Keeping wildlife as pets

• A commercial wildlife licence can be issued to a person, company, or business entity.
• Licences are available for three years. 
• You'll need to complete an application form and supply supporting information. 
• There are two types of application under commercial licence.
  • Natural person
  • Body corporate.
• You can learn more about applying and find the forms on the Victorian Government's Commercial wildlife licences page.

Private licences needed if you'd like to keep wildlife in your home. 

There are four licences in the private category.

• Wildlife basic licence
• Wildlife advanced licence
• Dingo licence
• Wildlife specimen licence.

Each category has different licencing fees and rules, which you can read about on the Victorian Government's Private wildlife licences page.

If your business involves the movement of wildlife in or out of Victoria, you may need a permit. 

There is an application process.

For further information head to the Victorian government website where you will find the import and export wildlife online application, or you can download the offline application form.

If you'd like to attend an event with your wildlife for educational or commercial purposes, you'll need a wildlife event licence. 

Licences are issued by the Victorian government.

They also advertise approved wildlife events.

The keeping of reptiles in Victoria is lawfully permitted and is covered under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2013. 

• Keepers must possess a basic knowledge of the biological, nutritional and environmental requirements of reptiles.
• All keepers of reptiles, especially snakes, should be familiar with appropriate handling techniques.
• The reptiles should be kept with the same temperatures, humidity and light cycles they are used to in the wild.
• Enclosure design should be consistent with the reptile's original environment.
• Reptiles must be provided with an approved diet for their species.
• Clean fresh water should be available at all times.
• Under the licence agreement, records will need to be kept for the reptiles and reported on as required.
• For further information, visit the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Private Keeping of Reptiles

Frogs are a protected species, and you're not allowed to keep them as pets without a licence.

You can apply for a licence to keep amphibians, but they must be captive bred and not caught wild.

• All amphibian enclosures must be escape proof.
• The enclosure must closely match their natural environment.
• Temperature and lighting must be monitored and closley match their natural cycles.
• They must be fed an appropriate diet and have access to clean water.
• Take care not to handle them too much, it can be harmful to their health as their skin is sensitive. 

The licence you'll need is called an Authority to Control Wildlife.

There are a number of organisations who can take your report of illegal wildlife activity.

Wildlife Victoria

Crimestoppers

RSPCA Victoria

Wildlife associations may be able to help you rehome your licensed wildlife. 

You can only sell your licensed pet to another licensed person or business. 

You must keep your record book up to date, including the transaction when rehoming your pet. 

If you are stuck, please contact the conservation regulator 136 186.

We don't handle the purchasing of wildlife licences.

Pricing information for each type of licence can be found by following the links in the 'Types of licence' section on this page. 

Yes, they do.

Commercial and private licences are valid for up to 3 years.

Import and export licences are valid while the transaction takes place. 

Licences for wildlife events are often single use, for one event only.