If you’re a pet owner, you know how curious cats and dogs can be—especially when it comes to unexpected visitors like possums. These nocturnal marsupials are a common sight in many Australian suburbs, and while they’re mostly harmless, conflict between possums and pets can happen when they venture too close to home.
When possums enter roof cavities, garages, or backyards, homeowners often worry not just about property damage, but also about how to keep their pets safe during the removal process. Likewise, possums themselves are protected under Australian law, meaning they must be handled with care and compassion.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to manage possum encounters while keeping both your pets and local wildlife safe. From understanding possum behaviour to choosing humane removal methods, you’ll learn why professional services like Possum Removal Epping and Possum Removal Geelong play a crucial role in balancing home safety and animal welfare.
1. Why Possums Enter Your Home or Yard
Before jumping into removal, it’s important to understand why possums appear in residential areas in the first place.
Possums are highly adaptable creatures. Urban expansion has reduced their natural habitats, pushing them to seek shelter in man-made structures such as roofs, sheds, and fences. Some key reasons they invade include:
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Shelter: Roof cavities provide warmth, dryness, and safety—ideal for nesting.
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Food sources: Fruit trees, pet food bowls, and compost bins attract them.
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Access: Overhanging branches and open vents act as convenient entry points.
Unfortunately, this proximity to humans and pets can create stressful situations for both sides.
2. The Risks Possums Pose to Pets (and Vice Versa)
Possums are generally not aggressive, but when threatened, they’ll defend themselves. If a curious dog or cat corners a possum, the outcome can be dangerous.
Common risks include:
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Scratches or bites: Possums have sharp claws and teeth that can injure pets.
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Disease transmission: While rare, possums can carry parasites like mites or ticks that transfer to pets.
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Stress and anxiety: The presence of wildlife can make dogs bark excessively or cats behave erratically.
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Territorial behaviour: Pets may try to “protect” their space, escalating the conflict.
On the other hand, possums can also be seriously injured or killed if attacked by domestic animals. Their instinct is to hiss or play dead, but dogs often interpret this as an invitation to chase.
That’s why keeping both animals safe requires a controlled, professional approach to wildlife removal.
3. Legal Protections for Possums in Australia
In Australia, possum species are protected under state wildlife laws. This means:
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You cannot harm, trap, or relocate a possum without a licensed wildlife handler.
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Trapped possums must be released within 50 metres of where they were caught.
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Any form of poisoning or inhumane trapping is strictly illegal.
Breaking these rules can lead to significant fines or prosecution.
Licensed professionals not only know how to remove possums safely but also understand their ecological importance. They ensure both the animal and your pets are unharmed throughout the process.
4. Signs You Might Have a Possum Problem
Possums are nocturnal, so you might not see them directly—but there are clear indicators that one has taken residence nearby:
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Loud thumping or scratching noises in the ceiling at night
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Unusual pet behaviour (barking or sniffing the same area repeatedly)
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Droppings in the attic or near entry points
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Damage to insulation or wiring in the roof
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Foul odours caused by urine or nesting materials
If you notice these signs, avoid letting your pets investigate. Instead, call a professional who can assess the situation and handle removal safely.
5. Preparing Your Pets Before Possum Removal
When you schedule a possum removal service, preparing your pets in advance helps ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
Here are a few important steps:
🐾 1. Keep Pets Indoors
Before the wildlife control team arrives, secure pets inside your home or in another enclosed area. This prevents direct encounters and reduces their stress.
🐾 2. Remove Outdoor Food Sources
Bring pet food, water bowls, and treats indoors. Possums are opportunistic feeders and may be attracted to leftover food.
🐾 3. Close Pet Doors at Night
Possums are known to sneak through pet doors looking for warmth or food. Keep them closed after dark until the issue is resolved.
🐾 4. Inform the Removal Team About Pets
Let the professionals know what types of pets you have and where they’ll be during the process. This helps them plan a safer, calmer removal.
6. How Professionals Ensure Pet and Wildlife Safety
Professional possum handlers use humane, regulated methods to remove and relocate possums while maintaining a safe environment for your pets.
Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Inspection and Identification
Experts inspect the property to confirm it’s a possum (not rats or birds) and locate all possible entry points.
Step 2: Humane Removal
Using approved traps or one-way exit doors, they guide the possum out of your roof without causing harm.
Step 3: Nesting Box Installation
To prevent the possum from returning, professionals install a possum nesting box in a nearby tree—offering it a safe, alternative home.
Step 4: Roof Sealing and Repairs
Once the possum is gone, all entry points are sealed using chew-proof materials. This prevents re-entry and keeps both wildlife and pets separated.
Step 5: Sanitisation and Safety Checks
Droppings, nesting debris, and odours are cleaned to remove potential contaminants that could affect pets.
By working with licensed services like Possum Removal Geelong, homeowners ensure the removal is both humane and legally compliant.
7. Post-Removal Pet Safety Tips
After the possum has been removed, your pets might still be curious about the area. Here’s how to manage them safely afterward:
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Monitor behaviour: Watch for signs of stress, especially in dogs that barked at the roof.
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Clean and sanitise affected areas thoroughly before allowing pets near them.
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Use deterrents: Motion lights or mild scent repellents (like garlic or eucalyptus) discourage wildlife from returning.
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Provide distractions: Give your pets toys or extra playtime to divert their attention from the removal site.
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Schedule follow-up checks: Ensure your home remains sealed and secure.
8. How to Prevent Future Possum Encounters
Once your home is possum-free, prevention becomes key to long-term peace. Here are simple steps to avoid repeat invasions:
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Trim overhanging branches that give possums access to your roof.
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Install metal flashing or wire mesh on vulnerable eaves and vents.
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Secure garbage bins and composts.
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Feed pets indoors to avoid attracting nocturnal visitors.
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Install outdoor possum boxes to provide a natural habitat alternative.
These proactive measures keep your property safe without harming local wildlife.
9. Why DIY Possum Removal Isn’t Worth the Risk
It might be tempting to try removing a possum yourself, but doing so comes with serious risks:
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Legal penalties for unlicensed handling
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Injury risks from bites or scratches
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Potential harm to pets or the possum itself
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Incomplete removal, leading to repeated infestations
Professionals have the training, experience, and tools to handle the job properly. Partnering with experts like Possum Removal Epping ensures your pets stay calm and your roof remains secure—without breaking wildlife protection laws.
10. The Importance of Humane Possum Management
Humane possum control isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a moral responsibility. Australia’s unique ecosystem depends on creatures like possums, who help pollinate plants and control insect populations.
By choosing humane removal services, you’re protecting your home while also supporting local biodiversity. Professional handlers balance both sides—keeping your family (including your pets) safe while respecting wildlife.
11. Final Thoughts
When possums and pets share the same space, conflicts can easily arise. However, with the right approach, you can ensure both are safe and unharmed.
Avoid DIY methods that could endanger animals or violate wildlife laws. Instead, rely on trained experts who understand both pet behaviour and possum ecology. With humane removal, thorough inspections, and prevention strategies, your home will stay peaceful—and your furry companions protected.
Remember: safe and ethical wildlife control benefits everyone—humans, pets, and the environment alike.