If you’ve ever imagined having an Australian dingo as a pet, we’ll need to pause you right there. While the idea of befriending a dingo sounds like something every kid has dreamed of, sadly, it’s better left to cartoons and holiday songs. Unless you’re planning to move to Australia, you won’t to be able to legally own a pet dingo in the United States.
Can you keep a dingo as a pet in America?
No, you cannot keep a dingo as a pet in the United States. There are several reasons for this, the most important being that dingoes are wild animals, much like coyotes, and not domesticated companions. Although historical evidence indicates indigenous people domesticated dingoes, they are not considered domesticated by modern standards. This probably goes without saying, but dingoes pose health and safety risks for handlers and, of course, when in close proximity to surrounding communities, especially families with children and small pets.
In Australia, dingo pet ownership is allowed in certain states, but is strictly regulated. Owners must obtain a special license and follow guidelines for enclosures and care. Even then, the permitting is most often limited to wildlife displays or educational demonstrations rather than traditional pet ownership. Similarly, in the U.S., only wildlife specialists are permitted to have dingoes for educational purposes only.
Beyond this, dingos are not indigenous to the United States are there are much stricter regulations about introducing non-native species. Additionally, Australia makes it incredibly difficult to export dingoes. Surprsingly, it’s not even very easy to find the species in zoos in the United States.
What are the U.S. laws and rules on dingoes as pets?
Generally speaking, dingoes cannot legally be owned as companion animals in America. They may only be kept by wildlife specialists under certain conditions. Some states have more flexible regulations, which may allow certain individuals or organizations to obtain permits. However, this is subject to state and local regulations and subject to the jurisdiction’s discretion. Because dingoes are not native to the United States., the legality of owning a dingo may not always be explicitly mentioned in state laws, like coyotoes, wolves, or even venomous species. This can make it difficult to determine their legal status without directly consulting local wildlife authorities. Anyone considering dingo ownership should thoroughly research state and federal regulations, as well as the serious challenges — ethical, logistical, and financial — of owning a dingo.
Still, we don’t want to send you away without any hope. If your heart is set on having a dingo as a pet, you could always look into the American Dingo, also known as the Carolina Dog. This companion dog is an indigenous breed native to the present-day southern United States. Known for their independent, loyal, and intelligent temperaments, Carolina Dogs make great pets for active individuals and families. And yes, they look very much like the Australian dingo.
You can visit the Australian Dingo Foundation if you’d like to learn more about dingoes, conservation efforts dedicated to helping protect the species, and how you can get involved.
