Is it legal to own a pet wallaby in Virginia?

Answer 1

No. Regardless of local laws in the US, it is actually illegal to own a wallaby anywhere. Many people do not realise this.

The Australian government has only permitted the export of kangaroos and wallabies overseas for non-commercial purposes. This means that smaller, private zoos have been permitted to have them. Unfortunately, this has resulted in numerous kangaroos and wallabies escaping from their enclosures (due to mismanagement and lack of understanding of the animals' needs), causing the development of feral populations overseas.

Despite permitting the export of these animals, this still does not mean that kangaroos or wallabies may be kept as pets. Anyone who sells kangaroos or wallabies overseas is, in effect,flouting Australian law by exploiting them for commercial purposes.

Answer 2

No. Regardless of local laws in the US, it is actually illegal to own a wallaby anywhere. Many people do not realise this.

The Australian government has only permitted the export of kangaroos and wallabies overseas for non-commercial purposes. This means that smaller, private zoos have been permitted to have them. Unfortunately, this has resulted in numerous kangaroos and wallabies escaping from their enclosures (due to mismanagement and lack of understanding of the animals' needs), causing the development of feral populations overseas.

Despite permitting the export of these animals, this still does not mean that kangaroos or wallabies may be kept as pets. Anyone who sells kangaroos or wallabies overseas is, in effect,flouting Australian law by exploiting them for commercial purposes.