Commercial Wildlife Licences
In Victoria, a range of licences exist which authorise the holder to undertake certain commercial activities involving wildlife. This includes (but is not limited to) pet shops, wildlife parks, mobile demonstrations, wildlife control services, emu farms and taxidermists.
Types of Commercial Wildlife Licences
There are several 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.
- Controller
- Dealer
- Demonstrator
- Taxidermist
- Producer Type 1 – Game Bird Farm
- Producer Type 2 – Wildlife Processor
- Producer Type 3 – Emu Farming
Application for a Commercial Wildlife Licence (PDF - 245 KB) Application for an Assistant's Licence (PDF - 157 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
- National Police Check
- Federal and State Government requirements
- Management Plan
- Renewals
- Privacy
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 copy of the application form. Please read the conditions carefully, as some licence types have additional pre-requisites (National Police Check or Management Plan). If successful, you will be invoiced for payment for the appropriate licence fee. Please allow 6 – 8 weeks for the application process to be complete. You must not acquire any wildlife until you have received and signed your new licence.
Send your completed forms to:
The Wildlife and Game Licence Service
PO BOX 500
East Melbourne 8002
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National Police Check
Under the Wildlife Act 1975, the DSE may refuse to grant a licence if the applicant is not a fit and proper person. Any application for a Commercial Wildlife Licence must be supported by a ‘National Police Certificate’, issued within the last two years. This can be obtained from Victoria Police.
Federal and State Government requirements
The holder of a Wildlife Licence must comply with all conditions of that licence, all requirements under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002, and any Federal, State or Local Government laws, by-laws or other requirements.
Management Plan
Any application for a Dealer, Displayer, Demonstrator or Producer Licence must also be supported by an appropriately detailed Management Plan. This should include detailed plans of the proposed facilities, plus:
- Each facility to be used for keeping or processing wildlife
- Enclosure design and specifications
- Materials to be used in construction
- Enclosure layout (holding pens, shelters, watering and feeding facilities).
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Renewing a Commercial Wildlife Licence
All Commercial Wildlife Licences expire on 30 June each year. New licences will only be issued initially for the period remaining to 30 June, as described in the Application Kit.
Renewal of a Commercial Wildlife Licence is conditional upon submission of a ‘Return for Wildlife’. This ‘Return for Wildlife’ submission must be received by The Wildlife and Game Licence Service by April 14.
Licence holders who meet this requirement will receive a renewal notice approximately 4-6 weeks before their licence expires on 30 June.
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). From time to time, members of the public may request a contact list for a given type of commercial wildlife licence, such as a Wildlife Controller. This may include your name, business name (if any), postal address and business telephone number. Only a contact number that you have specified on the application form as ‘Telephone - Business’ will be included in a contact list to protect your privacy.
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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.