No, owning a kangaroo in Vietnam is prohibited under the 2024 Wildlife Protection Law, which classifies macropods as protected species. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) enforces this ban, with violations punishable by fines up to ₫500 million ($21,000) or imprisonment. Exceptions require MARD approval, which is rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Vietnam
- Wildlife Protection Law (2024): Kangaroos are listed under Group IIB, banning private ownership without special permits.
- MARD Circular 07/2023: Mandates permits for exotic pet trade, but kangaroos are excluded due to conservation risks.
- Customs Enforcement: The Vietnam Customs Department (2025) seizes illegal imports at borders, with offenders facing deportation or criminal charges.
Local authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have intensified inspections post-2026, targeting unregistered exotic pets. The 2026 National Biodiversity Action Plan further tightens restrictions, aligning with CITES obligations. Even zoos require MARD licenses, and violations trigger immediate confiscation.