Age requirement
You must be over 18 years old.
Experience
You need at least 2 years of experience caring for and handling the relevant animals (reptiles, birds, or amphibians) in a lower class of licence.
Specific reptile experience
If you are applying for a reptile licence, the reptile you want must belong to the same taxonomic group or family that you have previously cared for. For example, if you want to keep geckos in the advanced reptile class, you must have kept geckos from the basic class first.
Record keeping
You must demonstrate that you have accurately maintained fauna records and followed licence conditions.
Emu endorsement requirements
- You need a minimum one-hectare area fenced to commercial emu farm standards to contain all emus under your licence.
- The stocking rate should not exceed 2 birds per hectare.
- The emu enclosure cannot be used for residential purposes or include access to residential areas.
- None can enter the enclosure without your consent.
- You cannot sell emu eggs, eggshells, or any emu-derived products.
- Prior department consent is required for live emu disposal or sale.
- All emu-related activities must adhere to the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals – Husbandry of Captive Bred Emus developed by the Agriculture Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Venomous reptile requirements (Categories 1, 2 or 3)
You must:
- be over 18
- have at least one year of experience handling reptiles in a lower category (starting in category 1 and progressing)
- house reptiles in lockable, escape-proof cages within a lockable room
- maintain a current first aid certificate
- develop and maintain an ‘Emergency Response Plan’ for snake emergencies, including equipment availability, directions to emergency centres, and emergency contact details. The plan must be in a readily available place, such as the door of the reptile room.
- limit access to the reptile area to people with the same category and level of licence
- provide 2 written references from qualified individuals who can attest to your suitability for keeping the reptile species you are applying for
- demonstrate accurate fauna record keeping and compliance with licence conditions.