While the Victorian Government is moving to ban pet crocodiles, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing them - with 63 Territorians already licensed to keep 123 crocs, it's proof our unique Territory lifestyle is alive and thriving.
Now, the CLP Government is inviting Territorians to have their say on new safety and welfare guidelines to make owning a pet croc simpler and safer than ever.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby said the proposed regulations in the Dangerous Animal Guideline - Crocodiles as Pets focused on animal welfare, biosecurity and public safety, to ensure this important part of the Territory's unique lifestyle continued to thrive.
"If you've ever wanted to own a pet saltwater or freshwater crocodile, there's only one place to do it - right here in the Northern Territory," said Ms Boothby.
"We promised Territorians a say on pet crocs, and that's exactly what we're delivering.
"We're backing responsible pet ownership by cutting red tape and making it easier than ever for Territorians to safely keep a pet croc."
The proposed regulations will strengthen the guidelines currently in place to own a pet crocodile. They include:
All pet crocodiles will receive a unique identification marking.A $299 permit fee will cover enclosure inspections and the ID marking procedure, payable on application.Permits will be issued for 5 years.Existing permit holders are exempt from the fee, with optional free ID marking.A $100 per hour recovery fee (minimum 3 hours) if departmental staff are required to capture or transport an escaped crocodile.Updated minimum enclosure standards, including lockable door and an isolating section to reduce human-crocodile interaction during cleaning or vet checks.Simple safety requirements such as a first aid kit, signage, and an onsite emergency plan.
Ms Boothby said the Territory's crocodile culture was unmatched anywhere in the world - a tourism drawcard, an economic driver, and a proud symbol of Territory identity and spirit.
"Crocodiles are the ultimate Territory icons. People travel from across Australia and the world to see them, whether it's on a jumping croc cruise, swimming in the 'Cage of Death' or Crocodylus Park," she said.
"After Labor scrapped pet crocodile permits in 2024, our CLP Government made a commitment to restore that right - that's why one of the first things I did as Minister for Parks and Wildlife was to bring back the right to own a crocodile, because we said we'd restore our unique Territory lifestyle."
Local saltwater crocodile owner Andrew Fahey said being able to keep a crocodile as a pet made living in the Northern Territory special.
"Owning a croc is a privilege. They are no ordinary pet. It's great to see the CLP Government backing responsible owners," he said.
"If you've ever dreamed of owning a family pet with a scales and a jaw full of teeth yourself, the Northern Territory is the place to be."
The draft guidelines are open for public feedback until Friday 12 December 2025 via the Northern Territory Government Have Your Say website here.
