How To Get A Wildlife Licence In Victoria

Victoria is a fantastic place for animal enthusiasts, blessed with diverse and unique native wildlife. While the idea of keeping a native animal can be exciting, it comes with significant responsibilities. To ensure the welfare of these animals and the conservation of native species, Victoria has regulations in place for keeping certain wildlife. For many species, this means you’ll need to apply for a wildlife licence.  

This guide will walk you through the essentials of wildlife licensing in Victoria, helping you understand which licence you might need and how to apply.

Why Do You Need a Wildlife Licence?

Wildlife licences are crucial for several reasons:

• Animal Welfare: They help ensure that animals are kept by individuals who understand their specific needs and can provide appropriate care and secure housing.
• Conservation: Licensing helps regulate the trade and keeping of native animals, protecting wild populations from illegal poaching and ensuring sustainable practices.
• Public Safety: For certain species, like venomous snakes or dingoes, licensing ensures that keepers are experienced and have secure facilities to prevent escapes and protect the public.

Do You Always Need a Licence?

Not all native animals require a licence to keep in Victoria. Some common species that are easy to care for and pose minimal risk may be exempt. However, for a significant number of native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals (like dingoes), a licence is mandatory.

It is your responsibility to check the current DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) species lists to determine if the animal you are interested in requires a licence and, if so, which category it falls under. These lists are usually found in the schedules of the Wildlife Regulations 2013 or accompanying documents on the DEECA website.

Types of Private Wildlife Licences in Victoria

Victoria offers several types of private wildlife licences, each catering to different species and levels of experience. The old “Wildlife Basic Licence” and “Wildlife Advanced Licence” framework has evolved, and it’s crucial to identify the correct one for your situation. Here are the common private licence types:  

1. Wildlife Basic Licence

• Purpose: This licence is typically for individuals who wish to keep, breed (in some cases), buy, sell, or dispose of commonly kept native animals that are considered easier to care for and pose a lower risk.
• Species Covered: Animals listed in specific schedules of the Wildlife Regulations 2013 (often reptiles like certain pythons, dragons, turtles, and various bird species). Always check the current DEECA schedules for exact species.
• Eligibility: Generally, applicants must be of a certain age (e.g., 10 or 12 years or older, with parental consent for minors).
• Key Conditions: Secure and appropriate housing, adherence to codes of practice for animal welfare.
• Duration: Typically available for 1 or 3 years.

2. Wildlife Advanced Licence

• Purpose: This licence is for individuals wishing to keep species that are more challenging to care for, require more specialised knowledge, or may pose a higher risk (e.g., certain large pythons, monitors, or more delicate species).
• Species Covered: Animals listed in different, more restrictive schedules of the Wildlife Regulations 2013. This often includes species permitted under a Basic Licence plus additional species.
• Eligibility:
  • Applicants usually need to be older (e.g., 18 years).  
  • Demonstrated experience in caring for similar animals is often required.
  • For venomous snakes (if permitted under this private licence stream – sometimes they require a separate, more stringent category), documented proof of competency in handling and keeping venomous reptiles is mandatory. This often involves completing an approved course.  
• Key Conditions: Higher standards for facilities, record-keeping, and welfare. Inspection of facilities may be required.
• Duration: Typically available for 1 or 3 years.

3. Wildlife Specimen Licence

• Purpose: This licence allows individuals or institutions to possess, purchase, or dispose of deceased wildlife specimens that have been prepared or mounted (e.g., taxidermy). It does not authorise the keeping of live animals.
• Exemptions: Some prepared specimens, such as those legally prepared by a registered taxidermist and with appropriate documentation, may not require this licence. Always verify with DEECA.
• Duration: Often available for a 3-year term.

4. Dingo Licence

• Purpose: Specifically for keeping pure-bred dingoes (Canis dingo). Dingo-dog hybrids are generally treated as domestic dogs and registered with local councils, not requiring this specific wildlife licence.
• Eligibility & Conditions: Strict requirements apply, including:
  • Applicants must be 18 years or older.
  • Very specific and robust enclosure standards to prevent escape and ensure public safety.
  • Conditions around breeding and microchipping.
  • Demonstrating or displaying dingoes, even for private individuals, might sometimes fall under commercial licence requirements or have additional conditions.
• Duration: Typically available for a 1-year term.

Important Note: Commercial activities involving wildlife (e.g., pet shops, wildlife demonstrators, large-scale breeding for sale) require different types of Commercial Wildlife Licences, which have more complex requirements and are not covered in detail here.

The Wildlife Licence Application Process

1. Identify the Correct Licence: Determine which licence type covers the species you intend to keep by checking the DEECA website and relevant species lists.
2. Download the Application Form: Obtain the correct and current application form from the DEECA website.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the form accurately and completely. This will include:
   • Personal details.
   • Details of the animals you wish to keep.
   • Information about your experience and knowledge of the species.
   • Details of your proposed housing/enclosures (sometimes requiring photos or diagrams).
4. Gather Supporting Documents: Depending on the licence, you may need:
   • Proof of Identity (POI): Certified copies of documents as specified by DEECA.
   • Parental/Guardian Consent: For applicants under 18 (where permitted).
   • Proof of Competency: For licences involving venomous snakes or other specialised species.
   • Property Owner Consent: If you are renting.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Include the correct, non-refundable application fee. Fee schedules are available on the DEECA website. Payment methods will also be detailed.
6. Submit Your Application: Send the completed application form, supporting documents, and payment to the address specified by DEECA. Some applications may have an online submission option.
7. Processing Time: Licence processing can take several weeks, potentially up to 60 days or longer, especially if inspections are required or information is missing. Do not acquire any licensable wildlife until you have received your official licence permit.  

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Keeping licensable wildlife without a valid licence, or breaching your licence conditions, can result in significant penalties. These can include:  

• Large fines.
• Seizure of animals.
• Prosecution and a criminal record.
• Inability to obtain future wildlife licences.

Conclusion: Be a Responsible Wildlife Keeper

Victoria’s wildlife licensing system is designed to protect native animals and support responsible private ownership. By understanding your obligations, applying for the correct licence, and adhering to high standards of animal welfare, you can enjoy the rewarding experience of keeping native wildlife while contributing to its conservation.

Always refer to the official DEECA website as your primary source of information for the latest regulations, forms, fees, and species lists regarding wildlife licensing in Victoria.