Private Wildlife Licences
In Victoria, it is possible for amateur enthusiasts to keep a range of wildlife at home.
Types of private wildlife licence
There are three types of licences available. Application forms for all licences can be downloaded below. For further information on each type of licence, please click on your particular licence of interest.
Application for a Private Wildlife Licence (PDF - 415 KB)Terms and conditions for all applications
All licence types have terms and conditions which must be met in order to successfully obtain or renew a licence. Further information on all of these topics can be found in the Licence Application Kit.
- Application details
- Do I need a licence?
- Am I eligible for a concession?
- Common expiry date
- Renewing a Private Wildlife Licence
- Animal Welfare
- Processed wildlife products
- Keeping venomous snakes
- Privacy
This type of licence authorises the holder to possess, keep, breed, buy, sell and dispose of wildlife listed in Schedules 3 & 8 of the Wildlife Regulations Act 2002.
Taxa which may be held under a Basic Licence (PDF - 26 KB)The holder of this type of licence may not possess or keep more than 10 self-sufficient Emus (deemed to be a chick aged four weeks or older) and may only sell or dispose of them to another Basic or Advanced Licence holder. The holder of this type of licence must not sell or dispose of any wildlife bought or acquired that has not been in the licence holder's possession for at least six months; this does not apply to self-sufficient wildlife that you have bred yourself. In exceptional circumstances, a licence holder may apply to the Secretary to the Department of Sustainability and Environment for an exemption from this requirement, but this is generally only given once.
Private Wildlife Licence - Advanced
This type of licence authorises the holder to possess, keep, breed, buy, sell and dispose of wildlife listed in Schedules 3, 4 & 8 of the Wildlife Regulations Act 2002.
Taxa which may be held under a Private (Advanced Category) Licence (PDF - 30 KB)The holder of this type of licence may not possess or keep more than 10 self-sufficient Emus (deemed to be a chick aged four weeks or older) and may only sell or dispose of them to another Basic or Advanced Licence holder. The holder of this type of licence must not sell or dispose of any wildlife bought or acquired that has not been in the licence holder's possession for at least six months; this does not apply to self-sufficient wildlife that you have bred yourself. In exceptional circumstances, a licence holder may apply to the Secretary to the Department of Sustainability and Environment for an exemption from this requirement, but this is generally only given once. The Wildlife & Game Licensing Service must be notified in writing of any transactions involving wildlife listed in Schedule 4, within 14 days of the date of the transaction. This advice must provide details of the taxa involved, the name and address and licence number of the other party and the Import or Export Permit number (if applicable).
Licence holder to notify DSE of any transaction involving these Taxa (PDF - 18 KB)Private Wildlife Licence - Specimen Category
This licence authorises the holder to possess, keep, buy, sell and dispose of prepared or mounted specimens of dead wildlife. The Wildlife & Game Licensing Service must be notified in writing of any acquisition or disposal of wildlife held under this licence, within 14 days of the date of the transaction. This advice must include details of the taxa involved, the name and address and licence number of the other party, if not sold or disposed of to a licence holder, the means of disposal; where a specimen has been marked under instruction from this Department, the identification number of the mark belonging to each wildlife specimen involved and the Import or Export Permit number (if applicable).
Application details
Download and complete the attached application form or call the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Customer Service Centre on 136-186 to obtain a form. You must also provide proof of your identity to an authorised person who can witness your application. Applicants should allow at least three weeks for an application to be processed; longer during peak periods. You must not proceed to acquire any wildlife until you have received and signed your licence.
Send your completed forms to:
The Wildlife and Game Licence Service
PO BOX 500
East Melbourne 8002
Do I need a licence?
A licence is not required to keep wildlife listed in the following document for private purposes provided the animals have been acquired lawfully and have not been taken from the wild.
Taxa which may be held privately without a Private Wildlife Licence (PDF - 15 KB)A licence is required to keep certain other wildlife. However, Private Wildlife Licences will not be issued to persons under 10 years of age. Applicants under 18 years of age must provide written and signed consent of their parent or legal guardian with their application. Any wildlife being held under a private wildlife licence must remain at the premises specified in the licence, unless going to or returning from a veterinarian, or subject to a legal trade. Only one address can be specified on a licence. If any details shown on a licence are incorrect, or if they change, you must return your licence to the Wildlife & Game Licensing Service for amendment together with a note which states clearly what amendment is required.
Am I eligible for a concession ?
Anyone holding a current Commonwealth Health Card (types listed below) is eligible for a concession on the cost of a Private Wildlife Licence in accordance with the provisions of the State Concessions Act 1986.
Details about eligible concession cards are available from the Department of Human Services.
Common expiry date
All Basic & Advanced Licences expire on 30 September each year. New licences will only be issued initially for the period remaining to 30 September upon payment of the monthly pro-rata fee set out in the Private Application Kit.
Renewing a private wildlife licence
Renewal of a wildlife licence is conditional upon submission of a 'Return for Wildlife'. Licence holders who meet this requirement will receive a renewal notice approximately 4-6 weeks before their licence expires on 30 September. You must not proceed to acquire any wildlife until you have received and signed your renewed licence.
Animal welfare
Anyone authorised to keep or sell wildlife must also comply with all requirements of the following Codes of Practice under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 which is administered by the Bureau of Animal Welfare (Department of Primary Industries).
- Code of practice for the housing of caged birds
- Code of practice for the husbandry of captive emus
- Code of practice for the welfare of animals - Private keeping of reptiles (Victoria)
A licence is not required to possess processed wildlife products (such as leather goods) derived from the following wildlife: Freshwater or Saltwater Crocodile, Emu, Common Brushtail Possum, Eastern or Western Grey Kangaroo, Whiptail Wallaby, Euro, Red-necked Wallaby, Red Kangaroo or Tasmanian Pademelon. This exemption does not apply to preserved or mounted specimens prepared by a Taxidermist.
Keeping venomous snakes
If the holder of an Advanced Licence (or an applicant) intends to keep venomous (elapid) snakes and is under 18 years of age, he/she must provide documentary evidence of competency in the handling of venomous snakes.
Privacy
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is committed to protecting your Personal Information in accordance with the Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000. This applies to the collection and use of personal information, voluntarily provided by you, in relation to administration of licences and permits under the Wildlife Act 1975. A licence or permit may not be issued if the information required is not provided. You may also apply for access to your personal information at anytime to confirm that it is accurate and up to date, upon payment of a prescribed fee (if any).
For more information about Private Wildlife Licences, please contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or by email: customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au
Please note: Document(s) on this page are presented in PDF format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download a copy free from the Adobe web site.