the creatures circling the internet.
Aussie Capybara fans, however, should stick to their social media feeds or their nearby zoo, as it is illegal to own the adorable creature in Australia under both federal and state laws.
Rabbit
These adorable creatures make loveable pets but in Australia they are officially considered pests.
While they are allowed as pets in most of Australia, keeping one as a pet in Queensland can lead to some hefty fines.
Penalties up to $30,000 can apply for those caught breaking this law.
Chameleon
These creatures are stunning but it is illegal to keep them as pets in Australia.
Chameleons are believed to pose a threat to native species and have the potential to spread disease and are for that reason prohibited under the Biosecurity Act.
Hedgehog
In recent years, hedgehogs have become popular as exotic pets, according to Crime Stoppers Victoria.
But the spikey creatures are not prohibited in Australia as they pose biosecurity risks.
Penalties for importing, keeping, breeding, and trading illegally sourced exotic pest animals, including the African pygmy hedgehog can result in up to $210,000 in fines or two years in prison.
"The community also needs to understand the potentially devastating impact exotic animals can have on our environment and on agriculture. They are not suitable pets," Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive, Stella Smith told 9news.
Ferret
'90s kids will recall Rufus the Fearless Ferret from the kids' cartoon Kim Possible and may have a special spot in their heart for ferrets.
But the furry creatures are only allowed in certain parts of the country.
While they are permitted as pets in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and WA, they are illegal in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
In Tasmania, there are no restrictions on keeping, breeding or selling ferrets but they can't be imported into the state from other regions.
In the ACT, they are permitted but owners must hold a license to keep them.
Hamster
They are a popular pet in the United States but it is illegal to own a pet hamster in Australia.
They are not permitted in the country due to the risk they pose to Australian biosecurity and biodiversity.
Boa Constrictor
It is illegal to keep Boa Constrictors as pets in Australia.
They are considered a prohibited invasive animal under the Australian Biosecurity Act.
In fact, it is illegal to keep any breed of exotic (non-Australian) pets in Australia and there are only a select few native snakes that are allowed as pets.
Dogo Argentina
There are also a few breeds of dogs that are banned or restricted in Australia.
The Dogo Argentino is one such breed. They are prohibited in Australia due to safety concerns.
