Thousands of asylum seekers in Australia will now require permission from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's department if they want to get a pet.

Leaked guidelines issued by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection reveal all asylum seekers receiving taxpayer support must obtain the department's approval before buying a household animal.

A friend for life: Eddie the rescue dog. Credit:Tracy Hebden

The edict applies to thousands of people currently in Australia awaiting the outcome of their bids for protection, including the 7500 who lodged their claims following the government's imposition of an October 1 deadline.

"Recipients may own a pet if permission is granted by both the department and the landlord," asylum seekers have been told. "Approval for pet ownership must be sought from both the department and the landlord before a pet is purchased. In some cases, recipients may be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that they can cover the costs involved in pet ownership."